The following has been copied from a note on Facebook that I posted some time ago and it most probably could be improved but until such time I've decided to post it here for anyone wishing to make themselves a bracelet with a loving intention. Or indeed make some to giveaway as acts of kindness, if you do then please stop by www.fb.com/randomactsofcrochetkindness and tell us all about it!!
Please be kind and don't copy or sell the patterns/bracelets. If sharing then please link back here. This is for personal use only. So here it is with love and gratitude...
Love & Kindness Bracelet
So here's some details of how you can begin to create your own LOVE bracelet. When I came up with this idea initially it was purely just for me, I wanted something I could wear around my wrist as a reminder to be kind and more loving and forgiving to myself. With this in mind the bracelet was very much tailored to what I would like to wear so I totally invite you to change and tweak as you please! You may prefer to use a stud fastener for example, or add on a few extra rows, use a different type of yarn. You may prefer to have the label with a different word, or centred instead of to the side.
I also have never written something for someone else, it is always just scribbles in a notebook that even I sometimes can't work out what they mean when I return to them later so apologies in advance if things aren't that clear.
For the labels I used 5mm cotton tape, the type you can buy in lengths which i just cut to size and I hand wrote the word LOVE using dylon fabric paint. You could also stamp the letters on if you have those lovely little alphabet stamps, or maybe embroidery even.
Basic knowledge of following stitches required: chain(ch), double crochet (single crochet US terms)
With a 4mm hook and aran weight cotton
create a slip knot leaving a long tail, chain 26 to form foundation row
first row - *skip one chain, 1dc, 1ch* repeat from * to * until you reach end. You should now have 25 stitches
**for the next row you are going to be working in the spaces created by the chains from first row**
second row - turn work, *1dc, 1ch* in each chain space created in first row, repeat from * to * finish with a slip stitch into first dc from first row, fasten off with a long tail of yarn left
to finish sew in ends and knot through, check both 'tails' are of even length and trim if necessary. Tie a knot near the end of each tail to stop the yarn from fraying. Now all you need to do is stitch on your LOVE label. I just used a basic whipstitch on two sides of the label as I quite like the 'rustic' look and it's held really well. You may prefer other ways of attaching, and as long as it stays put then it's all good!
So how did it go? I'd love your feedback and I'd also love to see your creations. If you find any mistakes then please let me know
Happy LOVE bracelet making
Charlene xx
