Ever lost something you loved and thought, “Well, I guess I’ll just make a better one myself”? That’s exactly how this bracelet was born. A lost turquoise bracelet at a beach bonfire turned into a sketch session, and that sketch turned into the dreamy Ocean Blue Butterfly Boho Bracelet. Now you can make one too, and honestly, it might just become your new favorite accessory.
This pattern mixes two crafts in one pretty package. You crochet a delicate lace butterfly, then attach it to a simple macrame band with a sliding closure. The result? An adjustable, comfy bracelet that looks like it came from a boutique. FYI, it looks way harder than it actually is.
Why You’ll Love This Butterfly Bracelet
This isn’t just another crochet project that ends up in the “maybe later” pile. Here’s what makes it special:
- Two techniques, one project. You get crochet and macrame in a single accessory. It’s like a two-for-one deal, except you’re the one making it.
- Fully adjustable. The sliding closure means it fits almost any wrist. No guessing games, no “I hope this fits” anxiety.
- Beginner-friendly macrame. Even if you’ve never tied a square knot in your life, the band section walks you through it step by step.
- Gift-worthy. Handmade gifts hit different. This one looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
- Boho vibes for days. The turquoise beads, the brass accents, the earthy tan cord. It’s giving beachy, earthy, effortless energy.
IMO, the best part is how versatile it is. Wear it with a sundress in July or a chunky sweater in October. It just works.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Skill Level and Time Commitment
This pattern sits at an intermediate level. You should feel comfortable working in rows, reading a multi-section pattern, and joining pieces together. If you’ve made a few amigurumi or lace projects before, you’re totally ready.
The macrame portion? That’s beginner territory. If you can tie your shoes, you can handle a square knot.
Time estimate: 2 to 3 hours for an experienced crocheter. Give yourself extra time if beads and macrame knots are new to you. No shame in going slow.
Finished Measurements
- Butterfly motif: About 2.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall (6.5 cm by 5 cm)
- Band: Adjustable from roughly 6 to 8 inches in circumference (15 cm to 20.5 cm)
- Band width: About 0.5 inches (1.3 cm)
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn and Cord
- Size 10 crochet thread or smooth fingering weight cotton yarn in turquoise blue
- 1 mm waxed cotton macrame cord in natural tan
- Dark brown embroidery thread for the antennae
Hook
- US size B-1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook
Notions
- 5 turquoise stone beads (for the body)
- 6 small brass beads (2 for antennae tips, 4 for band tails)
- 4 additional turquoise beads for the band tails
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Straight pins or stitch markers
- Foam blocking board
- Fabric stiffener or liquid starch (optional but recommended)
- Clear fabric glue
Yarn Suggestions
Not all threads are created equal. Here are a few that work beautifully:
- DMC Petra Size 3 Crochet Thread in Turquoise Blue (5995). Smooth, tightly twisted, and holds lace structure like a champ.
- Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 in Peacock. The mercerized cotton has a slight sheen that makes the butterfly pop.
- Scheepjes Twisted Maxi Sugar Rush in any teal colorway. Softer drape but still holds stitch definition.
Avoid fuzzy or textured fibers. They’ll hide all the pretty lace details you worked so hard on. Trust me on this one.
Gauge and Abbreviations
With a US size B-1 (2.25 mm) hook and fingering weight thread:
7 single crochet stitches and 8 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)
The finished butterfly measures about 2.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall after blocking. Gauge isn’t critical for the band since the closure adjusts, so don’t stress too much there.
Abbreviations You’ll See
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- MR = magic ring
- sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together (decrease)
Special Stitches and Techniques
Shell Stitch
Work 5 double crochet stitches all into the same stitch or chain space. This creates a fan shape that forms the outer curves of each wing. If you’ve never made a shell before, don’t sweat it. It’s just five dc stitches crowded into one spot.
Picot
Chain 3, then slip stitch into the first chain of those 3 chains. This forms a tiny decorative loop along the outer wing edges. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Invisible Join
After your final stitch of a round, cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread it onto a yarn needle. Insert the needle from front to back through both loops of the first stitch of the round. Then insert it back down through the back loop only of the last stitch. Pull gently to tighten. This mimics a slip stitch join without the visible bump.
Magic Ring (MR)
Make a loop with the tail end crossing over the working end. Insert your hook through the loop, yarn over, pull up a loop, and chain 1 to secure. Work stitches into the center, then pull the tail to close the ring. Magic.
Twisted Cord Antenna
Cut 2 lengths of dark brown thread, each 8 inches long. Fold each in half. Attach the folded end to the butterfly head with a slip stitch or lark’s head knot. Twist both strands tightly in one direction until they kink, then fold in half again so they twist back on themselves. Thread a brass bead onto the tip and secure with an overhand knot.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Read these first. They’ll save you confusion later.
- The butterfly works up in three separate pieces: upper wings (joined), lower wings (joined), and a small body tube assembled over the beads.
- All wing sections are worked flat in rows, starting from a foundation chain, then shaped with increases and shell stitches.
- The antennae attach last, emerging from the top center of the body.
- The macrame band is made separately from 1 mm waxed cotton cord using a simple square knot flat braid.
- When counting stitches in shell stitch rows, count each double crochet of the shell as an individual stitch.
- The tan cord band is not crocheted. It uses basic macrame technique only.
- The upper wings are slightly larger than the lower wings. This is intentional, so don’t panic.
Step by Step Instructions
Upper Wings (Make 1 Piece)
The upper wings are worked as left and right halves, then joined at the center.
Left Upper Wing
Foundation: Ch 12.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (11 sc)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 3 (counts as dc here and throughout), dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, shell in next st (5 dc in same st), dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in last st. Turn. (17 sts: 2 dc, 3 dc, 5 dc shell, 3 dc, 2 dc)
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, shell in center dc of shell, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, picot in last st. Do not turn. (18 sts plus 1 picot)
Cut yarn and pull through loop to fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for joining.
Right Upper Wing
Work exactly as Left Upper Wing through Row 3. Do not fasten off after Row 3. Leave loop on hook.
Join Upper Wings
Hold Left Upper Wing and Right Upper Wing with RS facing up and the foundation chain ends (inner edges) touching at center.
With hook still holding Right Upper Wing working loop, insert hook into the corresponding inner edge stitch of the Left Upper Wing at the foundation chain.
Sl st the two pieces together at the center inner edge, working 3 sl sts across to join the two wings at the body attachment point. (3 joining sl sts)
Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing to body later.
Checkpoint: The joined upper wing piece should measure approximately 2.5 inches wide and 1.25 inches tall. The outer edges should have a gentle scalloped curve from the shell stitch.
Lower Wings (Make 1 Piece)
Lower wings are slightly smaller and rounder than upper wings.
Left Lower Wing
Foundation: Ch 9.
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (8 sc)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in same st, hdc in next 2 sts, shell in next st (5 dc in same st), hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in last st. Turn. (14 sts: 2 hdc, 2 hdc, 5 dc shell, 2 hdc, 2 hdc)
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, shell in center dc of shell, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, picot in last st. Do not turn. (15 sts plus 1 picot)
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Right Lower Wing
Work exactly as Left Lower Wing through Row 3. Do not fasten off.
Join Lower Wings
Work as Join Upper Wings, sl st 3 times across the inner edge to join. (3 joining sl sts)
Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing to body later.
Checkpoint: The joined lower wing piece should measure approximately 2 inches wide and 0.75 inches tall.
Butterfly Body
The body encases the 5 turquoise beads in a small crochet tube.
Foundation: MR.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into MR, pull ring closed, sl st to first sc to join. (6 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. (12 sc)
Rounds 3 through 7: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to first sc to join. (12 sc each round)
Note: Before closing Round 7, insert the 5 turquoise beads into the tube, stacking them vertically. If the beads don’t fill the tube snugly, work one decrease round as follows before closing: (sc2tog) 6 times around. (6 sc) Pull beads into position and close.
Round 8 (closing round if no decrease needed): Ch 1, (sc2tog) 6 times around, sl st to join. (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing the body to the wings and for attaching to the band.
Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave through the 6 remaining sts at the base, pull to cinch closed. Knot securely. Do not cut this tail yet.
Checkpoint: The finished body should be a small oval bead-filled tube approximately 0.75 inches tall and 0.4 inches wide.
Assembly
Step 1: Lay the upper wing piece flat, RS up. Center the lower wing piece below it, RS up, so the joined inner edges align vertically. The lower wings should sit about 0.3 inches below the bottom of the upper wings. Pin to hold.
Step 2: Place the body tube vertically over the center join of both wing pieces, centered over the joined inner edges. The top of the body should reach approximately to the top center of the upper wings.
Step 3: Using the 12-inch tail from the body, sew the body to both wing pieces simultaneously with small whip stitches along the sides of the tube, catching the inner edge stitches of both the upper and lower wing joins. Pull snugly to secure. Knot securely inside the body. Weave in end.
Step 4: Using the remaining tails from the upper and lower wing pieces, tack the front faces of the wings lightly to the body tube at the join points to prevent drooping. Weave in all ends.
Antennae
Cut 2 lengths of dark brown thread, each 10 inches long. Fold each in half to create a doubled 5-inch length.
Using a lark’s head knot, attach each folded length to the top opening of the body tube, one on each side of center.
Twist both strands of each antenna firmly in one direction (clockwise) until the thread begins to kink. Fold the twisted length back on itself and allow it to twist naturally into a tight spiral cord. The finished antenna length should be approximately 1.25 inches.
Thread one brass bead onto the end of each antenna. Tie an overhand knot below the bead to secure. Trim ends below the knot to approximately 0.125 inches. Apply a tiny drop of clear fabric glue to the knot if desired.
Checkpoint: Both antennae should stand upright from the head and curve slightly outward, with brass bead tips at each end. Your butterfly motif is complete.
Bracelet Band
The band is constructed from 1 mm waxed cotton macrame cord in natural tan. This section uses basic macrame technique and does not require crochet.
Cut 2 lengths of tan macrame cord, each 36 inches (91.5 cm) long.
Hold both lengths together and fold them at the midpoint so you have 4 working strands, each approximately 18 inches long.
Work a flat square knot sinnet (alternating square knots) using all 4 strands, with the 2 center strands as the core and the 2 outer strands as the working strands, for approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm).
At the 5-inch mark, stop and set the sinnet aside.
Sliding Closure
Take the two loose ends of cord that emerge from each end of the sinnet. You will have 4 loose cord ends total (2 from each end of the band).
Cross the two ends of the sinnet so the band forms a loop (as it will sit on the wrist). Cut an additional 8-inch piece of cord. Using this separate piece, work 8 to 10 square knots around all 4 main cord strands where they cross, creating a sliding barrel knot cluster. This cinches the two ends together and slides to adjust circumference.
Trim the 4 remaining cord tails protruding from the bracelet ends to approximately 1.5 inches each. Thread beads onto each tail end: on each of the 4 tails, thread 1 brass bead and 1 turquoise bead, then tie an overhand knot below the beads to secure. Trim ends to approximately 0.25 inches below the knot. Seal with clear fabric glue if desired.
Attaching Butterfly to Band
Using the remaining yarn tails from the butterfly body or a new length of matching teal thread, sew the butterfly firmly to the center front of the band sinnet. Work multiple anchoring stitches through the base of the butterfly body and under the knots of the sinnet, passing the needle back and forth at least 6 times. Pull firmly with each stitch.
Knot securely on the underside of the band. Weave in ends.
Checkpoint: After attaching the butterfly, hold the band up and confirm that the butterfly sits centered and flat against the top of the band. Tug gently on each wing to confirm the attachment is secure.
Size Customization Tips
Want a different fit? No problem.
- Larger or smaller band: Adjust the total sinnet length before forming the sliding closure. A sinnet of 4.5 inches creates a bracelet suitable for a 5.5-inch wrist. A sinnet of 6 inches suits a 7.5-inch wrist. The sliding closure adds about 1.5 to 2.5 inches of adjustability in either direction.
- Bigger butterfly: Work the wing foundation chains 2 to 4 chains longer and add one additional row to each wing section before working the shell and picot row. Adjust the body tube by working additional rounds of sc between Rounds 2 and 7 to accommodate more beads.
- Child-size bracelet: Reduce the sinnet to 4 inches and use a smaller hook (US size 10 or 12 steel) with size 20 crochet thread.
Finishing and Blocking
Wet block the butterfly motif only. Do not wet block the macrame band or the beads.
Mist the butterfly lightly with water or submerge briefly, squeeze gently in a towel to remove excess moisture, then pin the wings flat to a foam blocking board, shaping each wing into a smooth fan curve. Allow to dry completely, at least 4 hours or overnight.
For a stiffer wing that holds its shape better over time, dilute fabric stiffener or liquid starch 50/50 with water, brush lightly onto the wings with a small paintbrush while pinned, and allow to dry fully before removing pins.
Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
Care Instructions
Hand wash only in cool water with mild soap. Do not wring or twist. Press gently in a towel to remove water. Reshape wings if needed and lay flat to dry.
Do not tumble dry, iron, or dry clean. Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the teal color. Store flat or hanging, not folded, to prevent the wings from becoming misshapen.
Related Articles:
- Autumn Maple Leaf Bracelet Free Crochet Pattern
- Sage Green Boho Lace Choker Free Crochet Pattern
- Midnight Navy Starflower Collar Free Crochet Pattern
Final Thoughts
This Ocean Blue Butterfly Boho Bracelet looks way more complicated than it actually is. The mix of delicate crochet with rustic macrame creates something truly special. Whether you make it for yourself or as a gift, this bracelet carries a handmade charm that store-bought jewelry simply cannot match.
I love wearing mine with sundresses in summer and cozy sweaters in fall. The adjustable closure means it fits perfectly every time, and the turquoise beads catch the light beautifully. If you’ve been wanting to try combining crochet with other fiber arts, this beginner-friendly project is the perfect place to start.
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern. I hope you love making your butterfly bracelet as much as I loved designing it. If you try this crochet pattern, I would absolutely love to see your finished piece. Tag Sumara Patterns on Instagram or share it in your favorite crafting group. Seeing your creations truly makes my day.
If you enjoyed this pattern, go ahead and pin it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever the crafting mood strikes. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I would love to hear which color combination you chose and how it turned out for you.
