Friendship bracelets might not have started with Swifties, but they sure did make them even more popular.
Beaded friendship bracelets are a little token of community and belonging, of special moments and memories, of shared experiences and favorite songs sung out loud.
You’ll see them adorning the wrists of attendees at stadium concerts, weddings, family reunions, girlfriend getaways, and Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief (his says “DAD”).
Of course beaded accessories have been around long before the tour buses rolled into stadium parking lots. From Native beading to ravers making kandi bracelets to summer-camp kids, pony- and seed-bead creations have stood the test of time.
If you want to get in on the trend, you may find yourself overwhelmed in the bead aisle at your local craft store or while scrolling through the endless options on Amazon.
As Wirecutter’s (self-appointed) head camp counselor, I spent what felt like 10,000 hours researching the best supplies and techniques, stringing and unstringing bracelets, and finding solutions to every problem new bracelet makers might encounter to save you time and money. Here’s our Wirecutter-recommended way to spread the love.
