DIY: Braided Yarn and Duct Tape Bracelet

Using the same yarn and duct tape I used in my Yarn and Duct Tape Necklace, I decided to create a braided bracelet; I thought multiple braids would create a nice texture.

SUPPLIES

• Yarn (I used a superfine cotton/wool blend)
• Jump rings (I used twelve 6mm; two 10mm; two 4mm for clasp)
• Clasp
• Tape
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pliers
• Nonstick surface (e.g. clipboard, kitchen counter, self-healing cutting mat)

DIRECTIONS

— 1 —

Cut 18 strands of yarn, each about 22 inches in length.

— 2 —

Thread three strands of the yarn through a closed 6mm jump ring; center jump ring on yarn.

— 3 —

Knot the yarn and try to get the knot close to the base of the jump ring.

— 4 —

Tape the jump ring and yarn to a nonstick surface.

— 5 —

Divide the yarn into three sections (2 yarn strands per section).

— 6 —

Braid the yarn.

— 7 —

Thread a second 6mm jump ring at the bottom of the braided strand.

— 8 —

Knot the yarn to the base of the jump ring. (Note: The knot indicates the end of the braided strand, so it should be placed at the correct place that’s appropriate for the size of your wrist. My finished braid length was about 6 inches, but everyone’s wrist size is different. Also keep in mind that the clasp will add extra length to the bracelet.)

— 9 —

Cut yarn ends to about 3/8 inch.

— 10 —

Repeat steps 3–8 five more times. You should now have 6 braided strands. (Note: use the first strand as a template for the length and knot placement for the following braided strands.)

— 11 —

Cut a piece of ½ inch duct tape.

— 12 —

Adhere duct tape to a knot at the base of the jump ring. Carefully wrap the duct tape tautly around the yarn.

Note: If the end of the wrapped duct tape doesn't stay entirely down, you may want to use a little bit of superglue on it to help keep things secure.

— 13 —

Repeat steps 10 and 11 on all of the ends of the braided strands (another 11 times).

— 14 —

Connect the six 6mm jump rings on the braided strands to an open 10mm jump ring. Close jump ring.

— 15 —

Connect the other six 6mm jump rings to a second open 10mm jump ring. Close jump ring. (Note: when threading the second set of 6mm jump rings, keep them in the same order as when threading the first set of 6mm jump rings, that way the braided strands will remain straight.)

— 16 —

Attach clasp with jump rings. Braided Yarn and Duct Tape Bracelet complete.