Bling Bam Bangles

Story Time!

Bling Bam Bangle began as a test of ribbing stitches for a simple crochet bangle. At the time (September 2012), I was preparing to teach a crochet jewelry class at a CGOA conference in Reno, Nevada.

My goal was to start with a comfortable crochet bracelet that doesn’t require a clasp. A stretchy ribbed one would slide on and off the wrist for a soft crochet bangle. 

I originally planned to make two and then compare them: a single crochet rib one, and a slip stitch rib one. Instead, I amused myself by adding a mock clasp. It reminds me of Bamm-Bamm Rubble, the baby boy who hit everything with a stone club in the The Flintstones cartoon.

Two years later (December 2014) I found the Flintstone one and tried a quick holiday version with a sequined strand held together with my Lotus yarn. I couldn’t stop! I made a dozen, and tried seven different kinds of ribbed stitches. 

This pattern offers four stretchy versions, in keeping with the original goal of a simple, stretchy ribbed “bangle.” For details on all other variations, see the Flickr photo set link that is clickable within the pattern. (Also see my newsletter, “Crochet Ribs, Old & New Grooves” on the stretch factor of different ribbed crochet stitches.)

The quirky Bam-Bam clasp is just for bang (impact). It’s crocheted last, and you can leave it off altogether as I often did. Pattern includes customizing notes.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner. The ribbed cuff part of the bracelet is Beginner level. A Beginner may find crocheting a sequined strand held together with a smooth yarn challenging at first.

This pattern uses minimal pattern abbreviations. UK and Australian equivalents for American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are in brackets { }. After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to crochet four different kinds of crochet ribbing. 
• How to crochet a simple ribbed bracelet, and how to count the rows easily.
• How to customize the width and fit of the bangle.
• How to crochet a decorative loop-and-post clasp.

Finished Dimensions

Approximately 1.25″ {3.18 cm} wide with a 6″ {15.25 cm} circumference. The selected rib stitches used in this pattern give the bangle enough stretch to slide comfortably onto the wrist. Exact gauge is not important, and many large sequins in some yarns can affect one’s stitching gauge, so the dimensions may vary a bit.

Materials

Crochet Hook: Size F/US-5/3.75 mm hook or size needed for gauge.
Yarn used for Bling Bam Bangles:

DesigningVashti.com Lotus Snacks (52% Cotton, 48% Rayon; 85 yd/78 m per 1.16oz/33 g skein): one ball is enough for three bracelets. (A ball of the large 256-yd ball of Lotus would yield at least nine bracelets.)

To substitute a yarn, choose a #2 Fine Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US E/4 {3.5 mm} to US G/6 {4.0 mm}. These yarns may also be called Sport, Heavy Sock {Light DK, 5-Ply}. Figure on approx. 11 g or 29 yds, or less, per bracelet. This bracelet is also a fun way to play with color changes and a self-striping or space dyed yarn.

One strand of Lotus was held together with one strand of a sequined novelty thread:

• Premier Yarns Enchant (76% Metallic, 24% Other; 429 yd/392 m per .88 oz/25 g skein): approx. 29 yds per bracelet. Colors used: King’s Crown and Jewelry Box.
• Yarn Bee Bejeweled Sequin (40% Metallic Polyester, 30% Sequin Polyester, 30% Polyester; 328 yd/300 m per .88 oz/25 g skein): approx. 29 yds per bracelet. Colors used: Mulberry Multi, Gray Multi and Purple Multi.
• Berroco Mirror FX (100% Polyester; 60 yd/55 m per .35 oz/10 g): approx. 29 yds per bracelet. Color 9001, square gold sequins on white thread.
• Berroco Lazer (100% Polyester; 70 yd/64 m per .35 oz/10 g): approx. 29 yds per bracelet. Color 6004, silver sequins on black thread.

Yarn needle for weaving in ends.