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# Ultra Simple Crochet Rosary Decade Bracelet Favor

A delicate, symbolic single-decade rosary bracelet designed as a religious keepsake or favor. This minimal design features textured "beads" representing one Our Father and ten Hail Marys, worked in one continuous piece with an integrated cross and loop closure. Perfect for First Communions, Confirmations, baptisms, or prayer group gifts.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Adult size: approximately 7 inches circumference (adjustable)
- Child size: approximately 6 inches circumference (adjustable)
- Cross: approximately 0.75 inches tall × 0.5 inches wide

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Size 10 crochet thread (lace weight) in white, cream, or desired color
- Approximately 15-20 yards per bracelet
- Suggested: DMC Cebelia Size 10, Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10, or similar

**Hook:**
- US steel hook size 7 (1.65mm) or size needed to obtain a firm, structured fabric

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Small scissors
- Optional: spray starch or fabric stiffener for a crisper finish

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## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for this project, but aim for:
- Approximately 12-14 chain stitches = 1 inch with size 10 thread and 1.65mm hook
- Fabric should be firm but not stiff

*Note: Exact gauge is less critical than achieving a firm, neat appearance. Adjust hook size if needed.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- picot = small decorative loop made with chains
- BLO = back loop only
- sp = space
- [ ] = work instructions within brackets as a group
- ( ) = stitch count at end of row/round

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction:** This bracelet is worked in one continuous piece from cross to closure loop with no seaming required.

2. **Bead Representation:**
   - Small "Hail Mary beads" = 3-ch picots
   - Larger "Our Father bead" = 5-ch picot or small puff stitch
   - Beads are worked directly into the chain foundation

3. **Positioning:** The Our Father bead is traditionally positioned after the cross, followed by 10 Hail Mary beads around the bracelet.

4. **Stitch Count:** Total chain count varies based on wrist size. Standard adult version uses approximately 130-140 chains total (including spacing chains between beads).

5. **Turning Chains:** When applicable, turning chains do not count as stitches.

6. **Working Picots:** To make a picot, ch the specified number, then sl st into the base of those chains to form a small loop that stands up from the foundation.

7. **Closure:** The cross slides through the loop to secure the bracelet. Ensure the loop is sized appropriately for your specific cross dimensions.

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## SPECIAL STITCHES

**Small Picot (for Hail Mary beads):**
Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3 (into the same stitch where the picot started). This creates a small raised loop.

**Large Picot (for Our Father bead):**
Ch 5, sl st into base of ch-5. This creates a larger, more prominent loop.

**Alternative Puff Stitch for Our Father Bead (optional):**
[Yo, insert hook into designated st, yo, pull up loop] 3 times in same st (7 loops on hook), yo, pull through all loops, ch 1 to secure. This creates a small textured bump.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### CROSS SECTION

The bracelet begins with the cross, worked in chains and slip stitches.

**Ch 10** to form the vertical post of the cross.

**Row 1 (vertical post):** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 8 ch. (8 sl st)

**Crossbar:** Ch 6 (this creates the horizontal bar extending from the vertical post).

Locate the 5th sl st from the base of the vertical post (approximately middle of cross).

Sl st into the back bump of the 5th sl st from base, ch 6 (this creates the second arm of the crossbar extending opposite direction).

Turn work and sl st into 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch across this arm of crossbar. (5 sl st)

Sl st into center post stitch again (where crossbar attaches).

Sl st into 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch across opposite arm of crossbar. (5 sl st)

**Continue from top of cross:** Sl st into remaining 3 sl st along vertical post to reach top of cross. (3 sl st)

*Cross is now complete. You should have a recognizable cross shape approximately 0.75 inches tall.*

**Math verification:** Vertical post = 8 sl st, crossbar extends 5 stitches on each side from center point. ✓

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### TRANSITION TO BRACELET BODY

From the top of the cross (last sl st made), **ch 12**. This creates spacing between the cross and first bead.

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### BEAD SEQUENCE

You will now work the Our Father bead followed by 10 Hail Mary beads, with spacing chains between each.

**Our Father Bead:**
Work Large Picot: Ch 5, sl st into base of ch-5 (into the last chain made before starting the picot).

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 1:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 2:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 3:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 4:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 5:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 6:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 7:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 8:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 9:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains).

**Hail Mary Bead 10:**
Work Small Picot: Ch 3, sl st into base of ch-3.

**Ch 12** (spacing chains before closure loop).

**Math verification:** 
- Cross transition: 12 chains
- Our Father bead: 1 picot
- Spacing: 12 chains × 11 sections = 132 chains
- Hail Mary beads: 10 picots
- Total picots: 11 ✓
- Approximate total chains: 144 chains

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### CLOSURE LOOP

After the final ch 12 spacing section:

**Ch 15** (this forms the loop that the cross will pass through to close the bracelet).

Join with sl st to the base of the ch-15 (into the last chain made before starting the closure loop) to form a circle.

**Reinforce the loop (optional but recommended):**
Ch 1, work 18-20 sc around the ch-15 loop, join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail.

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## SIZE ADJUSTMENTS

**For Child Size (approximately 6 inches circumference):**
- Reduce spacing chains between beads from 12 to 10
- This reduces total length by approximately 22 chains (2 chains × 11 sections)
- New approximate total: 122 chains

**For Larger Adult Size (approximately 8 inches circumference):**
- Increase spacing chains between beads from 12 to 14
- This adds approximately 22 chains (2 chains × 11 sections)
- New approximate total: 166 chains

**Quick Sizing Test:**
Before working bead picots, make the cross and chain the full length without beads. Wrap loosely around wrist to check fit. Add or subtract chains as needed, keeping spacing between future bead placements even.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Using tapestry needle, weave the starting tail from the cross and the ending tail from the closure loop securely through several stitches on the wrong side. Trim excess.

2. **Block (optional):** Lightly mist with water or spray starch and pin flat to shape, especially the cross. Allow to dry completely.

3. **Shape the beads:** Gently pull each picot to ensure they stand perpendicular to the chain foundation and are evenly shaped.

4. **Test closure:** Thread the cross through the closure loop to ensure proper fit. The cross should slide through comfortably but hold securely.

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## TIPS FOR BATCH PRODUCTION

When making multiple bracelets for events or gifts:

1. **Standardize your chain counts:** Once you determine the perfect fit, write down your exact chain counts for future reference.

2. **Work in stages:**
   - Session 1: Make all crosses (can be done while watching TV)
   - Session 2: Add all spacing chains and bead picots
   - Session 3: Complete closure loops and finishing

3. **Use stitch markers:** Place a locking stitch marker every 12 chains as you work to ensure consistent spacing without counting repeatedly.

4. **Production speed:** An experienced crocheter can complete one bracelet in 15-20 minutes. Plan accordingly for large batches.

5. **Organize materials:** Pre-cut thread lengths of approximately 3 yards each (allows for comfortable working length with minimal waste).

6. **Quality control:** Make one complete sample first, then check every 5th or 10th piece during production to ensure consistency.

7. **Packaging:** Consider attaching a small printed card explaining the symbolism of the rosary decade for recipients unfamiliar with the tradition.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Color Options:**
- Traditional: white or cream
- Symbolic: blue (for Mary), purple (for Lent), red (for Confirmation)
- Personalized: match event colors for First Communion or Confirmation

**Cross Alternatives:**
- For a more substantial cross, work 2 rounds of sl st instead of 1 around the foundation chains
- Add a small pearl or crystal bead to the cross center (requires needle and thread for attachment)

**Bead Alternatives:**
- Use actual tiny beads (size 6/0 or 8/0 seed beads) threaded onto the chain at bead positions
- Work bobble stitches instead of picots for more textured beads

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap
- Roll in towel to remove excess water; do not wring
- Lay flat or pin to shape to dry
- Store flat or loosely coiled to prevent distortion
- Re-starch periodically if using stiffener

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## SYMBOLISM NOTE

This single-decade rosary bracelet represents one complete decade of the traditional rosary prayer. The larger bead represents the Our Father prayer, followed by ten smaller beads representing the Hail Mary prayers. The cross serves as both a closure mechanism and a powerful Christian symbol. While this shortened version is not a complete rosary, it serves as a beautiful prayer reminder and can be worn daily as a symbol of faith.

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*Pattern designed for quick production of religious favors. May be made for personal use, gifts, or charitable distribution. For commercial production in quantities over 100 units, please credit designer.*

**Estimated Time:** 15-25 minutes per bracelet (after completing first practice piece)

**Skill Level:** Beginner to Intermediate (simple stitches, attention to spacing required)

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