Looking for a simple yet engaging craft that works for a variety of ages?
This Cardboard Friendship Bracelet or Keychain is one of my favorites to keep in the “crafty corner” of my classroom. It’s hands-on, colorful, and gives students a beautiful keepsake they can wear or gift to a friend.
I’ve found that it works best with upper elementary students — especially Grades 4 and 5 — because they can follow the steps with little assistance. That said, I have done this with Grades 1 and 2, but younger students will need much more one-on-one support, especially at the beginning. Depending on your class size, that extra help can be a lot to juggle, so keep that in mind when planning.
Steps
Cut 7 pieces of yarn — about 40 cm each for a keychain or 70 cm for a bracelet.
Tie all 7 pieces together in a knot.
Thread the yarn through the center hole and secure the knot at the back with tape (optional, but it helps some students).
Loop the strands into the slits, leaving one slit empty — this is intentional, so reassure students it’s not a mistake.
To braid:
- Count 1, 2, 3 strands from the empty slit.
- Move the third strand into the empty space.
- Always turn the wheel in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
After a few minutes, they’ll start to see their braid forming. Remind them that patience pays off here!
Finishing Touches
Once the bracelet (or keychain) reaches the desired length, simply tie off the ends and trim any excess yarn. Students will love wearing their creation or giving it as a gift to a friend or family member.
Tips for Classroom Use
- This project can be taught in about two sessions, or in one session with students finishing it later as an early finisher craft.
- Use the template so students can cut and prepare the cardboard wheels by themselves — we always try to save time.
- If you teach younger grades, consider pairing students up so older buddies can help with the setup steps.
💡 Teacher Tip: This craft is a perfect blend of fine motor skill practice, creativity, and patience. Plus, it’s very low-cost — most materials you probably already have in your classroom.
If you’d like to save prep time, I’ve put together a ready-to-use version of this project that includes the printable template, step-by-step teacher instructions, and example photos to guide you and your students. You can find it in my TPT store here.
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