Transform a nostalgic craft into a vibrant statement piece with this crochet version of a giant friendship bracelet garland! Made entirely from yarn, it adds a playful touch to any space, blending DIY home decor with personalized flair.
If you’ve come across the viral giant friendship bracelet tutorials, you might have noticed they often use pool noodles and ball-pit balls. Since I didn't have any of those on hand, I turned to what I have most: yarn!
Whether you’re planning a Taylor Swift party, decorating for a celebration, or just want to brighten up your crafting space, this crochet friendship bracelet garland delivers all the fun and flair. This oversized, beginner-friendly crochet project is not only easy to make, but it's also perfect for stash-busting too!
What You Need / Materials
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- Aran (weight #4) yarn shown in Scheepjes Chunky Monkey (100% Premium Acrylic (Anti Pilling); 116 m / 126 yds per 100 g / 3.53 oz)
- Color A: 1001 White, each skein makes approximately 6 letter beads
- Color B: 1002 Black, each skein makes approximately 6 letter beads
- Color C: 1263 Lemon, each skein makes approximately 6 star beads
- Color D: 1034 Baby Blue, each skein makes 5 round beads
- Color E: 1432 Amethyst, each skein makes 5 round beads
- Color F: 1241 Rose, each skein makes 5 round beads
- Color G: 1084 Wild Orchid, each skein makes 5 round beads
- 4.5 mm Crochet Hook
- Poly-fil or any Polyester Stuffing (optional)
- Yarn Needle
- Stitch Markers
- Scissors
Finished Size
Finished crochet letter bead measures approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches) in diameter.
Level of Difficulty
- ★☆☆☆☆ Beginner / Easy
- Requires familiarity with stitches used (below).
Stitches & Abbreviations
- st/sts - stitch/stitches
- ch - chain
- slst - slip stitch
- sc - single crochet
- sc-inc - single crochet increase, 2 single crochets in one stitch
- sc-dec - single crochet decrease, single crochet 2 stitches together
- hdc - half double crochet
- dc - double crochet
- dc-inc - double crochet increase, 2 double crochets in one stitch
Pattern Notes
- This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
- The letters were cut out of cardboard using my xTool laser cutter and then painted using acrylic paint.
- Those who do not have a laser cutter to cut out the letters can cut them out using black vinyl adhesive and their Cricut. Or purchase pre-cut letters.
- Font used for the giant letters beads: Arial Rounded MT Bold
Free Crochet Pattern
Giant Letter Beads (make 2 for each bead)
Using a 4.5 mm crochet hook and white/black aran yarn...
Round 1: Magic ring with a base of 12 dc, slst join (12 sts)
Round 2: Dc-inc in each st around, slst join (24 sts)
Round 3: [Dc, dc-inc] x 12 times, slst join (36 sts)
Cut and fasten off the first piece. Do not cut and fasten off the second piece.
Put the back of the two pieces together and slst in each st around the edges. Cut and fasten off.
Giant Star Bead (make 2 for each bead)
Using a 4.5 mm crochet hook and yellow yarn...
Round 1: Magic ring with a base of 5 sc (5 sts)
Round 2: Sc-inc in each st around (10 sts)
Round 3: [3 hdc in the next st, sc] x 5 times (20 sts)
Round 4: [Sc, 3 hdc in the next st, sc, slst] x 5 times (30 sts)
Round 5: [2 sc, 3 hdc in the next st, 2 sc, slst] x 5 times (35 sts)
Cut and fasten off the first piece. Do not cut and fasten off the second piece.
Put the back of the two pieces together and slst in each st around the edges. Cut and fasten off.
Giant Color Beads
Using a 4.5 mm crochet hook and any color yarn...
Round 1: Magic ring with a base of 6 sc (6 sts)
Round 2: Sc-inc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [Sc, sc-inc] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 4: [Sc, sc-inc, sc] x 6 times (24 sts)
Round 5: [3 sc, sc-inc] x 6 times (30 sts)
Round 6: [2 sc, sc-inc, 2 sc] x 6 times (36 sts)
Round 7-12: Sc in each st around (36 sts)
Round 13: [2 sc, sc dec, 2 sc] x 6 times (30 sts)
Round 14: [3 sc, sc dec] x 6 times (24 sts)
Round 15: [Sc, sc dec, sc] x 6 times (18 sts)
Round 16: [Sc, sc dec] x 6 times (12 sts)
Assembly Instructions
- Because the yarn beads are quite heavy, I chose not to stuff them with stuffing. They hold their shape well on their own, making the bracelet lighter to work with.
- When stringing the beads to your cord/yarn, don't thread it through the exact center of the bead. Instead, string it slightly above the middle so gravity will help prevent the beads from rotating to the wrong side when the bracelet is hung.
Inspiration Behind the Crochet Project
Friendship bracelets have always been a cherished part of my crafting journey, and they saw a major comeback during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, where fans traded them as symbols of connection and creativity.
Inspired by the lyrics from You're On Your Own, Kid: "So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it," I decided to craft a giant crochet version of these bracelets. Using Scheepjes Chunky Monkey yarn, I crocheted oversized beads that can be personalized with letters spelling out names or messages.
The letters were laser-cut from cardboard and painted, then attached with double-sided tape so you can easily swap them out. Don't have a laser cutter? No worries! Cricut vinyl letters or pre-cut stickers work great too.
This project blends nostalgia with modern DIY, celebrating friendship, creativity, and the joy of adding a colorful statement piece inspired by Taylor Swift's music.
Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it—you've got no reason to be afraid. Add that pop of color you've been craving for in your space!
Creative Uses and Ideas
- Party Backdrop: Drape it behind a dessert table or photo booth for a colorful, eye-catching backdrop at your next birthday party.
- Table Runner or Centerpiece: Coil it down to the center of the party table for a fun and whimsical decoration.
- Wall Art: Hang it across a black wall to brighten up your craft room or kids' space.
- Kids' Room Garland: String it across bookshelves or windows for playful, personalized decor.
- Friendship Day Craft: Use it as a fun, collaborative group project with friends or kids.
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Share Your Creation with Me!
Did you make this project? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.
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This is an original crochet pattern written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet pattern as your own. If you wish to share this crochet pattern, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet pattern.
You may sell products made from this crochet pattern, but please credit the design to Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio, and provide a link to my blog www.OnceUponaCheerio.com. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind. Thank you for understanding!
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