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Braided Cuff Tutorial

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Today I’m sharing my braided cuff made from an old T-Shirt.  This was quick, easy and inexpensive, (all things that make me smile) and I can’t tell you how many people have complimented me on this little bracelet.
 Before I get to the tutorial . . . I did a post awhile back on an “accidental” necklace that I made while trying to create an infinity scarf from an old T. Here is a picture of that completed project (I love it when accidents turn into something better than the original plan don’t you?).
 A link back to that tutorial can be found by clicking HERE
Even though that project had a good end result I still wanted to try making the infinity scarf. As my mom always told me, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.”  
So . . . tada!  Below is my second attempt at an infinity scarf  and this time I was successful. I don’t know if I’d really call it a scarf, it is sort of a scarf/necklace, but whatever it is I kinda like it.
 This is the lovely T-Shirt I used (don’t worry Mr. OTN, it isn’t one of yours). Love the color . . . but what was I to do with the leftover fabric?If I could use it for something I was determined to do so.
I made a decision to make a bracelet and began by cutting nine 1″ wide strips of fabric from the sleeves.
I gave them all a good stretch to make them curl in on themselves.
Then I knotted three strands together on one end and began braiding. Everyone knows how to braid, right?
When I’d made three braided strands I simply stitched them together on my sewing machine.
 I adjusted the bracelet to fit my wrist, trimmed off the excess fabric, machine stitched across the ends of the braids so they wouldn’t come unraveled and then hand stitched the ends together to make the circle that is the bracelet. This is how it looked at that point. Cute enough but not quite finished!
A quick trip over to the kitchen garbage can to dig out the hem of the cuff that I’d already thrown away (it was only a little bit damp) and . . .
  . . . well, you know how I love rosettes! So here we go again with the making of a little rosette adornment. You can find a tutorial for this type of rosette HERE, the only difference being that I made more twists in the fabric to give it a flatter appearance.
I stitched the rosette to the top of the bracelet and added one final embellishment . . . a button from my stash of miscellaneous pretties.
 So there you have it! The one thing I might do differently the next time is to use store purchased snaps as a closure. With the weight of the rosette on top my bracelet tends to turn sideways, unless I put it on over the sleeve of whatever shirt I’m wearing.
 Can you even believe that that old Columbus fist bumping T-Shirt could be transformed into something I’d actually be happy to wear?  
I am having the time of my life making OldThingsNew!
       Blessings,
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Comments

  13. Wow. I love this. These sort of bracelets are just awesome and you did a wonderful job making this one. I’m a new follower and a new fan. I have a link party going on now and I’d love for you to add your bracelet.

    Angel @ sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com

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  20. Thanks so much for the tutorial. I have a scarf I made and don’t really like. I thought about braiding it into a bracelet, but never have and now you’ve given me the inspiration I need.
    Do you live in Columbus? If so, I do to.
    Cindy

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  29. Love cuffs!! And yours is adorable! I saw this post at the linky parties and glad I read your post.. off to Goodwill to find a cool colored t-shirt and try it myself!

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  33. I’m so excited to try this…really. My next stop is to see how you did the rosette (I love flower embellishments)… Do you suppose this project could translate into a belt (archaic: kirtle)? Because I’ve been daydreaming about making one. I so love your idea…I’m glad I clicked on the link. Thank you. Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom.com

    Reply

  41. Oh, I am so loving this!! Wow, you did a fabulous job. Just pinned and I am featuring tomorrow at Pick of the Bunch! Thank you so much for inspiring us each week with your amazing projects. Have a wonderful weekend!!
    Hugs
    Kathy

    Reply

  44. I love your bracelet but can’t figure out how you sew it on the machine, yet it doesn’t show through the front…can you tell me how that works? thank you.

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  45. Lovely bracelet. Can you tell me how you sew the three rows together on the machine without it showing through on the other side? thank you

    Reply

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