Transforming Old T-Shirts Into Colorful Bracelets

T-shirt bracelets are a fun, easy, and affordable craft project that can be made by anyone. They are a great way to reuse old or stained clothing that is taking up space in your closet. All you need are some inexpensive bangle bracelets and old t-shirts to make these pretty fashion statements. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to make T-shirt bracelets, including braided bracelets, no-sew bracelets, and beaded bracelets. We will also provide tips on how to cut and prepare your t-shirt material, as well as suggestions for adding decorations and closures to your bracelets.

Braided bracelets

Materials:

You will need an old T-shirt, preferably made of cotton or jersey fabric. Choose a shirt with colours that you like, as you can cut it into strips to create your desired colour combinations. You will also need scissors, glue (hot glue or tacky glue), and optionally some magnets.

Cutting the Strips:

Remove the hem from the bottom of the T-shirt and cut along the seam. Cut strips of fabric about 1-2 cm wide along the bottom. For thinner fabric, cut wider strips of about 2-2.5 cm. You will need strips that are about 12 inches long for the bracelet strings, and you can combine multiple strips by cutting small slits near the ends and tying them together.

Braiding the Strips:

For a simple braided bracelet, cut three strips of equal length and separate them into three groups. Treat each group as a single strand and start braiding them together. Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the new middle strand. Repeat this process, tightening the strands gently after each set of crossovers. Continue braiding until the bracelet is long enough to wrap around your wrist.

Finishing the Bracelet:

Once you have finished braiding, cut the ends of the strips and use glue to seal them. You can attach magnets to the ends of the bracelet to make it easier to put on and take off. Alternatively, you can tie the ends together or add a clasp for a more secure closure. Decorate your bracelet by adding beads, charms, or other decorative elements.

Variations:

You can create different types of braided bracelets by varying the number of strands, using different colours or materials, or adding additional elements such as beads. Here are some variations to try:

• Double-Strand Braided Bracelet: Use six strands of cord in three different colours, cutting two strands of each colour. Knot the strands together and separate them based on colour. Create a basic three-strand braid, treating the two strands of each colour as a single strand.
• 5-Strand Braid: Cut five pieces of cord of the same length, preferably in different colours or shades. Knot and tape the strands to your work surface, then spread them out with three on the left and two on the right. Start braiding by weaving the outermost left strand under and over the other strands, then do the same with the outermost right strand. Continue braiding and tightening the strands until the bracelet is the desired length.
• Mixed-Media Bracelet: For this variation, you can use three strands of different materials such as ribbon, chain, or fabric. Cut the strands to the desired length, then secure fold-over cord ends to any fabric or suede strands. Braid the strands together and add a jump ring and a lobster claw clasp to create a secure closure.
• Adjustable Closure: This technique is suitable for braided cord bracelets. Instead of cutting and tying off the ends, create a sliding knot by wrapping one of the outer strands around the rest of the strands twice. Cut the remaining strands close to the knot and seal the ends with glue or by melting them with a flame. Repeat this process at the beginning of the braid to create an adjustable closure.

Bangle bracelets

To make t-shirt bangle bracelets, you will need an inexpensive bangle bracelet and a t-shirt. You can use any colour t-shirt, but white and grey make good base colours for pastel or neon cord.

Firstly, cut the t-shirt into strips. You can do this by removing and discarding the hem from the bottom of the t-shirt and then cutting up along the seam. Cut strips that are about 1-2cm wide along the bottom. For thinner material, cut wider strips of around 2-2.5cm. You will need two strips about 4 feet long, so you will likely need to combine several strips. To combine strips, cut a small slit near the ends of both strips. Then, string the slit-free end of one strip through the hole of the other strip and then its own slit, forming a loop. Pull the ends to tighten the loop.

Now you are ready to start making your bracelet. Stretch out the material, taking care not to pull it apart where the strips are glued. Tie the strips in a loose knot around the bracelet. Wrap the material tightly around the bangle, gluing another strip to the end of the current one if you need to. When you reach the end, untie the first knot and tie the two loose ends together. Position the knot on the inside of the bangle, cut the ends, and secure with some glue.

You can also make braided bracelets. For this, you will need six strips of material, two of each colour you wish to use. Attach two matching strips, end to end, to make one long strip. Repeat for the others. Stretch out the material, taking care not to pull it apart. Tie the three strips together in a loop knot, leaving a couple of inches above the knot. Braid the strips together and, when you reach the end, loosen the knots on both ends and tie them together. Secure the knot with glue. Trim the fringed ends to your desired length.

Beaded bracelets

Preparation:

• Cut off the trim of the T-shirt across the bottom—you won't need it for this project.
• Cut a strip of the T-shirt along the bottom, about an inch and a half thick.
• Snip it open on one side so it becomes a long strip.
• Pull on both ends and it will curl up into a tube, hiding the edges.
• Fold one end in two and cut the corners to make it sharper and easier to put the beads on.
• Gather three large beads with big holes and thread them on, spacing them evenly apart.

Making the bracelet:

• Wrap the T-shirt tube around your wrist three times.
• Ensure each loop has its own bead on it.
• Use the thread and needle and, while holding all the loops down gently with one finger, push the needle through each loop.
• Put a few more stitches through all the loops. Once you feel the loops are secure, gently pull the bracelet off your arm.
• Tie off the string with the needle, but don't cut it yet.
• Place your index finger along the loops, take the remaining end and wrap it around the loops and your finger.
• Take the tip of the string and pull it through the turns you have just made.
• Gently wiggle and pull on the end of the string, arranging the loops as you go.
• Don't tighten it right away, but do it slowly and carefully until it's tight.
• After you've tightened it, clip the remaining strip of fabric and use your needle and string to stitch the edge in place.
• You can also use your needle to push the tip in to hide it and use tiny stitches on the outside, bigger on the inside, so they are invisible.
• Arrange your beads as you like.

You can also make beaded bracelets using elastic cord, wire, and jump rings. Here are the steps:

Stretchy bracelet:

• Measure your wrist and cut the elastic to size. Wrap your stretchy elastic cord around your wrist one and a half times, then use scissors to cut the elastic about 2 inches away from your wrist.
• Put the elastic around your wrist where you want the bracelet to sit. If you want a looser fit, add extra slack. If you want it tighter, pull the elastic flush against your skin.
• Stretch out the elastic before you start making your bracelet to prevent it from overstretching or snapping.
• Fold some tape over one end of the elastic to keep your beads on the cord.
• Thread your beads onto the elastic until you reach your desired length.
• Tie a square knot to secure your bracelet. Twist the two ends of the elastic over and under each other, creating a simple knot. Then, bring the strand you brought under previously over the other strand to make a second knot. Pull the ends of the elastic tight to secure your square knot.
• Dab a dot of super glue onto the knot for extra security.
• Cut off the excess string and your bracelet is ready!

Wire bracelet:

• Measure your wrist and add 5 to 6 inches. Use a fabric tape measure to measure the size of your wrist.
• Cut your beading wire to size with wire cutters.
• Thread beads onto your wire until the beads are the size of your wrist.
• Latch the clasp onto the bracelet with a crimp bead. Thread on a crimp bead and one part of the clasp, then weave the wire back through the crimp bead to create a loop. Squeeze the crimp bead with a crimper tool or needle-nose pliers to flatten it in place.
• Repeat the process on the remaining open end.
• Snip off the excess wire and put on your bracelet.

Multi-strand bracelet:

• Measure your wrist and add 1 inch to your measurement.
• Cut two pieces of thread twice the length of your measurement.
• Fold your two threads in half and tie a knot to form a loop. Line up both threads so that their ends match up, then fold them in half to make four strings.
• Double-check that the ends line up and tie a loop knot at the top.
• Fold a bead tip over the knot. Dot the knot at the base of the loop with super glue or jewellery glue, then thread a bead tip through the strands. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to close the bead tip over the glued knot.
• Thread all four strands through a beading needle and start beading.
• String beads onto your bracelet until the beaded length matches your wrist size.
• Tie off your beaded strand. Remove the needle and tie an overhand knot at the end of your beads, leaving a tiny gap between the knot and the beads.
• Fold the bead tip over the knot and cut off the excess string. Place a drop of glue over the knot and clamp the tip down with your needle-nose pliers.
• Repeat this process until you have your desired number of strands.
• Join the beaded strands together with jump rings. Open two jump rings with your pliers, slip the looped part of the bead tips from one end of the strands through a jump ring, then close the jump ring. Thread the other jump ring through the other end of the strands, slip on a lobster claw clasp, and then close the ring.

No-sew bracelets

No-sew T-shirt bracelets are a fun and easy way to make use of old T-shirts. The process is simple and can be done in a few minutes, resulting in cute bracelets that are light and comfortable to wear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own no-sew T-shirt bracelets:

Preparation:

First, gather the necessary materials: an old T-shirt, scissors or a rotary cutter, and a cutting mat (optional). You can also use fabric glue or a hot glue gun for certain styles. If you want to decorate your bracelet, you can add a pin or brooch, or attach decorative pieces with glue.

Cutting the Strips:

Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Cut off the bottom hem of the shirt—you won't need this piece. Next, cut strips of fabric from the torso of the shirt. The width of the strips can vary depending on your preference and the desired thickness of the bracelet. For thinner material, cut wider strips, approximately 2-2.5 cm wide. If you're using a rotary cutter, always use a cutting mat to protect your work surface and maintain the blade's sharpness.

Creating the Bracelet:

There are several ways to create a no-sew bracelet from the strips of fabric:

Braiding:

Cut the strips into equal lengths of about 12 inches. Take three strips and anchor the top with a bobby pin or rubber band. Separate them into three strings and start braiding. When you reach the end, snip the excess fabric, and glue a magnet to one end of the braided strip. Do the same to the other end, ensuring the bracelet is the right length to fit your wrist. Cover the magnets with small pieces of fabric, gluing them in place for a neat finish.

Weaving:

Take two strips of fabric, each about 4 feet long, and fold them in half. Clip them together at the fold, giving you four strands. Take the two strands on the right, fold them over the left strands, then loop them back under and over again, tightening the knot. Repeat with the left strands, continuing to alternate and tighten the knots. Keep going until the bracelet is long enough to wrap around your wrist. Remove the clip, feed the free ends through the loops, and knot them a few times before cutting off any excess fabric.

Wrapping:

Cut a strip of fabric about 1 inch wide and stretch it out by gently tugging on the ends. Wrap this strip around your wrist multiple times, creating a comfortable, snug fit. Slip your fingers under the loops and gently pull to even them out. Cut a smaller strip of contrasting fabric, about 2 cm wide and 20 cm long, and wrap it around the loops to hold them in place. Secure the ends of the contrasting strip with a safety pin, then trim off any excess fabric.

With these techniques, you can create a variety of no-sew T-shirt bracelets. Experiment with different colours, fabrics, and decorations to make unique and personalised accessories!

Magnetised bracelets

To make t-shirt bracelets with magnets, you will need the following materials:

• An old cotton or jersey t-shirt
• Rattail cord
• Magnets
• Glue (hot glue or tacky glue)
• Scissors
• A bobby pin or rubber band

Firstly, cut the t-shirt into three strips, each about 1-inch wide and 12 inches long. These will form the strings of your bracelet. Don't worry about cutting the strips precisely, as the ends will curl inwards. Next, cut the rattail cord into three 10-inch strings.

Now it's time to start braiding. Anchor the top of the t-shirt strips with a bobby pin or rubber band, separate them into three strings, and begin braiding. You can use any braiding technique you like, such as a simple three-strand braid or a more complex pattern. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the strips.

Once you've finished braiding, snip the ends of the strips and gather them together. Glue a magnet to one end of the braided bracelet. Do the same for the other end, but first, wrap the bracelet around your wrist to ensure it is the correct length. Cut two small pieces of fabric to cover the magnets, gluing them in place.

And there you have it! Your very own magnetised t-shirt bracelet. You can make these bracelets in various colours and patterns, and they are a great way to upcycle old t-shirts. You can also add beads or charms to personalise your bracelet further.

Frequently asked questions