Summer Cotton Crocheted Bracelet ~ Free Pattern!

I'm pleased to offer this new free pattern today. The Summer Cotton Crocheted Bracelet was inspired by a trip to Virgin Gorda. It's perfect for those casual, carefree days of summer when only the feel of cool cotton will do. This bracelet is so fun and easy to make. You'll want to design one for all of your friends!

This pattern will make a bracelet that is 7 inches long from one end of the clasp to the other. This is a medium size. At the end of the directions, I will discuss how to make the bracelet a little larger or smaller so that you can customize it to your needs. I will also suggest some fun variations to spark your imagination.

You will need:
Aunt Lydia's Crochet Cotton Size 3 (Natural)
32 Size 6/0 Glass Beads
Crochet Hook US D3/3.25 mm
Beading needle
Sewing needle
Scissors
Clasp (I'm using a lobster clasp with a closed ring)

Threading The Beads

Before you begin to crochet, use your beading needle to easily slip your beads onto the cotton thread. You may want to thread a few extra in case you need to increase the size of your bracelet or just so you don't have to worry about miscounting. It's fine to have too many beads, but you don't want to be a bead or two short. Slide your beads a couple feet down the thread and you are ready to begin.

Making The Bracelet




Begin with a slip knot on your hook leaving a 10" tail for sewing on clasp [picture 1]
Row 1: ch 2, sc in 2nd st from hook, ch 1 turn
Row 2: 2 sc in st, ch 1 turn
Row 3: 2 sc in each st, ch 1 turn (4 sts in row)
Row 4: sc across (4 sts) [picture 2]

Beaded Chain 1: ch 3, (slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 3) 6 times for a total of 27 chs. Ch 3 more, turn, sc in 2nd st from hook and in next st (beginning of opposite end rows) [pictures 3 & 4]
Beaded Chain 2: ch 1, (slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 3) 6 times, slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 1 for a total of 27 chains, sl st into same st as the beginning of Beaded Chain 1, sl st in the next st of row 4 [pictures 5 & 6]

*Note: While you should be careful not to twist your Beaded Chains, don't be overly concerned if some of the beads are facing in opposite directions. When the bracelet is done, you will be able to give it a little tug and manipulate the chains so that the beads are all facing up.

Beaded Chain 3: ch 3, (slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 3) 6 times for a total of 27 chs. sc into the last two sts (the opposite end rows created in Beaded Chain 1) ch 1 turn, sc in first two sts
Beaded Chain 4: ch 1, (slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 3) 6 times, slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 1 for a total of 27 chains, sl st into next st of Row 4, sl st into final st of Row 4
Beaded Chain 5: ch 3, (slide a bead down close to your hook and ch 1, ch 3) 6 times for a total of 27 chs. sc into the last two sts (the opposite end rows created in Beaded Chain 1) ch 1




Finishing

Working along the opposite end rows of your Beaded Chains [picture 7], sc dec two times, ch 1 turn, sc dec, ch 1 turn, sc, finish off leaving 10 inches for sewing on clasp. Use the beginning and ending tails of thread to sew on your clasp. Weave in loose ends.

Pattern Notes

1. When the bracelet is complete, I like to give it a gentle tug. Cotton has a little bit of give and this allows the beaded chains to even out and lay nice.

2. Sizing - The best way to adjust the size is to increase or decrease the Beaded Chains by 4. This adjustment measures just about 1/2 inch. For example, if you want to make a bracelet that is 8 inches long, you will add 8 ch sts to the Beaded Chains. Remember to account for the additional beads. If you desire a bracelet that is 6 1/2 inches long, then you will need to subtract 4 ch sts from the Beaded Chains.

3. After you have successfully completed your first Summer Cotton Crocheted Bracelet, you can have fun making up new variations on the pattern.

You could double the pattern for a cuff style bracelet.

If you'd rather not sew on a clasp, you could use the tail ends to simply tie on your bracelet. For a sturdier tie, you could begin and end your bracelet with chains long enough to tie and untie.

You could also make up this pattern with metal wire or handspun yarn.

You could use one bead for every stitch of the Beaded Chains for a striking bangles or you could substitute the beads for charms. You may decide to use no beads at all for a more laid-back look.

I hope you enjoy making this pattern your own!

Related Posts:
Summer Cotton Crocheted Bracelet
Summer Cotton Crocheted Bracelet ~ The Pattern is Coming!

Here's a handy list of knit and crochet abbreviations provided by Lion Brand.