Teach your child how to crochet with these fun, free crochet friendship bracelets. Crochet is a wonderful skill that’s creative, calming, and rewarding for all ages—and yes, that includes children! If you’re looking for a way to introduce your child to the world of crochet, starting with something small, fun, and colourful is key. That’s why we’ve created this quick and easy crochet friendship bracelet pattern—the perfect beginner-friendly project to teach your little one how to crochet while having fun.
Whether you’re passing down a family tradition or simply want to encourage screen-free creativity, this simple bracelet is a great place to start. It uses just one stitch, works up quickly, and lets kids experiment with colours and textures.
You’ll find all the resources you need in this blog to get you started with my step by step guide and assiting video tutorials.
Why Crochet is Great for Children
Teaching your child to crochet comes with so many benefits:
- Improves fine motor skills
- Encourages creativity and self-expression
- Boosts focus and patience
- Provides a break from screens
- Fosters a sense of achievement
And because it’s portable, crochet can be enjoyed anywhere—from the kitchen table to a long car ride or a quiet afternoon in the garden.
What Will My Child Learn?
In this blog you’ll have all the resources you need to teach your child how to crochet as I’ll walk you through the basics step-by-step with free video tutorials. Followed by a fun, free pattern for your child to put their skills to the test by making a lovely friendship bracelet. I’ll also include some additional quick and easy makes plus easy blanket ideas.
Getting Started
Below you’ll find a beginner’s step-by-step video series to help your child grasp the fundamental stitches used in crochet. But first, you’ll need some crochet supplies:
When it comes to reading a pattern, you will see there are crochet terms and abbreviations. I work using UK terms but most patterns can be viewed in UK or US terms, some patterns are written in US terms only and are clearly labelled, CLICK HERE for a free conversion chart. I also have a Handy Reference Guide Ebook, which is perfect for beginners. You can find the link below the terms and abbreviations.
Terms & Abbreviations
- Stitch(s): st(s)
- Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.
- Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
- Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Convert Pattern Terms
Here you can quickly switch between UK and US crochet terms. This will make following the pattern easier as all terms will be converted to your preferred version.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. Learn more about the eBook here.
How to Crochet: The Basics
1. Foundation Chain
To begin you’ll need to learn how to attach your yarn to your hook and begin to chain.
2. Double Crochet
3. Treble Crochet
4. Half Treble Crochet
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Pattern Notes
- Written in UK terms but switchable to US terms above.
Pattern Support
The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.
Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.
Materials & Tools: Friendship Bracelet
- Yarn: I have used Style Craft Special DK in colours, fondant, duck egg and shrimp
- Hook: 4mm
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Beads: metalic (optional)
- Beads: multi colours (optional)
- Sewing Needle (optional)
- Thread (optional)
Free Crochet Pattern: Friendship bracelet
You are viewing this pattern in UK terms.
- Before we get started…
Use a tape measure to see the circumference of your child’s wrist. This will determine how big you want the bracelet to be.
When you attach your yarn to the hook make sure you have a long tail end.
ch3
Row 1: dc in 2nd ch from the hook, dc in the next st, turn. <2dc>
Row 2: ch1 (does not count as st here or throughout) dc in each st across, turn.
Row 3: ch1, tr in each stitch across, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your bracelet measures 2cm less than your wrist measurement, ending on a Row 2 repeat.
Fasten off leaving a long tail to fasten the bracelet around your wrist.
Personalise Your Bracelet
Using thread, beads, sequins or more yarn you can personalise your crochet friendship bracelets for you and your friends and unleash your creative potential. I have chosen to embellish these bracelets with these adorable moon and star beads I had in my craft box however see the materials and tools list above for some bead suggestions.
Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Now you have completed your crochet friendship bracelet, you might be ready to challenge yourself with another make. Here are some quick and easy makes and stitches for you to try next:
Easy Crochet Blanket Patterns
Are you ready to move on to a blanket? These beginner-friendly crochet blankets are a perfect start to your crochet journey:
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
sarah-jayne
Hi! So helpful guide. My daughter is left handed… it has been very difficult to me show her how to start. Any suggestions? A video? I switch hand?
I have many left handed tutorials for beginners, here is the link o part one:- https://youtu.be/PmSoXNqpP8Y I hope this helps 🙂