How to Make a Cute Chinese Staircase Bracelet Out of Colored Thread

Tools and materials:

• Colored thread
• Scissors
• Tape

1. Cut the thread

Cut out four pieces of string that are a bit longer than the length of your forearm. I have chosen strings in different colors, and in this design, I’m going to be alternating them.

If this is your first time making this bracelet, I’d recommend also going for different colors because that way, it is easier to distinguish between them. If you’ve made this before, you could go for strings in only two different colors if you wanted to. 

2. Position into shape

Tie them all at the top and tape the top to a flat surface. The bracelet has a sort of color-blocking design where there is a different section for each color.

So first, I'm going to start with the dark pink, then make a number four shape, as shown. Three of the threads stay in the center and one curves to make the shape.

3. Loop and knot

Bring the horizontal strand of the four shape under and tie it all the way to the top. Check out the video at 0:52 to see how to do this. Then repeat this process.

When you make a tie at the top, make sure that you do it tightly so that you can't see the colors underneath. Continue until you have made ten knots.

4. Repeat the process with another color

Now grab one of the other strands in a different color and continue the same process as before, stopping again when you have done it ten times and tied ten knots.

You will notice that the knotted thread is kind of spiraling, and that's exactly what we want.

5. Repeat

Switch the color again and continue until you have the whole bracelet complete. Make sure that every time you tie a knot, you tie it in the same way throughout the whole bracelet because if you make it to the other side, the spiral will start going the wrong way.

Once the bracelet gets to the length that you want it to be, remove it from your flat surface, tie the ends, and trim any excess thread.

Chinese staircase bracelet tutorial

Here is the finished DIY Chinese staircase friendship bracelet.

I really like the colors that I picked out as well as the twisty design. This was fun to make, and I’m pleased with the final result. I hope you’ll give it a go!