Recycled T-shirt Bracelet
by cucumbersome in Craft > Fashion
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Recycled T-shirt Bracelet
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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.
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
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Lay the shirt sleeve out on a flat surface.
Cut Hem
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Using scissors or your rotary cutter, slice off the hem. Discard.
Cut the Strips
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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.
For a thick bracelet, cut up both sleeves. You can also use sleeves of an alternating color to mix in.
Examine a Strip
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Here is a single strip of fabric from the sleeve.
Pull Strips Open
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You'll notice that each strip is a loop of fabric.
Stretch the Strips Out
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As you stretch each strip out, it will automatically start to furl into itself, as seen in the picture.
Here It Is Stretched
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Here is one strip stretched out. It won't curl where the seam is, but don't worry about it.
Line Up the Seams
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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
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Using a scrap piece of the same fabric, loop around the seams to cover them.
Tuck the End In
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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!
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Now you can loop it around once or twice to wear as a bracelet.