Have you ever wished you could track your cycle without opening an app? This DIY cycle tracking bracelet is a simple, tactile way to know exactly where you are in your menstrual cycle with no phone or app required.
We created this free printable activity for anyone who wants to understand their cycle better, whether you’re brand new to cycle tracking or just love a good craft project. It also makes a great activity for teens learning about their cycle for the first time.
What Is a Cycle Tracking Bracelet?
A cycle tracking bracelet (sometimes called cycle beads) uses one bead per day of your menstrual cycle. Each morning, you move to the next bead. This gives you a visual, wearable snapshot of your cycle phase at a glance.
The bracelet is divided into the four main phases of the menstrual cycle:
- Period (Days 1–7): Usually 3–7 days. This is when the uterine lining sheds.
- Follicular Phase (Days 1–14): Starting from day one of your period, your body is preparing a new egg and building the uterine lining.
- Ovulation (Around Days 12–14): An egg is released. This varies person to person.
- Luteal Phase (Days 17–28): The egg travels toward the uterus; lining continues to thicken. If no pregnancy occurs, your cycle begins again.
An average cycle is 28 days, but cycles ranging from 21–35 days are normal. Your bracelet will have one bead per day of your cycle length.
What You’ll Need
- Our free printable instruction sheet (link below)
- Beads in 3–4 colors (to represent each phase)
- Elastic bracelet cord
- Scissors
- A drop of jewelry glue
- A bead board, paper towel, or washcloth to lay out your beads
How to Make Your DIY Cycle Tracking Bracelet
Step 1: Download and print the free guide Print on standard 8.5×11 paper or cardstock. Cut along the lines to create two instruction sheets – one to keep, one to share.
Step 2: Choose your bead colors Pick a different color for each phase. For example:
- Red or dark pink → Period
- Light purple or lavender → Follicular
- Peach or coral → Ovulation
- Mint → Luteal
Step 3: Count your beads Use one bead per day of your cycle. If you don’t know your cycle length yet, start with 28 beads. Use the printable diagram to guide your color groupings by phase.
Step 4: Size your bracelet For a standard stretchy bracelet, 28 larger beads will make for a loose fit for a small wrist. Line your beads up, wrap a string around your wrist first to check the length, then thread your beads accordingly. Reconsider your bead size if the length of the string appears to fit too loose for your preferred fit – when in doubt go small since it’s a stretchy bracelet.
Step 5: String and tie Thread beads onto elastic cord in phase order. Tie off securely and add a drop of jewelry glue to the knot so it doesn’t come undone.
Step 6: Start tracking Begin on Day 1 of your period. Each morning, move your tracking charm to the next bead. We suggest a lobster claw charm. That’s it!
Tips for Best Results
- Smaller wrist? Use smaller beads and fewer total beads.
- Want something different? Use bracelet wire or regular bracelet cording and customize the bracelet syle to your liking, just use the basic color/bead count template.
- Don’t know your cycle length? Start with 28 and track for 2–3 months to find your average.
- Make it a group activity. This is a great craft for a teen workshop, health class, or girls’ night.
Free Download
👇 Download the Free DIY Cycle Tracking Bracelet Printable
Print it, share it, use it in a classroom or workshop. It’s completely free from us here at Period Nirvana – because understanding your cycle shouldn’t be complicated.
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