It's May in Wisconsin - when winter plays tag with summer, and spring sits on the sidelines debating whether to join the game. After months of jackets and sweaters, we're longing to feel the sun on our skin, and any sunny day is an excuse for short sleeves.

Bare arms mean bare wrists - and bare wrists cry out for bracelets. Fun little cottony warm-weather bracelets, stitched in a palette of spring colours and dotted with shining beads. Like these:

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Winding Lane Bracelets

Winding Lane Bracelets are quick to make, and a perfect project for novice bead crocheters. They're based on a fun new technique I call Forward Loop Chain, which gives texture and stability to the wavy scallops, and a decorative edge that looks good from both sides - making the bracelets fully reversible.

Winding Lane Bracelets can be worn solo or stacked...


...or twisted together for an amazing cabled look.


Self-yarn buttons and loops make simple, organic closures - or you could sew on a traditional button if you liked. (Haven't tried this yet myself.)


Size: Custom

Yarn Requirements: 20-25 yds light DK weight cotton yarn
(You could also use lighter weight thread, with smaller beads and an appropriate hook size)

Yarns I Used:
Planet Penny Cotton Club, Apple
Planet Penny Cotton Club, Eggshell
Patons Grace, Orchid

How Did the Yarns Behave?
All very well. Planet Penny Cotton Club remains a favourite for its smooth hand and lovely range of colours. Patons Grace is very similar in texture and performance.

Hook Size: US D/3.25mm, or size appropriate to yarn

Notions: (20-30) size 6º or EE beads. Allow 2 beads per 3/4" of bracelet.
(If using smaller thread, use size 8º beads)

All crochet terminology is American.

Special Stitches and Abbreviations:

Forlp ch (forward loop chain): Make forward loop on hook next to working lp (2 lps now on hook), yo and pull through both lps on hook. (This gives a textured stitch which looks "normal" on one side and knobbly on the other. Stitches are worked into the normal side.) See video below for instructions on making a forward loop.
Dc5tog - double crochet 5 together in indicated stitch

Winding Lane Bracelet Crochet Shorthand Pattern:

String beads on yarn, allowing 2 beads per 3/4" of desired finished length.
Button Loop: Forlp ch 6, sl st in first ch to join.
First Half-Shell: Forlp ch 4, turn, yo, ins hook in back lp of 2nd ch from hook, yo and pull up a lp, [yo, ins hook in back loop of next ch, yo and pull up a lp] twice, yo, ins hook through 5th ch of button lp, yo and pull up a lp, yo, pull through all lps on hook. Slide 2 beads down to work, ch 1 to secure.
Whole Shells: Forlp ch 6, turn, yo, ins hook in back lp of 2nd ch from hook, yo and pull up a lp, [yo, ins hook in back loop of next ch, yo and pull up a lp] 4 times, yo, ins hook through row end of previous shell (turn previous shell if necessary so scalloped edge is facing up), yo and pull up a lp, yo, pull through all lps on hook. Tighten thread slightly if necessary to encourage scallop shape. Slide 2 beads down to work, ch 1 to secure.
Repeat Whole Shells until bracelet is about 1/2" - 3/4" shorter than wrist measurement. (Bracelet will stretch with wearing, so a snug fit is recommended.) If planning to wear 2 bracelets twisted together, repeat Whole Shells until bracelet nearly matches wrist measurement.
Finishing Half-Shell: Same as First Half-Shell.
Button: Turn, sl st in row end of Finishing Half-Shell. Ch 3, dc5tog in back lp of first ch. With fingertip push body of cluster towards you. Turn button over, ins hook  back to front through same strand dc5tog was made in, sl st. Ch 4, cut yarn above last ch, remove hook, pull to tighten into knot. Gently ins hook through front of button and out the hole at base of ch; pull until chain is completely hidden in button and yarn tail is sticking out. Carefully trim yarn tail close to knot; hide knot in button.



Winding Lane Bracelet Crochet Pattern in Plain English, with Video Tutorials:

String beads on yarn, allowing 2 beads per 3/4" of desired finished length.

Button Loop:
Forward Loop Chain 6,
slip stitch in first chain to join.