Knit Two-Color Bracelet (Worked in the Round or Flat)

Quick, portable, and endlessly customizable. This detailed pattern makes a narrow knit bracelet in two colors with two technique options: stranded colorwork (fair isle) or slipped-stitch mosaic (no long floats). Choose your closure: snap, button+loop, or sew-in magnetic clasp.

Finished sizes (circumference)

Small: 6.5in (16.5cm)
Medium: 7.0in (17.8cm) — sample shown
Large: 8.0in (20.3cm)
Adjust length freely; pattern notes include how to calculate stitch counts.

Materials

Yarn: Fingering/sock weight recommended. Example: two contrasting colors A and B. Imperial: ~15–25 yards per color (per bracelet) depending on width (45–75cm). Metric: ~14–23 meters per color. For multiple bracelets or wider designs, increase accordingly.
Yarn specification (recommended): Fingering weight ~400–450 yds/100g (366–411 m/100g) or Sport/DK if you prefer squishier result (~200–300 yds/100g; 182–274 m/100g).
Needles: Use size that gives recommended gauge and comfortable fabric. Options (choose one):

US 2 (UK old 12, 2.75 mm)
US 3 (UK old 11, 3.25 mm)
US 4 (UK old 9, 3.5 mm)

Needle type: 16in/40cm circular (magic loop) for small circumference, or set of double-pointed needles (DPNs), or straight needles for flat version to seam.
Notions: tapestry needle, stitch marker, removable marker, sewing needle and thread or snaps/buttons/magnetic clasp, waste yarn for provisional cast-on (optional).

Gauge

Stockinette (fingering on US3/3.25mm): approx 28–32 sts = 4in (10cm). Your gauge will vary with two-color techniques: stranded tends to tighten fabric; if using stranded, swatch in stranded pattern before setting stitch count.

Abbreviations

CO = cast on
BO = bind off
K = knit
P = purl
sl1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise
wyif = with yarn in front
wyib = with yarn in back
MC = main contrast (Color A)
CC = contrasting color (Color B)

Techniques notes

Stranded colorwork: carry the unused color behind stitches; catch floats if they span more than 3 sts. Keep tension even. For a very narrow piece you can carry floats across the back comfortably but avoid long floats.
Slipped-stitch mosaic alternative: work only one color per row/round; slip designated stitches to create color pattern with no floats — excellent for a clean back and relaxed tension.

Calculating stitches

Measure your gauge in stitches per inch (SPI) in the technique you plan to use. Multiply SPI by desired circumference. Round to a multiple appropriate for pattern repeat (below uses 4-stitch repeats). Example: sample gauge 7 sts/in; for 7.0in bracelet: 7 x 7 = 49 sts. Round to nearest multiple of 4 = 48 sts (or 52 sts depending on symmetry). If pattern requires even number, adjust accordingly.

Pattern options (choose one)

A. Narrow ribbed border + stranded colorwork center (in the round)

Suggested width: 8–12 rows of border, 10–18 rows of motif, repeat as desired. Cast on as calculated above.

CO 48 stitches using stretchy cast-on; join to work in the round, placing marker (adjust count to your calculation and repeat length).
Work 1x1 rib: *K1 MC, P1 CC* around for 6 rounds (creates neat edge). Tip: if you prefer a firm edge, do 8 rounds.
Stranded motif setup: establish chart repeat over 4 sts (example below). Keep floats caught every 3 sts or twist yarns together to secure when changing colors.
Round 1 (pattern): *MC K2, CC K2* repeat to end.
Round 2: *MC K1, CC K1, MC K1, CC K1* (this shifts colors to create tiny checker/masculine micro pattern). Continue rounds 1–2 for 10–18 rounds or desired width of colorwork panel.
Finish colorwork and work rib again: *K1 MC, P1 CC* around for 6 rounds mirroring the cast-on border.
BO in rib pattern loosely: *K1, P1* following stitch pattern to end. Weave tail through last row to elasticize if desired.

B. Slipped-stitch mosaic bracelet (flat or in the round)

Works very well for a clean back with no floats. Uses charts of two-row repeats; each row uses only one color for the knits, slipping the contrast.

CO required number of sts (multiple of 4 recommended) and join for in-the-round or work flat. For flat version seam with mattress stitch.
Setup round/row: K all sts in MC for one round to establish base.
Row A (MC row): *K2 MC, sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib* repeat.
Row B (CC row): Change to CC; *sl1 wyib, sl1 wyif, K2 CC* repeat.
Repeat rows A+B for desired width. Because you slip stitches, fabric is slightly thicker but elastic and comfortable.
Finish with 6 rounds of rib as in option A and BO in pattern.

Finishing and closure options

Sew ends: If worked flat, seam short ends using mattress stitch for invisible join. If worked in the round with live ends, simply weave in tails and add closure.
Button & loop: Make a small i-cord loop or crochet chain (6–8 sts) and sew to one end; sew a decorative button to the other end. Position to fit wrist snugly.
Snap: use a sew-in snap; mark placement while worn and sew securely through fabric or add a small fabric tab to reinforce.
Magnetic clasp: sew onto a small stitched tab reinforced with matching yarn and a few hand stitches; test strength before wearing.
Blocking: Lightly steam-block the bracelet on a towel to even stitches; do not overstretch colorwork. Stranded colorwork benefits from a gentle steam and gentle shaping to circumference.

Troubleshooting & tips

If colorwork puckers, try larger needles or loosen tension on carried yarn. Alternatively choose the slip-stitch mosaic method for flatter fabric.
For very narrow bracelets, floats are less visible; for wider pieces, avoid long floats by twisting or catching every 3 sts.
To make wider cuffs or multi-row motifs, add repeat multiples; keep final stitch count compatible with closure and seam construction.

Example stitch counts & yarn usage (approx)

48 sts @ 7 sts/in, 7.0in circumference: uses ~15–20 yards (14–18 meters) total; split between two colors ~8–10 yards each (7–9 m).
56 sts (wider): ~18–25 yards (16–23 meters) total; ~9–13 yards per color (8–12 m).

Notes on needles (US, UK old, Metric)

Common recommended needles for fingering bracelets: US 2 (UK old 12, 2.75 mm), US 3 (UK old 11, 3.25 mm), US 4 (UK old 9, 3.5 mm).
Choose the size that achieves your gauge in the technique you choose (stranded may need 1 size larger than plain stockinette to avoid tightness).

Yarn sizing (Imperial & Metric)

Fingering/sock: approx 400–450 yards/100g (366–411 m/100g).
Sport/DK: approx 200–300 yards/100g (182–274 m/100g).
Approx yardage for one medium bracelet: 15–25 yards (14–23 m) total depending on width and technique.

Pattern variations

Add beads while knitting: place bead on stitch before knitting and knit or slip to incorporate sparkle.
Use metallic thread as secondary color for festive look; twist with a single ply of fingering for shine.
Make a stackable set: knit 2–4 bracelets in complementary motifs and colors.

Support & credits

Pattern created for PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. For questions or support email team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on socials.

Happy knitting — keep tension even, enjoy color play, and pick closures that suit your style.

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