Simple Stretch Bracelet Instructions

Instructions: The Classic Stretch Bracelet

Materials 

• Elastic cord
• 6x9mm pony beads, alphabet beads, and craft beads
• soft place mat
• scissors
• bead stoppers, clothes pin or binder clips
• beading needle (optional, but can make stringing beads faster and lessen fatigue, recommended if you are making a lot of bracelets!)

Easy Stretch Bracelet Instructions

1. Cut 11-12" or elastic cord
2. Attach a bead stopper (or clothes pin / binder clip) to one end of the elastic to keep beads from falling off while you are working
3. String beads in the desired order
4. When finished, double knot the elastic and trim the access

Follow our easy stretch bracelet instructions for a quick and delightful crafting experience. Don't hesitate to explore other bracelet styles for added creativity. Making friendship bracelets is a joyous way to spend time with loved ones, expressing personal style through beads, charms, and endless color combinations. Share memories, celebrate achievements, and spread happiness with these thoughtful, affordable gifts. Create and share your own set of unique friendship bracelets today!

How Many Beads Do You Need?

Using 6x9mm Pony Beads: To make a 7" bracelet, you will need about 30 pony beads. To make a necklace that is about 18" in length, you will need about 76 pony beads. To make a necklace that is about 24" in length, you will need about 102 pony beads.

• 150 pony beads can make about five 7" bracelets and two 18" necklaces
• 500 pony beads can make about sixteen 7" bracelets and five to six 18" necklaces
• 1000 pony beads can make about thirty three 7" bracelets and thirteen 18" necklaces
• 2000 pony beads can make about sixty six 7" bracelets and twenty six 18" necklaces

*Fun Fact: About Fifty One (51) 6x9mm pony beads makes 12" of length 

*Above info is based on using 6mm wide beads. If you use different size beads, the number of beads you need will change depending on the bead size. 

Bracelet Making Tips

• For a 7" bracelet, use around 30 beads and 12" of string, adjusting for size variations.

• Explore different bead sizes, colors and styles to create a variety of bracelet designs that can be worn individually or as sets

Project Ideas for Making Friendship Bracelets

• Knotted Embroidery Floss & Pony Beads: Personalize bracelets with macramé knots and large-hole beads like alphabet, heart, or star beads.
• Stretch Bracelets with Letter Beads & Charms: Create layered, personalized bracelets using letter beads, charms, and vibrant pony beads.
• Heart Theme Bracelet: Design cheerful heart-themed bracelets with stretch cord, perfect for Valentine's Day gifts.
• Concert & Festival Bracelets: Stack colorful bracelets on your wrists to add personality to your outfit and spark conversations. Incorporate alphabet and number beads to capture song names, lyrics or your favorite musician.
• Gender Reveal Bracelets: Craft adorable stretch bracelets in blue, pink, or any other color for gender reveal parties, and add accents like ribbon and charms.

For more ideas and instructions, read our in-depth article about How to Make Friendship Bracelets