diy: fabric bracelets

I've got a quick and simple project to share with you today! Assuming you already have fabric/fusible interfacing/thread/etc it is also very inexpensive. Dig up some fabric scraps and then head over to your local craft store to pick up some basic jewelry findings. You'll also need some needle nose pliers and Fray Check. 

I found the necessary jewelry findings at Hobby Lobby and Joann's. I'm sure Michael's carries this stuff   too. I was able to get everything on sale for a few dollars per item. For about $6 {if the items are on sale or you use coupons}, you'll have enough supplies to make several bracelets. I should mention that the ribbon crimps come in various sizes...Hobby Lobby only carried one size which was just under 3/8" wide. I wouldn't try to use anything smaller than that. Joann's carries a multi-size bag which includes 3/8" and 3/4" wide ribbon crimps. You can also find the crimps on Etsy.

As noted on the photo above, you'll use the ribbon crimps to determine how wide to cut your fabric strips. I used a 1/4" seam allowance when making these so you'll want to add 1/2" to the width of the crimp. The interfacing should be cut the same width as the ribbon crimps. Cut everything the same length...whatever fits around your wrist minus the length of the clasp and jump rings. For example, my wrist is about 6" around so I cut my strips between 6" and 6.5" long to allow the bracelets to fit with a little wiggle room. If you opt to use different fabrics for the front and back, your bracelets will be reversible.

Center the strips of interfacing on the wrong sides of the fabric and fuse. Place your fabric strips right sides together making sure all the edges are lined up well. Sew along one side of the interfacing which should give you a 1/4" seam allowance. Press open the seam and then fold in the outer edges towards the middle by 1/4" - use the interfacing as a folding guide. Press everything into place and then fold the bracelet in half, wrong sides touching. I like to use small binder clips to hold everything in place. Sew closed the open side first then flip things around and sew along the other side. If you want to add additional rows of stitching, go for it! Using a straight edge and rotary cutter, trim the ends evenly and then seal them with Fray Check. 

Once your bracelets are dry, gather up your pliers, crimps, jump rings, and clasps. Use the pliers to flatten the crimps onto the ends of the bracelets. I do this in steps to avoid denting the crimps. Pull on the crimps to make sure they're attached well. Then use the pliers to pull open the jump rings just enough to fit onto the ends of the crimps. Slide a clasp onto one of the rings, close up the rings, and you're all finished! Wear one bracelet or stack them up. These would make cute stocking stuffers or teacher gifts as well.