Cut up an old T-shirt & create a fashionable bracelet

T-shirts, like coffee mugs and plastic water bottles, seem to multiply quickly and without notice. There’s a crafty way to recycle a used tee, and it's fashionable, much more fun and far more environmentally friendly than throwing it in the rag pile. Whether the tee in question is multi-hued, tie-dyed or a solid shade, converting its remnants into one bracelet or many is easy, nearly free and quick.
Similar to friendship bracelets, these pieces are made by employing a simple braiding technique and attaching magnetic bracelet clasps, widely available at craft stores, on either end. Whether you choose to make a dozen as a show of love for friends or one as a gift to yourself, these accents add a casual, beachy look to any outfit. The farthest thing from precious, these bracelets can get wet, be pushed and pulled, and can withstand other types of wear and tear--yet they remain consistently cute.
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Materials
- Old t-shirt
- Scissors
- Permanent Sharpie markers in different colors
- Needle
- Thread in color that matches t-shirt, or contrasting color
- Magnetic bracelet clasp
Instructions
1. Lay the t-shirt flat and cut the strips, about ½” wide, from the sleeves, starting at the open end.
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2. Lay three strips side by side lengthwise and cut to the same length.
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3. With one or more markers, draw a pattern or coat the middle strip with a different color.
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4. Gather the strips together and tie a knot at one end.
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5. Braid the three strips, starting at the point where the knot is, ensuring that the colored strip is still situated in the center between the two plain strips.
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6. Tie a second knot at the other end when you're finished braiding.
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7. With a needle and thread, sew a magnetic bracelet clasp piece on one end of the bracelet, making sure that the magnetic end is facing the other end of the bracelet.
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8. When it’s secured, knot the string and cut the excess thread with scissors.
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9. Repeat steps 7-8 on the other end of the bracelet.
10. It's now ready to wear.
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