Braided T-Shirt Necklace: Diy Step-By-Step Guide

Upcycling old clothing is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, and one way to do this is by making a braided T-shirt necklace. This is a simple DIY project that can be done with just an old T-shirt and some glue, resulting in a unique and soft-to-wear accessory. The process involves cutting the T-shirt into strips, braiding these strips together, and then securing the ends with glue and a small piece of leftover fabric. You can even add your own creative twist by combining multiple T-shirts or experimenting with different colours and braiding techniques. So, if you're looking for an easy way to make a bold statement with your old clothes, a braided T-shirt necklace is definitely worth trying!

Choosing a T-shirt

Firstly, the colour of your T-shirt will determine the final look of your necklace. You can opt for a simple grey or white T-shirt, which make good base colours for pastel or neon cord. Alternatively, you can use any colours that match or complement each other. For example, pink, purple, blue and green can look striking when combined. You can also play around with different shades of the same colour, such as yellow, orange or brown.

Another thing to consider is the fabric of the T-shirt. Cotton or jersey T-shirts are ideal for this project. The fabric should be soft and easy to cut and braid. You can also look for T-shirts with interesting prints or patterns that will add a unique touch to your necklace.

When choosing a T-shirt, consider the width and length of the strips you will need to cut. The width of your strips will depend on the desired thickness of your necklace. For a standard necklace, aim for strips that are approximately 1-2.5 cm wide. You will need several strips of this width, so make sure your T-shirt is large enough to accommodate this.

Lastly, consider the condition of the T-shirt. While this project is a great way to recycle old T-shirts, make sure the fabric is still in good condition and free of stains or tears. The fabric should be clean and durable enough to hold its shape when cut and braided.

With these considerations in mind, you can choose the perfect T-shirt to create a unique and stylish braided necklace.

Cutting the T-shirt into strips

To make a braided T-shirt necklace, you will need to start by cutting up an old T-shirt. The number of strips you will need depends on the type of braid you want to make. For a simple three-strand braid, cut the T-shirt into 9 strips. The width of your strips will depend on how thick you want your necklace to be. For example, for a thin braid, cut the strips to be about 1 inch wide and 12 inches long. For a slightly thicker braid, cut the strips to be about 2.5 cm wide. You can also cut a mixture of thin and thick strips to create a braid with varying thickness.

When cutting the T-shirt, it is important to use sharp scissors to ensure that the strips are even. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid any mistakes. Once you have cut all the strips, stretch them out to make them easier to work with. You can also cut off the sleeves of the T-shirt to use as additional strips, or cut them into thinner strips to create a more intricate design.

If you want to add extra colour or texture to your necklace, you can cut strips from multiple T-shirts. Try to choose colours that complement each other, or experiment with different shades of the same colour. You can also use fabric dye to change the colour of your T-shirt before cutting it into strips.

Once you have cut all your strips, you are ready to start braiding!

Braiding techniques

The first step to making a braided T-shirt necklace is to cut up an old T-shirt into long strips. The width of the strips depends on how thick you want your necklace to be. For example, you could cut strips of about 1 inch in width and 12 inches in length.

Next, you'll want to separate your strips of fabric into sections to begin braiding. One method is to separate the strips into two bundles of six strips each. Then, take one bundle and form a loop. Take the second bundle and weave it over and under the first bundle. Repeat this step, then pull the knot tightly from both sides—you've now completed what's known as a sailor's knot.

Now, flip to the other side of the knot and separate the strands into four sections of three strands each. Start with the three far-right strands and cross them over, bringing them to the left, then take the left strands and bring them over to the right, eventually forming a fishtail braid. Continue braiding until you've reached your desired length.

Another braiding technique is to cut your T-shirt into nine strips. Start by braiding three of the strips into a simple three-strand braid. Repeat this process until you have three braids. Then, braid these three braids together to form a larger braid. You can also create two smaller braids by cutting thinner strips of fabric and braiding them together.

Adding clasps and fasteners

Preparing the Braided Necklace:

Before you begin adding clasps and fasteners, you should have already braided your T-shirt strips and created a beautiful braided design. Follow these steps to prepare your necklace for the addition of clasps:

• Cut the fabric: Using scissors, cut an old T-shirt into long strips, approximately 2.5 cm wide. You will need a total of 9 strips for the main braid and 2 additional thinner strips (about 1 cm wide) for the smaller braids that will be attached to the ends.
• Braid the strips: Separate the strips into three sections and start braiding them together. Continue braiding until you have three equally sized braids.
• Assemble the main braid: Take your three braids and begin braiding them together to form the main body of your necklace.
• Seal the ends: Once you've reached the desired length, cut the endings of the large braid and use a small amount of glue to seal it and prevent fraying.
• Attach smaller braids: Cut six more strips, this time thinner (about 1 cm in width). Braid these strips to create two smaller braids. Attach these smaller braids to the ends of your main braid using a small amount of glue.
• Wrap the joints: Cut a small leftover piece of fabric and wrap it neatly around the joints where you attached the small braids to the main braid. Secure it in place with a small amount of glue.

Now that your braided necklace is ready, it's time to add the clasps and fasteners to ensure it can be securely worn:

• Separate the strips: Divide the strips of your main braid into four sections, with each section containing three strands.
• Create a loop: Take one bundle of six strips and form a loop by crossing the strips over each other. This will serve as the base for your clasp.
• Weave the strips: Take the second bundle of strips and weave it over and under the first bundle. Repeat this step two more times, pulling the knot tightly from both sides to create a secure sailor's knot.
• Begin braiding: Separate the strands on one side of the knot into four bundles of three strands each. Start braiding by crossing the three right strands over to the left, and then bringing the left strands over to the right, forming a fishtail braid.
• Continue braiding: Keep braiding until you reach the end of the strands or your desired length. Remember to maintain a consistent tension throughout the braiding process.
• Wrap and knot: Take one of the strands and wrap it firmly around the braid, creating a knot. This will help secure the braid and provide a base for the clasp.
• Attach the jump ring: Take another strand and slide on a jump ring. Cross this strand with the jump ring over the braid and tie another knot, forming a loop that secures the jump ring in place.
• Cut and wrap: Cut off all the ends of the strands, leaving just one strand. Wrap this remaining strand around the cut ends and knots to create a neat finish. Tuck the end of this strand back through the braid to hide it.
• Repeat on the other side: Perform the same steps on the opposite side of the sailor's knot to create a symmetrical design.
• Add the clasp: Finally, add a lobster clasp to one of the jump rings. You can purchase lobster clasps and jump rings at any craft store. This will allow you to securely fasten your braided T-shirt necklace around your neck.

By following these steps, you can create a stylish and secure braided T-shirt necklace with clasps and fasteners. Feel free to experiment with different colours, fabrics, and braid patterns to make your necklace truly unique. Enjoy crafting your one-of-a-kind accessory!

Tying it all together

Now that you've cut your T-shirt into strips and braided them, it's time to tie it all together!

First, cut the ends of your large braid and use some glue to seal it. You can also tie a knot at one end of the braid, or use a bobby pin or rubber band to hold it together. If you want to add some extra security, you can also use a small piece of fabric to wrap around the glued or knotted area. This will give your necklace a more polished look.

Next, you can attach any additional braids or embellishments to the ends of your large braid. If you've opted for a simpler design with no additional braids, you can skip this step. For those who want to get creative, cut some thinner strips of fabric and make two smaller braids. Attach these to the ends of your large braid using glue or by tying them on.

Finally, you'll want to add a closure to your necklace so you can easily put it on and take it off. You can use a lobster clasp, jump rings, or even a magnet. If using a magnet, be sure to glue it in place and cover it with a small piece of fabric. You can also tie your necklace around your neck with the fabric strips, or use a simple knot and slip it over your head.

And that's it! You've successfully upcycled an old T-shirt into a stylish braided necklace. Feel free to experiment with different colours, fabrics, and braiding techniques to create a truly unique accessory.

Frequently asked questions