Make a Punk Rock-style Studded Bracelet From a Scrap Jacket Cuff (any Size!)

Have any of you who cut/unstitch/rip sleeves from denim or leather jackets find yourself with scrap sleeves you don't know what to do with? Well, this gives a use for those old cuffs on the jackets. Using the cuffs means more durable material (especially for the studs), and it also means that there is already a button clasp on it!

This is my second Instructable (the first being one I did for school), so I kind of know my way around making one. This is something I figured out how to do myself, and I figured I'd share it so others can make their own. This whole process takes about 15-60 minutes, depending on how quickly you can put in studs and whether you need to modify the cuff (which adds quite a bit of time).

I say "any size" because I am an extra small, and part of this Instructable will be about how to make a sleeve that is too big for your wrist smaller and fittable, without buying extra clasps! I can't help you, though, if you have a sleeve that's too small, unfortunately.

Materials Needed for this DIY venture:

- One old jacket sleeve (with cuff because that's kinda what you're gonna use)

- Scissors (something that could cut harsher seams on denim or whatever material you're using; kindergarten scissors don't cut it)

- Studs/ spikes (any amount, really, but for this at least 10)

Not a lot, right? For reference, I used 1/2" studs for this, so any measurements or anything like that will be based on 1/2" studs. Sorry if you're not American and have to convert inches. :/

This is pretty self-explanatory, but if you've never done this I recommend reading so you don't break anything.

1. Lay down the sleeve on an area where it will be ok to cut or hold it in the air (my carpet was not the best place)

2. Cut right next to the seam on the cuff, like in the first photo. You shouldn't unstitch any seams on the cuff; it's not necessary and will ruin the project.

NOTE: Be careful with your scissors when cutting on the thick vertical seams; cut slowly and carefully or you make break your scissors. I had really good scissors and needed to cut slowly so they didn't just break.

3. Once you're done cutting, put aside the rest of the sleeve wherever you want to put it. You're not gonna need it. Just have the cuff.

4. Feel free to test and see how the cuff fits you. The next step will apply to those who have a cuff that is too large for their needs; move to Step 4 if you're fine with the fit.

This step is for those who have a cuff that's too big for their needs. Otherwise, as I mentioned earlier, go to Step 4. Unless, of course, you wanna read this for fun or something. I can't and wouldn't stop you.

1. Wrap the cuff around your wrist (button on bottom layer), and mark off mentally or physically where middle of the button lands. Also mark a slit going away from the original hole. *Remember that the button will go to one side of the hole and not just stay in the middle of the hole you make)*

2. Cut a horizontal slit where you marked in the denim with a knife or sharp scissors, and it should be about the same size as the original button slit. Try to make it far enough away from the original that they don't rip into one (in mine, I kept them 1/4" apart).

3. Take out/ cut (don't pull on) any long or loose fabric.

4. Reinforce the cut by applying clear colored nail polish or another adhesive/hardener so that the edges don't ever go loose. You might need 2 or 3 coats, depending on how strong you want it to be.

5. Let whatever you used dry.

6. Fit the button through your new hole. It's ok if the nail polish breaks a bit; it won't affect anything.

7. Either cut off the excess (and reinforce the new end), turn it inside-out if you want to keep the original hole (although if you do this, it could potentially be a pain to take off, not to mention having the button on the inside would not be good), OR you can just keep it as-is and hold the excess to the bracelet with a pin or clip of some sort when you end up wearing it.

Adding studs and spikes are awesome. I will explain, though, for those who want to or who are not as experienced, how to plan where to put the studs. You probably don't want the studs to interfere with the functionality of the bracelet. I don't give instructions on how to actually put in the studs. It's pretty self-explanatory, and many who would see this already know how to do it well.

1. Place the cuff on your wrist and mentally/physically mark where the two ends of the cuff touch the other layer. This point to the ends will be the no-stud area. In the photo, I used a clip and an old bracelet to mark these spots since I didn't want to get bobby pins from another room.

2. Not everyone does this, but pre-place your studs before you put them in, leaving the markers. It gives you an idea of what you're in for and lets you think before you put them in. You can just place them on. They may not be balanced, but it's not meant to be perfect, just a general view, as seen in the second photo.

Note: Most likely, you will be able to comfortably fit 5 of the 1/2" studs across (larger cuff sizes may squeeze in or comfortably fit 6 or more). I did two rows, but depending on what you want and on the size of your studs, it can be whatever.

3. Remove the markers (if you need to), and put in the studs. The material may curl depending on the kind of stud, but the further from seams you are, the less curled it will be. A little or moderate bit of curl doesn't affect wearability. Try not to put them into or outside of seams because that makes for a more difficult and not-so-grand placement. It will curl and crunch like crazy as well. Feel free to make a comment if you know a way to prevent curling. I'm not a total expert.

Hopefully, you've now made an awesome bracelet that you didn't buy at Hot Topic. You made it yourself. If you had spare sleeves from an old jacket-to-vest project, scissors, and some studs, this was totally free! Even if not, it's still cheap!