Braided Bracelets from Vintage Handkerchiefs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
One of the best parts of this project is that it’s a great way to repurpose the handkerchiefs that are damaged. Because, chances are, the flaws will disappear during the upcycling process!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Either way, this is a terrific idea for upcycling those hankies that you’ve been hanging onto for a while. You may recall that I re-worked a damaged scarf to make a jewelry project, too!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Anyway, here’s a simple little project to work on at home, which is something we can all relate to right now!
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Prepping the Vintage Handkerchiefs for Jewelry Making
To start these simple bracelets, I first ironed the handkerchiefs. Then, I cut off one of the finished edges before cutting three strips of fabric, each strip about 1¼” – 1½” wide.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Because I like a “shabby” look to these, I pulled the long edges of each strip to encourage some fraying.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
To start the bracelet, I folded each strip in half (just at the top), and all three together. I pulled a needle and thread through the folds a few times before wrapping the thread tightly around the end.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Before I started braiding the strips of vintage handkerchiefs, I threaded my needle again before setting it aside. Trust me, do this now- you’ll thank me later!
Then, I began to braid the strips of fabric. Not too tightly, not too loosely- just an even, straight braid that didn’t bend or pull.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Vintage Inspired Jewelry and Boho Bracelets
When I reached the end, I carefully checked the size of the braid to see if it was long enough to fit around my wrist. It was, so I stopped braiding just shy of the very end, but this will be different for everyone.
NOW that pre-threaded needle comes in handy! Otherwise, I would have had to set the braid down to thread the needle and it would have come undone a bit.
Anyway, just like at the beginning, I pinched the strips of handkerchief between my fingers and pulled the thread through a few times. I finished by wrapping it around the gathered fabric before knotting off.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And yes, that’s my teapot pincushion and sewing caddy in the background- I use it constantly!
Next, I trimmed off the ends of the strips just above the wrapped thread, taking care not to cut through the thread.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
To finish off the braided bracelets, I gathered some jewelry end caps (like these, with an opening of 6-7mm), super glue, and a bamboo skewer.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I added a few drops of super glue inside one end cap. I inserted one end of the braided bracelet into the end cap, using the skewer to push it in fully.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Then, I did the same thing at the other end. All I needed to do to finish it up was attach a clasp (I used a magnetic version) to each end via a jump ring.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Braided Bracelets from Vintage Handkerchiefs
And that, as they say, was the end! I had upcycled one of the vintage handkerchiefs into a very sweet and shabby little bracelet.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Of course, I needed to make more from some of the other hankies that Gina had sent me! These are like potato chips: once you make one, you can’t stop!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Super easy to make a great way to repurpose those vintage hankies that you may have laying around.
And trust me, if they’re damaged or worn through in places, you’ll likely never know!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And check it out. I even did a version of these braided bracelets in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”! Can you guess which part of a flannel shirt I used to make them?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for cloth bracelets from vintage handkerchiefs, then you’ll also love this DIY charm bracelet from rhinestone buttons!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
