How to Crochet a Hemp Bracelet or Anklet

I love hemp jewelry, but I've never made any of my own. Mostly, because the hemp knotting looked fairly complicated. Fortunately, hemp is pretty versatile, so I'm able to crochet with it! Using super basic stitches like the chain stitch and the single crochet stitch, we can whip up a hemp bracelet or anklet in not time flat!

This tutorial will actually yield two different bracelets or anklets (or one of each). There will be a stopping point at which time you can close up shop and be done with a more "simplified" version of this (no button, thinner, but with seed beads), or you can continue on with the last few steps and get one more like what's pictured here. The choice is yours!

All you need for this project are: scissors, about 30' hemp cord, seed beads, very cool button, "I" crochet hook, yarn needle, glue, and 2 optional beads (for the ties).

by Rachel at TLC Inspirations

Step 1: Prep Your Hemp Cord

Fold your 30' piece of hemp cord in half, then take one of the cut ends and put a very thin layer of glue on, using your fingers. We're talking about a drop here, folks! Use a twisting motion going with the direction of the hemp fibers, when applying, so that it creates a point. We're doing this to make it easier to slide on your beads, otherwise the hemp fibers will fray apart, making it impossible to strand anything on there.

Just use regular white glue or something similar. It should dry fairly quickly.

Step 2: Strand Your Beads

Now that your glue is dry, you need to strand your beads onto the hemp cord. Start with your seed beads - for a small ankle, you will need about 20-22 beads, but add more, just in case you need extra. You can always remove them later. End with an "optional" bead of your choice, which will be use for the end of the tie.

When you're done stranding these one, go ahead and slide them up to within about 8" of where you folded your cord in half.

Step 3: Knot the First End of Your Tie

Slide your first bead (your optional one) up into the "fold" of your cord and then, with both strands together, tie an overhand knot to lock your bead into place. If you are not using a bead here, then just go ahead and tie your overhand knot without a bead. It looks much cooler with a bead here, though! :)

Step 4: Placing Your Slip Knot

We will be tying our hemp bracelet (or anklet) on to our wrist or ankle, so we want ties. That first bead we added is the end of one of our ties, but now we want to give them length, so we're going to keep our two strands together, taut and even, then we're going to slide down about 6" (or however long you want your tie to be). At the 6" mark, we will make our slip knot. After making your slip knot, double-check to make sure your two strands are still even and taut. If they're not, redo it.

Step 5: Starting Your Chain

Once you have your slip knot in the proper place, slide your crochet hook through and make your first chain stitch. Since we have two strands, and not just one, we will be doing "double-stranded" chains here. No biggie...it will just make things a bit thicker and cooler looking. :)

Now, before you make your second chain stitch, slide one of your seed beads up and then do your stitch. Repeat this process with all of your chain stitches until your bracelet or anklet is the right length for you. Feel free to keep checking it around your ankle or wrist. You will want it to wrap all the way around without the ends touching - a 1-2" gap would be good (hemp stretches with time or if it's been wet, etc, so you want a little extra space to cinch it up later). 

To learn how to crochet a chain:

Step 6:

Finish off your end and slide down 6" keeping your two strands even and taut like you did in the beginning of this instructable. At the 6" mark, do your overhand knot and slide your other optional bead on right up to the knot. Now, tie another overhand knot after the bead, "sandwiching" your bead in place. Now clip your ends!

THIS IS YOUR STOPPING POINT if you like what you have or don't want to have a thicker hemp bracelet or anklet with a button.

If you're shooting for what was in the intro pic, then you have a few more steps. Continue on.

Step 7: Single Crochet for Width

Ok, now we're going to add one row of single crochet across each side (top and bottom) of your chain row. This will make the bracelet wider while still keeping your chain centered.

Use one of the longer pieces of hemp you clipped off earlier. Insert your hook in the first double-stranded loop of your chain, picking up your new hemp, and single crochet all the way across. The chain will be harder to get your hook through as you go, since you are pulling on the chain - just wiggle and push it in. When you complete the row, finish off, cut  your cord, leaving a 6" tail, and weave in your end. Do the exact same on the other side of the chain, or "bottom" edge of the chain if you're looking at it head on (you will have to flip your bracelet over for this).

You may, inadvertently, push your beads out of place, but just slide them back to the front when you're done. Easy peasy.

For instructions on how to single crochet:

Step 8: Pop a Button on It!

If you have a seriously cool, beachy button, like me - now is the time to put that on. Placement is up to you, but I centered mine. You can sew it on with thread or just use a leftover piece of hemp to knot it on, like I did, but make sure your holes are large enough to accommodate the hemp.

And, for anyone who is in love with my button. I got it from Fulton & Co. Handmade in the USA, and I love them!

You're done! Now, go forth and be the boho chic that you are!