If you’ve been anywhere near Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, either in person or online, you’ve witnessed the beautiful, colorful phenomenon: a sea of sparkling threads and beads, traded with smiles and shared understanding. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a modern tradition of friendship and fandom, inspired by a single line in “You’re On Your Own, Kid”: “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.”
Swifties took that advice and ran with it, creating a tangible language of beads and charms to celebrate their love for Taylor’s music and each other. Whether you’re a beading beginner or a seasoned crafter, this guide is your ultimate source of inspiration. We’ve got ideas for every era, every album, and every level of Swiftie obsession. Let’s dive in.
First, Gather Your Supplies (The “Blank Space” to Fill)
Before we get to the ideas, let’s quickly cover the basics. You don’t need much to get started!
- Beads: Pony beads are the classic choice. Get a mixed kit with lots of colors! Don’t forget letter beads for spelling out lyrics and special charms like stars, hearts, moons, and snakes.
- String: Stretch Magic cord (0.7mm or 1mm) is the easiest for beginners—it knots simply and creates a comfortable bracelet. For a more traditional look, use embroidery floss.
- Tools: A good pair of scissors and a tape measure or ruler.
Pro Tip: The easiest way to start is with a mixed bead kit from Amazon or a local craft store. It gives you all the colors and letters you need in one go.
The Ultimate Collection of Taylor Swift Bracelet Ideas
This is where the magic happens. Here are over 55 ideas, organized by category to spark your creativity.
Lyric-Based Bracelet Ideas (Let the Words Whisper)
Simple, powerful phrases that any Swiftie will recognize instantly.
- long story short
- not a lot going on
- xoxo
- bleachella
- my mind is alive
- Karma is real
- I had the best day
- casually cruel
- fearless
- forever & always
- this is me trying
- you’re on your own kid
- I remember it all too well
- never go out of style
Album & Era Color Scheme Bracelets (Wear the Rainbow)
Create beautiful, wordless bracelets using the iconic colors of each era. These are perfect for when you can’t choose just one lyric!
- Debut: Light Green, Silver
- Fearless: Gold, Champagne, Brown
- Speak Now: Purple, Lavender, Gold
- RED: Red, Black, White
- 1989: Light Blue, White, Silver
- reputation: Black, Dark Gray, Snake Green
- Lover: Pastel Pink, Pastel Blue, Silver
- folklore: Cream, Beige, Gray, Forest Green
- evermore: Brown, Maroon, Dark Green, Gold
- Midnights: Navy Blue, Dark Purple, Silver, Star Charms
Song Title & Abbreviation Bracelets (The Deep Cuts)
For the dedicated fans who speak in code. These are like a secret handshake.
- ATW10 (All Too Well 10min)
- DBATC (Death By A Thousand Cuts)
- CIWYW (Call It What You Want)
- TTDS (tis the damn season)
- YNTCD (You Need To Calm Down)
- IKYWT (I Knew You Were Trouble)
- SIO (Shake It Off)
- LWYMMD (Look What You Made Me Do)
- WANEGBT (We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together)
- TIMT (this is me trying)
- TOSOTD (the other side of the door)
- TGW (the great war)
Easter Egg & Nod Bracelets (For the Masterminds)
This is the most creative category. These bracelets are inside jokes and references that only the most dedicated fans will understand.
- A simple green bracelet with the number 13
- A black and green bracelet with a snle charm
- JULY 9 (A crucial date from “Last Kiss”)
- A bracelet with a cat charm and the letters ME!
- No it’s Becky (A classic fandom meme)
- A blue bracelet that says POV
- Woodvale (The infamous folklore sister album theory)
- A bracelet with a dress charm
- AOTGYLB (All Of The Girls You Loved Before)
- FTPOF (From The Vault) or just FTV
- A bracelet with a key charm
- Jet Green (A reference to Taylor’s jet)
- Tree Paine (A shoutout to Taylor’s legendary publicist)
How to Make a Simple Stretch Bracelet
It’s easier than you think! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Measure: Wrap the stretch cord around your wrist comfortably. Add about one extra inch, then cut.
- Secure: Tape one end of the cord to your table. This keeps your beads from sliding off as you work.
- String: Slide your beads onto the cord in your chosen pattern or design.
- Knot: Carefully tie the two ends together with a secure, double or triple knot.
- Secure: For extra security, add a tiny dab of clear-drying jewelry glue to the knot.
- Dry: Let the glue dry completely before wearing or trading.
Pro Tips for Trading at The Eras Tour
- Quantity Over Complexity: Make a bunch of simpler, lyric-based bracelets for quick and easy trades. Save your intricate, time-consuming designs for very special trades.
- Wear Your Inventory: Wear your favorite bracelets on your arms to show them off. Keep your extras for trading in a easy-to-access fanny pack or clear bag.
- Be Brave & Friendly: Don’t be shy! Swifties are incredibly welcoming. Simply walk up to someone with a smile, hold out a bracelet, and say, “Hi! Would you like to trade friendship bracelets?” or “I love your outfit—want to trade?”
- Trade with Intent: The best trades are often with people whose outfits you admire or who just have a great energy. It’s about the connection.
Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelet Ideas FAQ
What is the best string for Taylor Swift bracelets?
Stretch Magic cord (0.7mm or 1mm) is the best for beginners. It’s strong, easy to knot, and creates a comfortable bracelet that’s easy to put on and take off.
What do you say when trading friendship bracelets?
It’s super simple! A smile goes a long way. Just offer a bracelet and say:
- “Hi! Would you like to trade friendship bracelets?”
- “I love your outfit—want to trade?”
- “I have an extra, would you like one?”
How many bracelets should I make for the Eras Tour?
There’s no magic number, but a good rule of thumb is to make at least 20-30. This ensures you have plenty to trade throughout the night and won’t run out too quickly. Remember, making them is half the fun of the pre-concert experience!
So Make the Friendship Bracelets
From a single line in a song to a worldwide phenomenon, these tiny pieces of art have become a core memory of The Eras Tour. They are more than just beads and string; they are tokens of connection, tiny time capsules of joy, and a way to scream your favorite lyric without saying a word.
So put on your favorite album—may we suggest the “crafting a friendship bracelet” playlist?—lay out your beads, and start creating. We can’t wait to see what you make.
What’s the best bracelet you’ve made or received? Share your designs and trade stories with us on social media by tagging us! #SwiftieBracelets
