Easy Steps to Make T-Shirt Yarn Bracelets

In a few simple steps t-shirts can make t-shirt yarn. This can make these simple plaited/braided yarn bracelets. You can also use the yarn in another project we created is t-shirt drawstring bags. This is a great way to upcycling old t-shirts and not let them just go to waste. With the t-shirt yarn, there are so many possibilities. You can plait, braid, weave, crochet or knit them into dusters or facecloths.

With over the 336,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing getting thrown away every year, its good to find projects we can upcycle the excess. Many charities are overwhelmed with low quality donations so its great if we can find an alternative useful project.

These plaited/braided project can be made with same technique:

• Bracelet – short plait to go around the wrist
• Headband – longer plait to go around the head
• Key or bag charm: Shorter plait which can be attached by the loop at the begining of the plait.

To make these plaited/braided bracelets choose the three colours of yarn.

1. Cut three equal lengths of the yarn. Estimate the length by doing a double length of the yarn to the thing you want. if its for a bracelet, do the double length of the wrist or for a headband double the length of the head. If in doubt make it slightly longer as you can always trim it shorter after!
2. Hold the yarn at halfway and fold it in half and knot the three yarns by using an overhand loop knot. This will create a loop of the three yarns, with six strands.
3. Plait/Braid the yarn by separating the 6 strands into 2 of each colour. You now have three sections to make a simple 3 strand braid or plait, which the items below used.
4. Finish the plait/braid off by tying a simple knot, such as an overhand knot. This is finished for the key or bag charm, using the loop to attach it to the keyring or bag.
5. For bracelet or headband, you thread the knot at one end, through the loop knot at the beginning. This creates the loop needed for the bracelet or headband.

Upcycling projects

We have other Upcycling Projects, including how to make t-shirt drawstring bags. to inspire and please share your projects. We love hearing from our followers on what they have been inspired to create.