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!
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.
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.
Then, cut along these lines to make strips. Stretch the strips and cut them in half, if needed.
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.
About a third of the way through the braiding process, add a bead through the center strand and continue braiding.
Add a couple more beads about an inch apart and continue braiding.
Once the t-shirt bracelet is long enough, string half the strands through the loop on top and trim.
What do you think of this fabulous braided t-shirt bracelet? I love the texture and rustic design!
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.
Once the braid is long enough to fit around your wrist, tie the ends together and trim.
I love how simple this DIY braided t-shirt bracelet looks! This bracelet could go with just about any casual outfit.
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.
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!
When you get about halfway through your braided t-shirt necklace, add a charm for detail, and then continue braiding.
Once the t-shirt necklace is long enough, tie the strands together in a knot.
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!
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.
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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The tee shirt yarn would make these necklaces and bracelets so SOFT!
Good idea!