In this paper, the design of experiment with two-way factorial design was adopted and from that, optimum values of welding variables including the welding speed and rotation speed were found to improve the strength of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets joined by the friction stir technique. Tool with shoulder diameter of 12 mm and pin diameter of 3.5 mm was used. Also the welding direction was aligned with the material rolling direction, and dimensions of the AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets were $100{ imes}100{ imes}2mm$. Conditions of rotation speed were 1000, 1100 and 1200 rpm and those of welding speed were 200, 300 and 400 mm/min. As far as this work is concerned, the optimal conditions for friction stir joint were predicted as the rotation speed of 1200 rpm and welding speed of 200 mm/min.