A fresh take on traditional macramé, this crochet version of popular summer bracelets is the perfect touch you’ve been waiting for. Cowrie beads and a flower charm adds sweet appeal to any summer ensemble.
Skill Level: Easy
Size: 7.5” long without clasp (with instructions for how to make longer or shorter)
Gauge is not necessary for this project
Materials
Yarn: Handy Hands Lizbeth (100% Egyptian cotton; 120 yds / 50 grams): 603 Ecru – 1 skein
Hook: 2.75mm
Notions: Flower bead (approximately 0.75” across); 2 cowrie beads (approximately 0.75” long); 2 wooden beads (8mm); 2 jump rings (6mm); Clasp; Embroidery needle with large eye; Jewelry pliers
Pattern Notes
Project is made of 3 sections that are joined together with yarn tails and needle.
Pattern
Center Section:
Ch 14
Sc in 2nd ch from hk;
Slide wooden bead over chain length to sit over next chain;
Working around and over the bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around bead, sl st in next ch;
Sc in each of next 2 chs;
Slide flower bead over chain length to sit over next 3 chains;
Working around the flower bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around the bead, sc in each of next 2 chs;
Sl st in next ch;
Slide wooden bead over chain length to sit over next chain;
Working around the wooden bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around the bead, sc in last ch; ch 1
Now working on other side of ch length sts will be made on opposite side of same sts and chs that were skipped will be skipped again:
Sc in first st;
Working around and over the bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around bead, sl st in next st;
Sc in each of next 2 sts;
Working around the flower bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around the bead, sc in each of next 2 sts;
Sl st in next st;
Working around and over the bead and allowing the stitch loop to extend around bead, sc in last st; ch 1, sl st in first sc of section. Fasten off with long yarn tail for assembly.
End Section – Make 2:
Ch 11
Sc in 2nd ch from hk and in each ch across; ch 1. (10 sc) Do not turn.
Now working on other side of chain, sc in each st across; ch 1, sl st in first sc. Fasten off with long tail for assembly.
(To make a longer bracelet, add chains –
Add 3 chains to make 1 inch longer
Add 2 chains to make 0.5 inch longer
To make a shorter bracelet, chain less –
Ch 8 to make 1 inch shorter
Ch 9 to make 0.5 inch shorter)
Finishing
Blocking:
Wet all 3 sections with cold water and press out excess water with towel.
Lay out all sections on dry towel and pin in place to lay flat.
Let dry completely (overnight).
Assembly:
First attach cowrie beads to center section by using yarn tails and needle. Start at “A” on diagram. Next you will sew on the cowrie bead – you’ll need to pass the thread in and out of the cowrie’s natural openings in a figure-8 shape as follows:
Pass the thread over the side of the cowrie and down through the center opening, then wrap the thread around the other end (“B”) and back down through the center opening, next carry thread back to where you started and tie a knot. Now you can see the thread made a figure 8.
Next wrap the thread around the area where the Center Section meets the cowrie bead 3 times. – Make sure to secure the wrapping with a knot on the Wrong Side and weave in the ends.
Attach the End Sections in the same manner starting at the “B” side on each cowrie bead.
Lastly sew on the jump rings to the ends of the End Sections making sure to open one jump ring and slide on clasp first.
Hello, you say the is a diagram but I can not see it. Where can I find it, please?
Hi Jean! Diagrams are underneath the photos on the right hand side of the page. Here is the direct link: https://www.ilikecrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/Cowrie-Shell-Crochet-Bracelet-Diagram.png
-Nicola, Editor
Thank you for the diagram. It is exactly what was needed.
Love this craft easy, not expensive, and pretty love the flower. Can’t wait to try this, will make great gifts Thank you to all at I like Crochet love all the projects I see on this site. Great stuff thanks again Julie
Where can we find the assembly diagram for stringing the cowrie shells?
Hello! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor
Hello! We’ve added a diagram and hope this helps. Thanks for your patience! – Nicola, Editor
Hello! I found the beads I used in this project at my local craft store (wooden beads) and Etsy and Amazon for the plumeria flower beads – there are many options on both Etsy and Amazon and very affordable. Hope this helps – Jennifer (designer of project)
Diagram?
Where can I purchase flower bead and other beads ?
Hello! I found the beads I used in this project at my local craft store (wooden beads) and Etsy and Amazon for the plumeria flower beads – there are many options on both Etsy and Amazon and very affordable. Hope this helps – Jennifer (designer of project)