How to Chain Stitch a Bracelet

The chain stitch is a basic stitch in crocheting, but it can also be easily done by hand. This pretty braided stitch can turn an ordinary piece of yarn into an attractive bracelet in just a few minutes. This is a simple and addictive way to keep your hands busy while watching TV or waiting at the airport and can also make for a fun rainy day project with the kids. Use the following steps to chain stitch a bracelet, and you'll soon have a whole collection of artistic jewelry for the whole family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• 4 ft. length of yarn, any style or color
• Scissors

1. Cut a 4-foot piece of yarn from the skein. A general guideline is to use 7 times your wrist size, but be aware that yarn thickness and the tightness of the stitch can affect these numbers.

2. 

   Create a loop 3 inches from the end of the yarn. Be sure that the short end of the yarn is laying over the longer length (see photo.)

3. 

   Holding the first loop, create a second, smaller loop from the remaining length of yarn.

4. 

   Push the second loop through the first loop.

5. 

   Holding the short end of the yarn tightly, pull the second loop until the first loop tightens into a knot.

6. 

   Gently hold the knot between your thumb and forefinger. Slowly pull on the longer length of yarn until the loop becomes smaller.

7. 

   Create another loop and begin again. As you become familiar with the technique, you'll learn tricks to make it go faster. In the photo you can see that putting your left forefinger inside the loop as you tighten it will help you get the loop to just the right size.

8. 

   Then you can push the second loop into the first with the thumb on that same hand, before tugging the loop through with your right hand.

9. 

   Keep repeating Steps 3 through 6. Keep your movements precise so that an even, flat, braided stitch will appear.

10. 

    When you've reached the size bracelet that you need, cut off any excess length of yarn. Be sure to leave a few inches of unstitched yarn at the end, so that you can tie the bracelet onto your wrist.

11. 

    Take the end of the newly cut yarn and thread it through the final loop.

12. 

    Holding the bracelet taut, pull the end until the loop tightens into a knot.

13. 

    The bracelet is now complete. The bracelet can be tied or knotted around the wrist, using the excess yarn on each end.

14. 

    You can vary the style of bracelet by changing the tightness of the knots you make. Pictured is a more loosely stitched bracelet, this is a great option for thicker gauge yarns.

15. 

    Another option is to double stitch. Create a long length of chain stitched yarn and then repeat the process using that already stitched length. This will create a much thicker and more intricate looking bracelet.

Tips & Warnings

• Your best bet is to stitch directly from the skein until you get the size you want. If multiple people are taking from the same skein, then always cut for a little more than you think you need. It is easier to cut off excess length when you're done, than to try and make a too-short bracelet stretch.
• Any kind of yarn works, so this is a great way to use any excess yarn from crocheting or knitting. You can shop bargain bins in craft stores and have fun using all styles of yarn. Be aware that the smoother the yarn, the easier it will be to pull the knots tight. Very thin yarn or string will of course create very thin bracelets.
• Be creative. You can tie a bead to one end of the finished bracelet and make a knotted loop on the other end, to make a fastening you can attempt with one hand. You can also string beads onto both ends of the bracelet for added interest to the design. Use your imagination and have fun.

Resources

• Buy silk, colored, and beaded yarn at Fabulous Yarn
• Find beads, yarn, and other craft supplies at Jo-Ann Fabrics