Beginner Crochet Friendship Bracelet Pattern | BLO Woven Wristband
There is something deeply satisfying about making a friendship bracelet by hand. The tradition goes back generations, and while knotted embroidery floss versions have their charm, a crocheted friendship bracelet carries a little something extra — a texture you can feel, a structure that holds its shape, and a handmade quality that makes the gift feel truly intentional. This beginner crochet friendship bracelet pattern uses a simple Back Loop Only (BLO) technique to create a woven, ribbed wristband that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually takes.
Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or you are a casual crafter looking for a quick and satisfying project, this pattern is designed for you. The finished bracelet has a beautiful woven texture, a snug and comfortable fit, and it works up in well under an hour. It also makes the perfect PDF pattern to save and return to, because once you fall in love with making one, you will want to make a dozen more.
Let’s get into everything you need to know.
What Is the BLO Technique and Why Does It Matter?
BLO stands for Back Loop Only. In standard crochet, when you insert your hook into a stitch, you typically pass through both the front loop and the back loop at the top of the stitch. Working BLO means you only insert your hook into the back loop — the loop that sits farthest away from you as you look down at your work.
This single change in technique creates a dramatic visual effect. When you consistently work into only the back loop, the unused front loops stack up in a row, creating a ridge along the surface of your fabric. These ridges sit parallel to one another and give the finished piece an almost woven or ribbed appearance, similar to a piece of woven cotton tape or a miniature version of a loom-woven band.
For a friendship bracelet, this texture is ideal. It gives the piece visual interest without requiring complex stitch patterns, it adds structure so the bracelet holds its shape on the wrist, and it photographs beautifully for anyone who wants to share their finished makes on social media or in an online shop.
Once you learn BLO, you will find yourself reaching for it constantly. It is used in hat brims, bag straps, cuffs for sweaters, and all manner of accessories. This bracelet is one of the best first projects for getting that technique into your muscle memory.
Materials You Will Need
One of the best things about this project is how little you need to get started. Here is a complete list of materials for a single bracelet.
Yarn: Size 10 crochet thread or fingering weight yarn works beautifully here. You can also use embroidery floss for an ultra-slim, traditional friendship bracelet look. For a chunkier wristband style, a DK or sport weight yarn works well. Choose whatever you have on hand, or pick up a skein in a color that feels meaningful to the person you are making it for.
Crochet Hook: A size 2.25mm to 3.5mm hook is appropriate for thread or fingering weight. If you are using a heavier yarn, go up accordingly. The hook size is flexible — what matters most is the feel of your fabric. It should be firm enough to hold its shape without being stiff or scratchy.
Measuring Tape: You will need this to check your work against the wearer’s wrist circumference.
Scissors: A small pair works perfectly.
Tapestry or Yarn Needle: For weaving in your ends neatly at the finish.
Closure: A button, snap, or a short loop-and-button closure works well. You can also finish the bracelet with a sliding knot if you are using a thinner thread, or simply tie the ends together for a casual look. For a polished finish, a flat button approximately 10–12mm in diameter is ideal.
That’s truly all you need. If you are making a batch of these as gifts, a single skein of fingering weight yarn can yield five to eight bracelets depending on wrist size and how many rows you work.
Choosing Your Colors
Friendship bracelets are all about personal expression, and color choice is where so much of that personality lives. Here are a few approaches depending on your project goal.
Classic and clean: A single solid color in a neutral like ivory, cream, or tan gives the BLO texture room to shine without any distraction. This type of bracelet pairs with almost any outfit and looks lovely in natural light.
Bold and modern: A single bright or saturated color — cobalt blue, coral, forest green — makes a statement. The ribbed texture catches light differently on different rows, creating a subtle tonal depth even in a single color.
Striped: Because this pattern works up in rows, changing colors every few rows is straightforward and creates beautiful horizontal stripes. Use two to four colors for a traditional friendship bracelet rainbow effect, or keep it to two high-contrast shades for something more sophisticated.
Variegated or self-striping: If you use a variegated yarn or thread, the color changes happen naturally as you work without any need to cut and rejoin. The result is often wonderfully unpredictable and cheerful.
Gauge and Sizing
This pattern is worked lengthwise, meaning you will crochet the bracelet sideways. The number of foundation chains you start with determines the width of the bracelet, and the number of rows you work determines the length.
Width: A standard friendship bracelet is approximately 1 to 2 centimeters wide. For a chunkier wristband style, you can go up to 3 or even 4 centimeters. To achieve a 1.5cm width with fingering weight yarn and a 2.75mm hook, you will typically need a foundation chain of around 6 to 8 stitches. Work a small swatch and measure to confirm.
Length: Measure the wrist of the person who will be wearing the bracelet. A standard adult wrist is typically between 15cm and 18cm (6 to 7 inches). You will want the crocheted band itself to be slightly shorter than the full wrist measurement — approximately 1 to 1.5cm shorter — because the closure will make up the remaining length.
Adjusting for fit: Because you are working in rows, adding or removing rows is simple and makes no structural difference to the pattern. If you make the bracelet and it feels too short, simply continue adding rows. Too long, undo a few rows. The back-loop-only technique means each row is identical and the pattern is completely forgiving.
The Pattern
Here is the full written pattern. This is written in US crochet terminology.
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
BLO = back loop only
sl st = slip stitch
rep = repeat
Foundation:
Begin with a slip knot and chain 7. (For a wider band, chain 9 or 11. For a narrower band, chain 5.)
Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, sc in each chain across. You will have 6 sc. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1. Working in BLO, sc in each stitch across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until the bracelet measures approximately 1 to 1.5cm less than the desired finished length. Do not fasten off yet.
Button Loop: Ch 1. Sc in the BLO of the first stitch. Ch 5 (this creates the button loop — adjust the chain length to match your button size). Sl st into the same stitch to close the loop. Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving in.
Finishing: On the opposite short end of the bracelet, use your tapestry needle to sew on a button centered on the end. Weave in all ends securely.
That is the complete pattern. If you read that and thought, “that’s it?” — yes, that is genuinely it. The beauty of BLO is that it is repetitive in the most meditative, satisfying way. You chain, you turn, you single crochet into the back loops, you turn again. After a few rows your hands fall into a rhythm, and the ribbed texture builds up before your eyes.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Absolute Beginners
If you are new to crochet or just want a bit more guidance before you dive in, here is a more detailed walk-through of each step.
Making a slip knot: Loop your yarn into a pretzel shape, pull the working end (the yarn attached to the skein) up through the loop, and place it on your hook. Tighten gently. The slip knot sits on your hook and is your starting point.
Chaining: Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front (this is called a yarn over) and pull it through the loop on your hook. That’s one chain. Repeat until you have the number of chains your pattern calls for. Try to keep your tension consistent — not too tight, not too loose. When in doubt, go slightly looser than you think you need to.
Single crochet: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have two loops on your hook), yarn over again and pull through both loops. That’s one single crochet.
Identifying the back loop: Look at the top of a completed row of stitches. You’ll see a V shape at the top of each stitch. The back loop is the strand of that V that sits farthest from you. Insert your hook under only that strand for BLO work.
Turning: At the end of a row, flip your work so the side you just finished is now facing away from you. Chain 1 (this is called a turning chain and keeps your edge tidy), then begin working back across the row.
Attaching a button: Thread your tapestry needle with a length of yarn. Pass the needle through one of the holes in your button and then through the crocheted fabric. Repeat several times to secure it firmly, then tie off the ends on the wrong side of the bracelet and weave them in.
Tips for a Beautiful Finish
A few small habits make a big difference in the final appearance of your bracelet.
Keep your tension even throughout. If you notice your rows getting tighter as you go, consciously slow down and relax your grip on the yarn. Tight tension is one of the most common beginner challenges, but it improves naturally with practice.
Count your stitches at the end of each row. It is easy to accidentally add or skip a stitch, especially at the beginning and end of rows. Taking a second to count keeps your bracelet straight and uniform.
Use a stitch marker on the first stitch of each row if you find yourself losing track. A simple piece of scrap yarn or a commercial stitch marker works equally well.
When weaving in your ends, work the tail back and forth in a few different directions to prevent it from coming loose over time. A friendship bracelet will be worn, washed, and lived in, so secure ends are important.
Variations to Try Once You Have the Basics Down
Once you are comfortable with the basic pattern, there are plenty of ways to put your own creative stamp on it.
Textured variation: Try alternating between one row of BLO and one row of Front Loop Only (FLO). This creates an even more pronounced woven appearance with ridges on both sides of the fabric.
Color blocked: Work the bracelet in three sections, changing color in the middle third for a bold stripe across the wristband.
Name or initial charm: Add a small letter charm or embellishment to the button before sewing it on to give the bracelet an extra personal touch.
Tassel ends: Instead of a button closure, finish both ends with a fringe or tassel by cutting short lengths of yarn and looping them through the end stitches. This gives the bracelet a more boho, free-spirited feel.
Wider band: Work a foundation chain of 15 to 17 for a wider cuff-style bracelet. At this width, the BLO texture becomes almost hypnotic and the finished piece looks more like a woven cuff than a slim bracelet.
Making This Pattern Into a PDF
If you are saving this pattern to use again and again — or if you want to share it with a friend who crochets — formatting it as a PDF is a wonderful idea. A clean, well-organized PDF pattern includes the materials list, abbreviations, gauge information, the row-by-row instructions, and any notes on sizing and variations. Adding a photo of the finished bracelet at the top makes it easy to remember what you are working toward.
You can use a free tool like Canva, Google Docs, or Adobe Acrobat to format and save the pattern as a PDF. If you are selling patterns on a platform like Etsy or Ravelry, a PDF format is the standard delivery format and allows you to include photos, stitch diagrams, and formatting that makes the pattern easy to follow.
Why This Makes the Perfect Gift
Handmade gifts carry a weight that purchased ones simply cannot. When you make someone a friendship bracelet, you are giving them your time, your attention, and a small piece of your creativity. The BLO woven wristband, in particular, looks like something you might find in a boutique gift shop — it has a polished, intentional quality that goes beyond what most people expect from a handmade bracelet.
It is also wonderfully versatile as a gift. Make it in someone’s favorite color. Choose colors that represent something meaningful to your friendship. Use yarn left over from a bigger project so the bracelet is literally a piece of something else you made.
Because this pattern works up so quickly, you can realistically make a set of five or six bracelets in an afternoon — perfect for a group of friends, a bridal party, a summer camp activity, or a handmade holiday gift set.
Final Thoughts
The BLO woven wristband is one of those rare patterns that is both genuinely beginner-friendly and genuinely beautiful. The back loop only technique teaches you something new, the finished texture rewards your effort visually, and the whole project is small enough to fit in an afternoon.
If you are saving this as a PDF to return to, you are making a good investment in your project folder. This is the kind of pattern you will use for years — for quick gifts, for teaching new crocheters, and for those moments when you want something satisfying and tactile to do with your hands without committing to a large project.
Grab your hook, pick a color that feels joyful, and start your chain. The wristband you make today might end up on someone’s arm for years to come.
