Knotted Bracelets made from Recycled Clothing

Here’s a fun project for Earth Day:  recycle torn clothes into cool accessories!  To make these knotted bracelets, I used my children’s old clothing.  I always donate my kid’s clothes to charity, but some items, like these leggings and jeans, were so stained and worn that there was no way to save them.  Rather than throwing them away, I cut them up to make some pretty accessories!

This post first appeared at Dollar Store Crafts, where you can find me every Tuesday.

Supplies:

• Worn Clothes
• Needle and Thread
• (Optional) Kumihimo findings

Step one:  Cut the fabric into 1/2 inch strips.  You will need 4 strips per bracelet.  The length will vary based on how large or small you want your bracelet to be.  Pull the strips so that they begin to curl or fray as desired.

Step two:  Put two strips together and make a loop as pictured in box 1 of the photo instructions.  Continue as shown in the image.

Step three:  Pull the ends gently to make the “knot”.

Step six:  Join the ends in your hand.  Cut a piece of fabric and wrap it around the ends.  Sew it in place to hold the bracelet.

The cotton fabric bracelet stretches easily, so I can easily pull it on and off.  The denim fabric doesn’t stretch, so I had to use clasps.

 

I crimped the findings on the ends of the denim, and added the clasps with jump rings.

Aren’t they pretty?  Think of all the fun color and pattern combinations you could make!  This would be a fun way to keep a favorite shirt or blanket close, or even a great way to remember someone who is no longer with you.  Even if the material doesn’t have special meaning, it’s still a great way to recycle and get your craft on!