10 Friendship Bracelets That Defined Childhood
Here's a nostalgic look back at the friendship bracelets every kid seemed to make, trade, and treasure.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Friendship bracelets weren’t just accessories. They were tokens of shared memories. Whether you spent hours braiding on the school bus or trading them at summer camp, each style carried its own charm. Here are 10 friendship bracelets that truly defined childhood and still spark memories today.
1. The Classic Candy Stripe
PositivelyRainbow on DeviantArt
The candy stripe bracelet was usually the first design kids learned. Its diagonal lines of bright colors were easy to make but always eye-catching.
2. The Chevron Pattern
Brenna on Flickr
With its arrow-like design, the chevron bracelet felt a little more advanced. Friends who could pull it off earned serious bragging rights.
3. The Spiral Twist
PxHere
Made by knotting in a way that caused the bracelet to spiral, this style stood out. The twist gave it a playful, rope-like texture. Many kids loved it because it looked different from the flat designs.
4. The Beaded String Bracelet
slgckgc on Wikimedia Commons
Adding beads to the knots gave the bracelet extra flair. Sometimes they spelled out names, initials, or secret codes only friends understood.
5. The Heart Pattern
PxHere
The heart bracelet was often gifted to a best friend to show extra love. It took more effort to get the shapes right, but the result was worth it.
6. The Ladder Design
DRosenbach on Wikimedia Commons
This bracelet looked like tiny rungs of a ladder running across the string. Its blocky structure made it different from most flowing patterns.
7. The Braided Cord
PxHere
Sometimes the simplest designs were the most popular. The three-strand braid could be done quickly and in any color combo.
8. The Diamond Pattern
Traci Lawson on Flickr
Diamonds were trickier and showed real dedication. Kids who mastered it often made them as “special edition” bracelets for their closest pals.
9. The Rainbow Stripe
SalamenceClaws on DeviantArt
This version featured every color in the box, often using leftover thread scraps. It represented fun, joy, and creativity without worrying about perfection.
10. The Anklet Bracelet
David L Smith on Unsplash
Some friendship bracelets weren’t meant for wrists at all. The anklet version was tied around ankles and usually left on until it wore away.