Friendship bracelet string length calculator
Rule of thumb: about 39 in (1 m) per string for a 6 in bracelet. Strings that tie more knots need more.
Quick reference
Cut length per string for normal patterns, with 4 in (10 cm) ties, even knotting and +10% margin:
| Knotted length | 6 strings | 8 strings | 10 strings | 12 strings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 in (14 cm) | 35 in (90 cm) | 36 in (92 cm) | 37 in (93 cm) | 37 in (94 cm) |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 38 in (96 cm) | 39 in (98 cm) | 39 in (100 cm) | 40 in (101 cm) |
| 6.5 in (17 cm) | 40 in (102 cm) | 41 in (105 cm) | 42 in (106 cm) | 42 in (107 cm) |
| 7 in (18 cm) | 43 in (108 cm) | 44 in (111 cm) | 44 in (113 cm) | 45 in (114 cm) |
How many knots a string ties matters more than how many strings there are. On a 6 in bracelet, a string that knots in a quarter of the rows needs about 30 in. Half the rows: 42 in. Three quarters: 53 in.
How it works
cut = ties + 1.41 × knotted length + knot share × knotted length ÷ 14 cm
The formula is from BraceletBook tutorial #173, whose author checked it on test bracelets.
What each part means
- 1.41 × length: strings run diagonally at about 45°, so even a string that never knots is longer than the bracelet.
- Knot share: the % of rows where the string ties a knot. On a 14 cm bracelet, each 1% adds 1 cm.
- Even knotting: with the % boxes empty, each string is assumed to knot in just under half the rows.
- Margin and tension: the formula's author still had 10–20 cm left on every string, so +10% is the default. The tight and loose settings (×0.9 and ×1.15 on the knotting part) are our own estimate.
- Alpha patterns: base strings need only the length plus ties. The leading string ties almost every knot, so keep it on the skein (BraceletBook FAQ).
- Folded loop: one piece makes two strings; we add 6 in per piece for the loop.
FAQ
How long should strings be for a friendship bracelet?
About 1 m (39 in) per string for a normal pattern on an average wrist. A string that knots in three quarters of the rows can need 1.4 m (55 in).
How much string for an 8-string friendship bracelet?
For a 6 in (15 cm) bracelet with 4 in ties, cut 8 strings of about 39 in (98 cm), about 7.8 m in total.
Do all strings need to be the same length?
No. Strings that tie more knots use up more thread. Count the knots each string ties and cut each one to size.
How much string do I need for an alpha bracelet?
Base strings: the bracelet length plus ties. The leading string can need several meters, so pull it from the skein as you go.
How many skeins of embroidery floss do I need?
A standard 6-strand skein is 8 m (8.7 yd). The calculator adds up each color and rounds up to whole skeins.
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