Ever recycled your old t-shirts to make jewelry? You should! In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make two braided t-shirt necklaces and two braided t-shirt bracelets using yarn made out of old t-shirts.
DIY t-shirt yarn necklaces and bracelets are not only fun to make, but they're also a spectacular way to upcycle old t-shirts and turn them into a fashionable accessory.
Ready? Let’s make jewelry!
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Tools and materials:
- Old t-shirts
- Clipboard
- Ruler
- Sharp scissors
- Charms and beads
- Chalk or marker
Cutting up an old t-shirt to make yarn
How to make thet-shirt jewelry yarn
Before we jump into the t-shirt necklace and bracelet designs, we need to make the yarn from the t-shirts. Grab an old shirt, lay it down flat, and fold it in half. Cut off the bottom to make a straight edge.
How to make yarn for t-shirt jewelry
From that straight edge, measure 1.5cm (59 inches) sections off the edge of the t-shirt. Use these marks to draw lines across the shirt.
Cutting strips from the recycled t-shirt
Then, cut along these lines to make strips. Stretch the strips and cut them in half, if needed.
T-shirt bracelet tutorial
1. Fishtail braided t-shirt bracelet
Start with six strands. If your strands are long, take three, fold them together, and knot them on top. Clip your knot onto the clipboard before braiding the t-shirt yarn, to hold the strings in place.
To braid, separate your strands in half (three on either side). Take the outer strand and bring it to the center. Then, take the outer strands from the other side and do the same.
Remember to alternate between the sides.
DIY braided t-shirt bracelets
About a third of the way through the braiding process, add a bead through the center strand and continue braiding.
Braided t-shirt bracelets
Add a couple more beads about an inch apart and continue braiding.
Assembling the t-shirt bracelet
Once the t-shirt bracelet is long enough, string half the strands through the loop on top and trim.
Bracelets made from old t-shirts
What do you think of this fabulous braided t-shirt bracelet? I love the texture and rustic design!
Recycled t-shirt bracelet
2. Braided t-shirt yarn bracelet
This t-shirt bracelet uses a classic braid. Take three different colored strands and clip the ends on your clipboard.
Take the outer strand, place it in the middle, take the outer strand from the opposite side, and do the same. Continue this process and alternate sides accordingly.
T-shirt yarn bracelet
Once the braid is long enough to fit around your wrist, tie the ends together and trim.
DIY braided t-shirt bracelet
I love how simple this DIY braided t-shirt bracelet looks! This bracelet could go with just about any casual outfit.
T-shirt necklace instructions
3. Rope braid t-shirt yarn necklace
Tie your ends together, leaving at least a few inches at the end. I'm making a choker t-shirt necklace, so I'll leave longer ends.
T-shirt yarn necklace
Now, rope braid your strands by twisting them in one direction and braiding them over each other in the opposite direction.This is a little like trying to pat your head and rub your belly at the same time!
Necklace made from t-shirt
When you get about halfway through your braided t-shirt necklace, add a charm for detail, and then continue braiding.
T-shirt necklace DIY
Once the t-shirt necklace is long enough, tie the strands together in a knot.
T-shirt yarn necklace ideas
I love this choker! It’s stunning, basic, and really unique. The best part about this t-shirt necklace DIY is that you can choose any bead or charm that you want. The whole creative process is up to you!
Braided t-shirt necklace
4. Fishtail braided t-shirt necklace
Using the same method as the first bracelet, I went ahead and did the same process.
Do a fishtail braid and add some beads as you go along. For a recap, go to the first style on this t-shirt necklace tutorial to get the full details on how to braid this choker.
Braided t-shirt necklace with beads
I love the color contrast of the wooden beads against this beautiful teal color!
Well, that’s the end of this t-shirt necklace and bracelet tutorial. I hope you enjoyed learning how to make braided jewelry out of recycled t-shirts. Remember to share your results!
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