Sew Cute: Gem Wrap Bracelet
I need to step up my accessory game. I have a pretty wonderful collection of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—some new, some vintage—but I usually end up wearing my few stand-by pieces with just about every outfit. I wanted to get out of my fashion rut with a new trinket. Luckily, crafting provides a wallet-friendly alternative to a jewelry store shopping spree.
I made a simple braided bracelet a few weeks back, so I decided to go in a different direction with this particular piece of jewelry. This is my spin on the classic wrap bracelet, using simple ribbon and some faux gemstones. The resulting bauble is pretty without being precious—the perfect finishing touch to your favorite jeans and tee or sweet sundress.
Materials:
- 3/8-inch wide ribbon
- Gemstone beads (I recommend using beads with flat backs—they’ll be easier to attach to the ribbon)
- 1 small button
- Thread in a corresponding color to the ribbon
- Basic sewing needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Fray check
Craft away:
- Measure and cut a 21-inch piece of ribbon.
- Dab a few drops of fray check onto the ends of the ribbon, and let dry.
- Snip a small hole into one end of the ribbon, about 1/2-inch from the edge. Make sure it’s large enough for the button to fit through. Put some fray check around the edges of the hole, and let dry.
- Cut a couple of feet of thread and fold it in half, then thread the needle and tie a knot.
- Begin stitching the beads onto the ribbon, centering them and keeping them close together. I recommend tying a knot after sewing on each bead—that way, if the thread breaks later, you’ll only have to reattach one bead.
- Stitch the button onto the end of the ribbon without the hole.
- When you’re ready to wear your bracelet, just wrap the ribbon around your wrist and secure it in place with the button.
