Make a Beaded Anklet for Summer Using a Bracelet Pattern

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I am trying to make the most out of the few remaining weeks of sandal weather. For me, there is a brief amount of time in the year that I can enjoy warm temperatures and dress in airy clothes. My favorite part of this type of weather is going to farmer’s markets in the early to mid-morning, allowing me to beat the heat. The last time I went, I noticed several people wearing an accessory I hadn’t seen in what feels like ages: Anklets. Yes, like toe rings, the once popular foot accessory is once again gaining an audience. To stay on trend, and make a quick beaded anklet project using materials I already have in my stash, I adapted Cathi Tessier’s Soft Bangle pattern to fit my ankle.

Above: Gabby’s beaded anklet project

I chose this peyote stitch bracelet to use as a basis for my anklet. The pattern is very straightforward, but unfortunately for me, I had run out of 8/0 seed beads and the store near me did not have them. Just my luck. However, this did not deter me, and I began the project anyway. Looking back, I would have driven the extra 30 minutes to get those beads.

Related: Peyote Stitch Basics

I am also a beginner, and this being only my second project, I have learned my lesson to follow the pattern!

Materials Needed:

• 1 g size 6/0 seed beads
• 3 g size 8/0 seed beads in contrasting color (I used size 11/0 for mine—don’t do this if you want to use the original pattern)
• WildFire beading thread
• Size 10 or 12 beading needle
• Scissors
• Decorative button or large bead for loop closure

Artist’s Tips from Cathi Tessier

• Follow the thread measurements carefully and you will be able to complete the entire bracelet, closure and all, without adding thread.
• Watch your thread as you stitch so it does not tangle up in the strip as you work.

Planning My Anklet

Before getting started, I measured the circumference of my wrist and compared it to my ankle. In order to create a comfortable bracelet, I would add a half inch to my wrist size. For an anklet, I would add an inch. This will allow it to fit nicely and give me some room for movement without it falling to my foot.

• 6in wrist—6.5in for comfortable bracelet
• 8in ankle—9in for comfortable anklet

The bracelet calls for three yards, or 108 inches of beading thread. For the anklet, I cut about ten inches more to accommodate a bit more length. I also left more tail length than the recommended amount in the original pattern.

Beading the Anklet

I strung 84 seed beads for the first row, then I began weaving peyote stitch.

Here is where I realized that I most definitely should have taken the time to drive to the store further away. My size 11/0 seed beads were very tiny in comparison to the larger ones, with two fitting the width of one. My bracelet also continued to twist even beyond the normal twisting of the first two rows.

By the time I had completed beading the body of the bracelet, I realized that I would not be able to continue with the desired pattern because the seed bead sizes were so different. This is when I decided to make a flat peyote stitch anklet rather that making a tube as the pattern calls for. It was not my first choice, but it is still cute and an easy alternative. I finished off the ends by tapering more beads and adding a large one to use as the closure.

My beaded anklet project may not have gone as planned, but it is still a fun and easy project to try. I would recommend using the proper seed bead size for the pattern to ensure your success, unless you’re feeling adventurous! I am looking forward to wearing it out to the farmer’s market before it gets too cool and my ankles are back under wraps.

Good luck and happy beading!

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