These Monochrome Friendship Bracelets borrow the diamond pattern from our Classic Friendship Bracelets and, quite literally, turn it upside down! Using just one color of cording, you work up the diamond pattern, then flip it over to reveal a swirly pattern that intriguingly looks more like beading than macramé. Who knew that the “wrong side” of a friendship bracelet contained such beauty?

Monochrome Friendship Bracelets | Purl Soho

To make your own just follow the instructions for the Diamond Bracelet in our Classic Friendship Bracelet Kit or Pattern, using the same color for each strand. (Please see the Notes below for some helpful technical tips!) While this isn’t a beginner project, it is a fun challenge, kind of like a difficult sodoku or an all-black puzzle. Most importantly, in the end you’ll get something unexpected, pretty and unique! -Molly

Monochrome Friendship Bracelets | Purl Soho

Materials

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Notes

Monochrome Friendship Bracelets | Purl Soho

The original pattern calls for four colors (two strands of each color) and refers to the colors in the pattern as C1, C2, C3, and C4. In the case of using one color, you should differentiate between each strand by tying small overhand knots at the end of each length of cord. One knot for the cord that will be acting as Color 1 (C1), two for Color 2 (C2), etc. The above photo shows the ends of all of the cords before you begin, arranged in a mirror image (left to right): C4, C3, C2, C1, C1, C2, C3, C4.

The side facing up as you are working looks like a smooth field of stitches, not like diamonds, so it’s really important that you keep track of which cord you are using and which step you are doing.

This is a fairly advanced undertaking. To get into the swing of it you may want to make a Diamond Bracelet with four colors before you make this version. Either way, enjoy the challenge!

Monochrome Friendship Bracelets | Purl Soho