You’re working on your first beaded crochet bracelet… oh no, it’s too short! How did that happen? How many beads do you need to string for a beaded crochet bracelet? And what is the perfect length when it’s finished? I have the answer! Today, I’ll share the formulas with you so you always get it right.

On Pinterest and Instagram, you’ll find stunning beaded crochet bracelets. Many free patterns are available online. Search for ‘beads crochet pattern,’ and a whole new world will open up. Some designs are simple with just a few colors, while others are an explosion of color. But… how many beads do you need, and how far should you string them for the perfect length? Patterns often cover only a small section, leaving you to duplicate it until you reach the desired length. This is where things can go wrong—how do you determine the correct length?

Choosing the Right Beads

There are many types of beads you can use for crocheted bracelets. Beads range from tiny 15/0 (1.5mm) to larger sizes like 2mm or even 6mm. The smaller the bead, the more you’ll need to fill a given length. You can also mix different sizes, but keep in mind that unless you arrange them in a structured pattern, the final bracelet may look uneven. However, if you use a structured arrangement from large to small and back again, you’ll create a stunning spiral effect.

The most commonly used beads for beaded crochet bracelets are ‘seed beads’ from Miyuki, Toho, and Preciosa. These beads are uniform in size and perfectly round. While Delica (Miyuki) and Treasure (Toho) beads have a very flat top and bottom, seed beads are rounder and work exceptionally well for crochet. You can use Delica and Treasure beads, but because of their shape, your design will appear ‘tighter.’

The Beaded Crochet Bracelet Stringing Formula

The formula for stringing beads is simple. To always get the right length for your beaded crochet bracelet, use this formula:

Bracelet length x number of beads per row = total length to string (cm/m).

For example, if your bracelet needs to be 15cm long and you have 11 beads per row:

15cm x 11 beads = 165cm of beads to string.

I always add an extra 10cm. Why? If there’s an error in your pattern, you may need to cut some beads. It’s always better to string too many than too few. Adding extra thread later is much harder than simply returning unused beads to your bead box.

How Many Beads Do You Need?

A common question is whether you have enough beads in a particular color. To calculate this, string 1cm of beads and count how many fit. If you have 7 beads per cm and need to string 165cm:

7 beads x 165cm = 1,155 beads.

If you are working with a pattern, check how many beads are in one full repeat. If your pattern repeats every 10cm and you need 165cm, you must repeat the pattern 16 times. If you are short on beads, you can always do a 50/50 design—for example, stringing one half in red and the other half in blue for a unique effect!

Flat vs. Diagonal Crochet

There is little difference in bead count between flat and diagonal crochet. I always string a little extra to be safe, but whether your beads are arranged flat or diagonally, the total length remains almost the same.

Continuous Beaded Crochet Bracelets

Some beaded crochet bracelets have clasps, while others are ‘roll-on’ bracelets with no closure. When making a roll-on bracelet, knowing the correct size is crucial because not everyone has the same hand size. Roll-on bracelets are always longer than those with a clasp—they need to fit over your hand. When bent into a circle, they require a different inner and outer measurement. For example, if your inner measurement is 20cm, the outer measurement is about 24cm. Always string the outer measurement!

Example Sizing Guide:

• Inner measurement: 20cm → String for 24cm
• Inner measurement: 22cm → String for 26cm
• Inner measurement: 19cm → String for 23cm

I use a beading measurement board with circles of different sizes. As I near the end, I check the fit frequently. If your bracelet is tightly crocheted and has an inner gap, you can insert a cord inside to prevent it from collapsing. Regularly test the fit using a cord, as it makes the bracelet less flexible, sometimes requiring extra rows for the perfect fit.

For wider bracelets that you flatten, you can insert a leather strip inside for stability. These bracelets are broad but not thick, so you may need less length than a round bracelet.

Measuring the Outer Size of a Roll-On Bracelet

If you’re designing a new bracelet and aren’t sure if it will fit over your hand, use this trick:

1. Place your thumb against your palm, just below the pinky finger.
2. Measure around the widest part of your hand.
3. This is the inner measurement your bracelet must slide over.

If you’re using a slightly stretchy cord, you can go 1cm smaller, but never larger, or the bracelet will fall off! I always use Durable Embroidered Yarn (100% cotton thread). If I have friends traveling to Turkey, I ask them to bring back Kaplan thread, a well-known Turkish brand. Kaplan is a fine, smooth polyester thread that allows beads to slide effortlessly!

By following these formulas and tips, you’ll never end up with a beaded crochet bracelet that’s too short or too long again. Happy beading!