Recycled T-shirt Bracelet

by cucumbersome in Craft > Fashion

109489 Views, 197 Favorites, 0 Comments

Recycled T-shirt Bracelet

bracelet_step11.jpg
bracelet_step1.jpg
bracelet_step2.jpg
bracelet_step3.jpg
bracelet_step4.jpg
bracelet_step5.jpg
bracelet_step6.jpg
bracelet_step7.jpg
bracelet_step8.jpg
bracelet_step9.jpg
bracelet_step10.jpg
This is an extension of my Recycled T-shirt Necklace tutorial. It is much more in-depth than my first one. There are lots of steps to show the process, but it is really easy to do once you know. A bracelet (or necklace) can be made in just a couple of minutes.

What you need:
- The sleeve of a soft, clean cotton t-shirt

- A ruler

- A cutting tool (the best results come if you use a rotary cutter* with a self healing mat but you can also use plain old scissors)

*If you are using a rotary cutter for the first time, be careful! The Purl Bee has an excellent tutorial for how to properly and safely use a rotary cutter HERE.

Lay Shirt Out

bracelet_step1.jpg
Lay the shirt sleeve out on a flat surface.

Cut Hem

bracelet_step2.jpg
Using scissors or your rotary cutter, slice off the hem. Discard.

Cut the Strips

bracelet_step3.jpg
From the hem edge, measure up 3/4" and cut straight across sleeve. Continue up the sleeve until you reach the seam.
For a thick bracelet, cut up both sleeves. You can also use sleeves of an alternating color to mix in.

Examine a Strip

bracelet_step4.jpg
Here is a single strip of fabric from the sleeve.

Pull Strips Open

bracelet_step5.jpg
You'll notice that each strip is a loop of fabric.

Stretch the Strips Out

bracelet_step6.jpg
As you stretch each strip out, it will automatically start to furl into itself, as seen in the picture.

Here It Is Stretched

bracelet_step7.jpg
Here is one strip stretched out. It won't curl where the seam is, but don't worry about it.

Line Up the Seams

bracelet_step8.jpg
Now put all your loops together. I am only using two as an example, but you will probably have more. Make sure the seams line up as shown.

Cover the Seams

bracelet_step9.jpg
Using a scrap piece of the same fabric, loop around the seams to cover them.

Tuck the End In

bracelet_step10.jpg
Tuck the end of the scrap under the loops. I have mine sticking out a little to show you, but you can cover it completely.

Done!

bracelet_step11.jpg
Now you can loop it around once or twice to wear as a bracelet.