Boho Bead Bracelet: Tunisian Crochet Tutorial

Updated at: 16/03/2025

Embrace the free-spirited charm of bohemian style with this stunning beaded bracelet, crafted using the versatile technique of Tunisian crochet! This tutorial will guide you through creating a beautiful piece that's perfect for adding a touch of effortless chic to any outfit. Whether you're a seasoned Tunisian crochet enthusiast or a curious beginner, this project is approachable and rewarding, allowing you to personalize your creation with a vibrant array of beads. Imagine the satisfying click of your hook as you work, the gradual emergence of a unique and wearable piece of art.

This boho bead bracelet is surprisingly simple to make, even for those new to Tunisian crochet. The detailed, step-by-step instructions will walk you through each stage, from creating the foundation chain to securely fastening the beads and finishing the bracelet. Let's get started and unleash your creativity with this fun and fashionable project – simply follow the easy steps below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Aunt Lydia's Fashioned Three crochet thread
  • Size C hook
  • 196 E size seed beads (variety of colors)
  • Clear nail polish
  • Button
  • Bead reamer (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to cut yarn. Blunt scissors can crush or fray the yarn, making it difficult to work with and potentially weakening your finished bracelet.
  • Be mindful of your tension throughout the Tunisian crochet process. Inconsistent tension will lead to an uneven and less aesthetically pleasing bracelet.
  • Always secure your working yarn before starting a new row or leaving your project. A dropped stitch in Tunisian crochet can be difficult to retrieve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Foundation Ring

    • Make a magic ring, chain 1, and make 2 single crochets in the ring. Pull the end to close it.
    • Chain 1, turn your work, and do 1 single crochet in the 2 stitches.
    • Chain 1, turn, and do 2 single crochets in each of the next 2 stitches.
    • Chain 1, turn your work, and make 1 single crochet across.
    Chain 1, turn your work, and make 1 single crochet across.Chain 1, turn your work, and make 1 single crochet across.Chain 1, turn your work, and make 1 single crochet across.Chain 1, turn your work, and make 1 single crochet across.
    Foundation Ring

  2. Initial Increases

    • Chain 1, turn your work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle.
    • Chain 1, turn work, and make 1 single crochet stitch across.
    • Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).
    Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).Chain 1, turn work, and do 2 single crochet stitches on the two ends with single crochet stitches in the middle (resulting in 8 single crochet stitches).
    Initial Increases

  3. Begin Tunisian Simple Stitch & First Bead Row

    • Insert hook, draw up loops (beginning of Tunisian simple stitch crochet).
    • Once you have 8 loops on your hook, yarn over and draw through one loop. Slide the first bead next to the hook, yarn over, and draw through two loops. Repeat with remaining loops.
    Once you have 8 loops on your hook, yarn over and draw through one loop. Slide the first bead next to the hook, yarn over, and draw through two loops. Repeat with remaining loops.Once you have 8 loops on your hook, yarn over and draw through one loop. Slide the first bead next to the hook, yarn over, and draw through two loops. Repeat with remaining loops.Once you have 8 loops on your hook, yarn over and draw through one loop. Slide the first bead next to the hook, yarn over, and draw through two loops. Repeat with remaining loops.Once you have 8 loops on your hook, yarn over and draw through one loop. Slide the first bead next to the hook, yarn over, and draw through two loops. Repeat with remaining loops.
    Begin Tunisian Simple Stitch & First Bead Row

  4. Subsequent Bead Rows

    • Insert hook under vertical front loops and draw up a loop (repeat step 9).
    • Proceed with next color of beads, yarn over and draw through two loops.
    • Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.
    Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.Continue until 28 bead rows are complete. Then chain 1 and single crochet in each bar across.
    Subsequent Bead Rows

  5. Decreasing for Tapered End

    • Chain 1, turn, single crochet 2 together for first and last two stitches, single crochet in the middle (decreasing on the ends).
    • Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each stitch across.
    • Chain 1, turn, single crochet 2 together in first and last stitches, single crochet in the middle.
    • Chain 1, turn, single crochet across.
    Chain 1, turn, single crochet across.Chain 1, turn, single crochet across.Chain 1, turn, single crochet across.Chain 1, turn, single crochet across.
    Decreasing for Tapered End
    • Chain 1, turn, do two single crochet 2 together stitches.
    Chain 1, turn, do two single crochet 2 together stitches.
    Decreasing for Tapered End

  6. Final Row & Button Loop

    • Chain 1, turn, make one single crochet, chain 7 (button loop), single crochet. Cut and weave in ends.

Read more: DIY Crystal Bracelet: Easy Square Knot Tutorial

Tips

  • Use clear nail polish to stiffen the crochet thread for easier bead stringing.
  • Use a bead reamer if bead holes are too small.
  • Keep beads towards the back of your work when crocheting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the crochet creates a lumpy or bumpy bracelet, disrupting the flow and overall appearance.
Solution: Maintain a consistent tension by practicing and using a tension ring or gauge swatch before starting the bracelet.

2. Incorrect Stitch Count

Reason: Losing or gaining stitches leads to a bracelet that is too narrow or wide, or even a completely different shape than intended.
Solution: Carefully count your stitches at the end of each row and correct any discrepancies immediately.

3. Improper Bead Placement

Reason: Incorrectly placed beads can result in an uneven distribution, causing the bracelet to look messy or the beads to fall off.
Solution: Follow the pattern instructions carefully and consistently place the beads in the designated stitches.

FAQs

What type of yarn and beads are best for this boho bead bracelet?
A lightweight yarn like cotton or linen works well, allowing the beads to show nicely. Choose beads that are relatively small and uniform in size for a cleaner look; seed beads or size 6/0 are popular choices. Make sure the bead holes are large enough to easily pass the yarn through.