Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Pipe cleaner bracelets are such a fun pipe cleaner craft! They’re so simple to make AND they’re a no mess craft (my favourite!). Because these pipe cleaner bracelets are so easy to make, they’re a perfect activity for summer camp, Girls Scouts, or just for fun at home. It’s always cool for kids to wear jewelry that they make themselves! And even more fun to make friendship bracelets to give to their friends. You can use 3 different colours of pipe cleaners or you can make your bracelet a single colour. Either way, this is a great project for kids to work on their braiding skills.
Check out our Pipe Cleaner Bead Bracelet video tutorial:
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
4 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelet Pipe Cleaner Flower Rings 3 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelets Heart Rings from Pipe Cleaners
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Pipe Cleaners Beads
Where can I get supplies?
If you don’t already have pipe cleaners and beads in your craft stash, this is the perfect craft to pick up supplies at the dollar store!
What type of beads should I use?
The beads we used for the tutorial had a 6 millimetre diameter, and a 2 millimetre hole. You want a bead that has a hole large enough to fit over the pipe cleaner and, ideally, one that is round in shape. You can use pony beads, but they will look crooked on the bracelet. Because the pipe cleaners are braided, they are bent in sort of a zig zag shape that’s noticable unless you use round beads. With a round bead you can’t tell, but the pony bead’s shape makes the angle more obvious.
What can I use instead of beads?
If you don’t have beads, you can try making your own! The Spruce Crafts has a great tutorial for making paper beads. There are also a couple of materials you can use instead of beads. Replace the beads with a small tubular pasta like ditali, or cut a plastic drinking straw into bead-like pieces. Another option is to make a plain braided bracelet. It won’t be as sparkly without the beads, but it still looks nice!
What else can I make with pipe cleaners and beads?
You can make other pieces of jewelry, such as our 4 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelet. You can also make pretty flowers or butterflies. If you’re looking for a holiday project, try making a pumpkin or a snowflake!
Making a braided pipe cleaner bracelet is super simple, but a lot of fun. You can customize the bracelets with your bead selection, as well as by the pipe cleaners you choose. Try making a friendship bracelet with your BFF’s favourite colours, or model the bracelet after your school colours!
Here’s even more pipe cleaner jewelry ideas:
4 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelet
Pipe Cleaner Flower Rings
3 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Heart Rings from Pipe Cleaners Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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