Crochet Beaded Bracelets Using Recycled Bangle Bracelets

In my hunt for garage sale recyclables, I always come across garish and outdated jewelry for pennies. The original owners were mainly preteens who wore the jewelry as the latest fad, but have since moved on to the next fad or they have grown more sophisticated in their fashion choices. Although the jewelery would not be considered vintage, it has reached it's full potential and been discarded...until now.

Yes, my family and most of my friends are often dumbfounded by my frugal purchases, but I can't help it, I see potential in everything. I recently realized I had amassed quite a pile of bangle bracelets. They were perfect for beaded crochet bangle bracelets. The stitches would hide or mute the color of the bracelets while giving them a more delicate and romantic look.

For this economical fashion accessory I used an off-white bedspread weight crochet cotton thread, a 50 count package of 5mm pearl beads and a number 7 steel steel crochet hook. Basic single crochet and chain stitches are the only stitches needed. One spool of thread will give you more bracelets than you could possibly need and you could easily use beads that have been recycled from old necklaces or leftover from previous projects.

This is a quick craft that can be completed in an evening. Crochet several bracelets to sell at craft shows or to give as Christmas gifts.

Step 1
Thread 50 (5mm) pearl beads onto the crochet cotton thread. Allow them to slide down the thread until you need them.

Step 2
Pull the end of the crochet thread through the center of the bracelet. Form a loop at the end of the thread using a number 7 steel crochet hook.

Step 3
Hook the thread over the top of the bracelet and crochet a single crochet stitch. Continue to single crochet around the bracelet a total of 101 times. Slip stitch to the first single crochet stitch made to complete the circle.

Step 4
Chain four. Slide a bead up the thread and next to the top of the chain. Chain stitch around the bead. Chain four. Slip stitch to the base of the beginning chain four. Single crochet in the next two stitches. Repeat this step from the beginning, all the way around the bracelet. Slip stitch to the base of the beginning chain stitch and finish off. Weave in the ends and trim.