Chunky Crochet Bangles

Transform simple plastic lids into vibrant, stylish accessories with this clever upcycling crochet project.

We all have those moments when our yarn baskets are overflowing with tiny scraps of worsted weight yarn that are just too pretty to throw away.

It is a common crafter's dilemma.

You want to make something beautiful, but those leftover yards are not quite enough for a full hat or a pair of slippers.

That is exactly why I love finding creative ways to upcycle everyday household items into gorgeous, wearable art.

Today, we are taking a simple plastic lid—like the one from your favorite canister of potato chips—and turning it into a set of stunning, bohemian-style bracelets.

This project is incredibly fast, highly addictive, and a wonderful way to brighten up your summer wardrobe.

Grab a cup of tea, warm up your hands, and let me show you how to turn literal trash into your next favorite fashion statement.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Eco-friendly crafting: It breathes new life into plastic waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
• Ultimate scrap buster: You only need tiny amounts of worsted weight yarn to complete one.
• Endless color play: You can mix and match bright summer tones or elegant neutrals to match any outfit.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). Examples used here include Loops & Threads Impeccable (colors like Grass, Grape, and Terracotta), Red Heart (color Aran), and Vanna's Choice (color Magenta).
• Hook: Size H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: A clean plastic lid (such as a Pringles lid), a permanent marker, sharp scissors, a yarn needle, and optional embellishments like sequins, jewels, or craft glue.
• Yardage: Less than 15 yards of worsted weight yarn per bangle, plus about 150 inches of a contrasting color for the optional chain overlay.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Not critical for this project, as the stitches will naturally stretch to cover your custom-cut plastic ring.
• Sizes included: Custom sizing based on your own wrist.
• Finished measurements: Adjustable. You will trace an existing, well-fitting bangle to get your perfect size.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch
• If you need a quick refresher on standard terms, feel free to check out our US to UK Crochet Chart.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round directly over a recycled plastic ring.
• Tension Tip: Keep your single crochet stitches snug around the plastic ring so the plastic does not peek through.
• Customization Tip: If you do not want to use the chain overlay, you can easily decorate your finished bangle with glued-on sequins, tiny beads, or flat-back rhinestones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Plastic Base

Take your plastic lid and place an existing, well-fitting bangle directly on top of it.

Using your permanent marker, trace the inner circle of your bangle onto the plastic lid.

Carefully cut out this inner circle with sharp scissors to create your custom-sized plastic ring template.

Working the Base Stitches

Join your first yarn color (Color A, e.g., Grass) to the plastic ring with a slip stitch.

Work 7 single crochet (sc) stitches directly around the plastic ring. Do not fasten off this color.

Alternating Colors

With your active loop of Color A still on your hook, insert your hook into the center of the ring.

Yarn over with your second color (Color B, e.g., Grape) and pull up a loop to complete your first single crochet in the new color.

As you work, carry the strand of Color A along the top rim of the plastic ring, crocheting over it to trap it inside your stitches. This is a great Seamless Color Change Technique that saves you from weaving in dozens of ends later!

Work 6 more single crochet stitches in Color B (making a total of 7 stitches in Color B).

Drop Color B, pick up Color A, and work 7 single crochet stitches over the rim, carrying Color B along the top.

Repeat this alternating sequence of 7 single crochet stitches per color until the entire plastic ring is completely covered.

Fasten off, leaving only one final yarn tail. Thread this tail onto your yarn needle and weave it neatly through the matching colored stitches on your bangle, then trim any excess.

Adding the Slanted Chain Overlay (Optional)

Cut a length of about 150 inches of your third yarn color (Color C, e.g., Aran).

Wind this long strand into a tiny, tight ball so you can easily pass it through the center of your bangle.

Attach Color C to any single crochet stitch on your bangle with a slip stitch.

Chain 8.

Insert your hook into the center of the circle from the back to the front.

Bring your working yarn under the plastic ring, then work a slip stitch into the 5th stitch away from your starting slip stitch. This creates a beautiful, slanted wrap effect.

Chain 8 again, and repeat this wrapping process all the way around the bangle.

Slip stitch to your very first slip stitch to join, fasten off, and weave in your tail along the chain itself.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Sequins and Sparkle: Skip the chain overlay and use fabric glue or a needle and thread to attach shiny sequins or small jewels to your bangle.
• Monochrome Chic: Work the entire bangle in a single solid color for a minimalist, modern look.
• Scrap Buster Set: Make a matching set of accessories! These bangles look wonderful paired with our Floral Face Scrubbies.
• Thicker Bangles: Use a wider plastic ring cut from a larger container lid and use bulky yarn to cover it quickly.
• Variegated Yarn: Use a self-striping or variegated yarn to get effortless color changes without needing to carry two strands of yarn.
• Colour ideas: Try high-contrast pairings like navy and mustard, or soft pastel combinations like mint and lavender for spring.
• Yarn substitutions: Any worsted weight cotton yarn works beautifully here for a stiffer, more durable texture.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The plastic ring is showing through my stitches.
  Fix: Your stitches might be too loose. Try using a smaller hook size or gently slide your single crochet stitches closer together as you work to pack them tightly.
• Problem: The carried yarn is peeking out from under the stitches.
  Fix: Make sure you are holding the carried yarn firmly against the very top edge of the plastic ring as you crochet over it.
• Problem: The chain overlay is too loose and floppy.
  Fix: Reduce the number of chains. Try chaining 6 or 7 instead of 8, or pull your slip stitches slightly tighter.
• Problem: The bangle is too small to slip over my hand.
  Fix: Ensure you trace a bangle that already fits you comfortably. Do not cut the plastic ring smaller than your hand's widest point when folded.

Care Instructions

Since these bangles contain a plastic core, hand wash them gently in cool water with a mild detergent. Reshape them with your fingers and lay them flat on a dry towel to air dry. Do not wring them out, and keep them away from high heat sources like hair dryers or irons, which could warp the plastic inside.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how a bit of imagination and some leftover yarn can turn everyday recycling into something so chic. These bangles make wonderful, quick gifts for friends, and they are a fantastic conversation starter when someone asks where you bought your jewelry. If you make a set, please share your photos with me—I cannot wait to see your gorgeous color combinations!