If you saw my last post, then you already know that I am sewing items for the 5th mission organized by the People's Sewing Army that is requesting handmade gender pronoun cuffs, pride patches, and bow ties.
I've been having a lot of fun putting these cuff bracelets together, and thought I would share a few ideas about how to construct them! These are super easy, fast, scrap busting projects, I have already made a whole collection! These would be great to make for or with kids of any age, just add their favorite colors and embellishments!
Version 1: An actual shirt cuff
Arguably, this may be the easiest way to make this type of bracelet as there is minimal sewing and it comes with a closure! All you need to do is find some shirts that have cuffs preferably with a button. They're usually button ups but some women's blouses have them too! You will need to sew over the raw edge where you cut the cuff off of the sleeve so that it doesn't unravel. Depending on your embellishments, it may be easier to do this before or after you decorate. I sewed the zigzag after adding all my decorations so that it would also lock in my loose fabric edges. If you planning on beading (or any kind of 3D element) near the edge you may want to zigzag first. The only downside with this construction method is that the stitching is visible on the back and you are kind of stuck with whatever size the cuff is!
Version 1.2: 2" Hem or Waistband
This construction method gives you all the simplicity of version 1 except now you can control the size! If you're making this for a specific person, I recommend measuring their wrist and understanding how loose/tight they want it. If you're making a bunch to hand out to random people, I would make them at least 7" long with room for seam allowance. I think some of mine are a little smaller than 7", but I'm hoping they will still work for someone! You might be able to make use of the existing closure if you use a waistband, if not you will need to add one! I'm using plastic snaps, but you could use buttons, button holes, elastic, or even a jewelry closure if you have it around!
Version 2: Fold over Method
For this version, you will want to measure out a rectangle that's the length + allowance and 2 X the width + allowance that you want the bracelet to be. Depending on your preferences, you can cut it out first to decorate, or decorate before cutting. After finishing decorations, cut out, fold in half with right sides facing, and sew along 2 edges leaving an opening so you can turn it. Trim your corners and excess seam allowance. Turn the bracelet right side out. Tuck in the raw edge, iron flat, and top stitch around all edges. Add the closures you prefer and you're ready to go! This method is great for using up random pieces of fabric and it hides any stitching in between the layers, so it looks well finished!
Version 2.2: 2 Strip Method
This version takes the most sewing, but it lets you mix and match scrappy rectangles if you don't have a large enough piece for the fold over method. To create this, you'll need to measure out 2 rectangles that are wrist length and bracelet width + allowance on all edges. After decorating, sew up on 3 edges and finish the bracelet the same way as the fold over method!
I hope I've given you a few ideas about how to make some fabric bracelets with scraps you have around your craft room! If you'd like to get some other ideas for fabric bracelets, you can check out my Pinterest board for some more inspiration and like Sunny Salvage on Facebook to stay up to date. If you make any cuffs I'd love to see them, tag @Sunny_Salvage on Instagram! Until next time!
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