Since it's so hard to find straps in the colors of the Philippine flag (blue, red, white, yellow), I decided crochet my own. I haven't done this in over a decade, but I still remember the basics.

I still remember the 90's and early 2000's. Internet connection was limited (dial-up) and I had to figure out a way to keep myself busy, especially during the summer breaks. I read books (Harry Potter), watched VHS tapes (rented from the store nearby), baked (badly), and made crafts.

Note that I haven't done this in over a decade so the one I made isn't all that neat, but I'm pretty confident about the pattern which is why I wanted to share it with you. I'd like to apologize ahead that my pattern-making skills are shoddy as well. I just used Microsoft Excel to make it. 😅

Not the neatest work, to be honest, but it'll do!


For now, this is the pattern for an 18mm lug width. For my other pattern in 20mm, click here:
My Second Crochet Watch Strap (Pattern for 20mm Lug Width)

Also note that this doesn't easily slip in between the lugs (unlike nylon straps), which makes it a bit of a hassle. You'd have to remove the spring bars, then position the strap on the lug area, and then put the spring bars back.


Tools and Materials:

  • Mercerized Cotton Yarn in any set of colors you like - They're more comfortable on the skin than the usual yarn. If you use anything thicker than this, it might not fit. If you use anything smaller, it might not be wide enough for an 18mm lug width.
  • Crochet Hook in 0.9mm to 2.0mm Size - I used 0.9mm but it snagged the yarn a bit, so better use the next size up.
  • An old watch buckle in 18mm. If you're using a buckle with a different size, you'll need to adjust the pattern to add an extra width. I'll be experimenting on a 20mm version in the future so watch out for that one.

Mercerized Cotton Yarn isn't itchy on the wrist


Steps:

1. I'm making a long chain stitch using another strap as a reference for length plus 1 more inch. Or measure your ideal length for your wrist then add 1 inch because it'll get shorter later. Roughly, mine was a total of 11.5 inches worth of chain stitches.


11.5 inches worth of Chain Stitch

2. Make single crochet stitches going back all the way to the end of the chain.

Single Crochet going from right to left all the way to the end

3. Add the next color and make single crochet stitches all the way around (incorporate hiding the tail), adding 1 chain stitch in between single crochet stitched at the curve here. Before you continue with the rest after the curve, make sure the curve lays down flat.


Chain stitch in between Single Crochets for the curve

4. Do the same for the next 2 layers (red and blue). Make sure the curved area lays down flat before moving on!

Take note of the curve, make sure it lays flat before moving on



Remember to incorporate the tail whenever you can

5. When I'm happy with the width, I'm going to end the project by adding the buckle! I did single crochets stitches around the spring bar, did a slip stitch to make space for the prong, then continued with single crochet stitches for the rest.

Note that there are a lot of factors that can affect the resulting width: the size of your string, the size of your crochet hook, how much pressure you put on each stitch throughout the project. The result can vary from person to person.

It's wide enough for an 18mm lug width


6. For the keepers, I made them both fixed, similar to how it is for nylon straps. They're all just chain stitches + single crochet stitches. For me, I made 12 chain stitches.


7. Remember to hide all the tails in between stitches!


Hide the tail when you're done!

Here's the very short video of my process: