“Marbles” Tutorial/Pattern

 To make the bracelet exactly as shown, it is necessary to have some knowledge of crochet, and the following materials and supplies will be needed:

• 69 - 6mm Round Glass Beads
• 1 - Sterling Silver 9mm Toggle Set
• 30 Gauge Artistic Wire, Non-Tarnish Silver
• Steel Crochet Hooks, sizes 00/3.50 & 4/2.00

You’ll also need some kind of needlenose pliers & wire cutter. The one I have is an inexpensive one that is a 4-in-1 tool that looks similiar to this, but not the same brand. It cuts, bends, and holds.

To begin: String at least 21 beads onto the wire. (String less to make the bracelet shorter; more to make it longer.) Using the smallest hook (4/2.00), make your beginning slip knot, leaving at least a 6-inch tail. Change to the larger hook, and begin making a foundation chain as you would with yarn. With the beginning of each chain, drop a bead, working it into the chain. If you’re new to crocheting with wire, try not to crochet too tightly; allow the wire to flow freely through your fingers.

Once all 21 beads have been added to the chain, finish off using the smaller hook to bring the wire in one last time, leaving another 6-inch tail. Pull the wire taunt to close the gap on each end, being careful not to snap the wire into. Repeat this process three (3) more times.

Once you have completed all three of your strands, lay them side by side. Don’t let them twist and turn too much; you’ll want them to be as even and straight as possible. If your tension wasn’t the same on all three, it’s not a big deal. Just put the longest one in the middle. Once you have the strands situated how you want them, string three beads onto the ends of the three strands all at once, so that the three wires go through the middle of the beads. Using one piece of the toggle set, thread the three wires into the connection loop. Try to keep the tension at least a little tight. Too loose will leave the beads room to wander back and forth once the bracelet is finished; too tight will cause them to gather in an unattractive way. Work the wire around the loop, twisting it around at least twice, once on each side of where the wire first entered. (iIi <– Using this as an example, the “I” is where the wire initially entered the loop; the “i” is where you want to wrap it around twice. I’ll try to get an illustration up soon, but for now, that explanation will have to do.)

Once the wire is secured around the loop, bring the three wires back through the beads. Use the pliers to help pull it tauntly through. It may be easier to do this one at a time. Trim the ends of each as closely to the last bead as possible so that the end of the wire is basically invisible. Repeat with the other side, using the other piece of the toggle.

Ta-da! You now have your own “Marbles” bracelet.

For beads exactly as the ones shown on this bracelet, check with Hobby Lobby, which is where I bought mine. I also got the sterling silver toggle set there. The bracelet in the photo measured approximately 8.25″. Again, if you want to make it shorter, omit one or two beads on each strand. Add beads to make it longer. You could also add more beads onto the wires after your strands are made to make it longer. Your tension will play a role in how long your strands will be as well.

I’m probably not the best teacher in the world when it comes to writing it out; I do much better showing than telling. If you see any problems or need some clarification with this tutorial, please contact me and let me know.

Oh…and this is copyrighted information. Use it for your own personal pleasure, but please don’t use it commercially. Also, I’m not responsible for the results obtained from this tutorial. I just want others to have fun with it and enjoy the benefits of working with wire when crocheting.

©2007 by Tracie at Shade Tree Crochet


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

EDIT 08/28/07 - A printer-friendly version of this tutorial can be found here:“Marbles”.

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