How to Make Belts and Bracelets Out of Soda Pop Tabs

by drumdude

220K28567

Intro: How to Make Belts and Bracelets Out of Soda Pop Tabs

 This instructable shows you how to make belts and bracelets out of tabs found on soda cans.

This project is fairly easy but takes some time.
Bracelets average 10-20 minutes and belts take about 1-2 hours depending on how quick you are.

STEP 1: Supplies

 Ok first you need to gather all your supplies.

1. about 25 tabs for a bracelet or 100 for a belt.
2. string (yarn, ribbon, wire, ect.)
3. needle (optional)
4. scissors
5. key chain rings or book rings (or anything that can be used for a belt buckle)
6. Glue or nail growth stuff (recommended)

STEP 2: Preperation

 First you need to measure your string and cut it.
A bracelet needs about 3 feet of string while a belt takes 11 to 13 feet of string.

After you cut the string to the right length, mark the middle of the string with a marker (or a piece of tape) you need to do this because you need to start at the middle of the string.


STEP 3: Starting It Off

So now you an slide your first tab onto the string.

Make sure you put it on facing the right way or the outside of the bracelet wont be the smooth side.

Then get a second tab and loop the string over and back through the first tab (sounds confusing but you will get it)

Then put the string through a third tab and back through the second tab.

Then string through fourth and back through third again.
both sides of your bracelet should look similar now.

STEP 4: Make It Longer

Now just continue the pattern to make it as long as you want!

STEP 5: Finishing Up a Belt

Now when you have test fitted your belt you can just tie it off with 3 or 4 knots.
Glue the knot with Nail growth stuff or some kinda glue.
Then cut off the extra string (or leave it on)
And finally add some keychain rings (or book rings)

STEP 6: Finishing Up a Bracelet

To finis a bracelet you need to put the string through the beginning of the bracelet and tie a knot.

Make sure all of the tabs are tied in or you will have a tab that flips (which looks sloppy)

You can flip the bracelet insideout if you need to for this step (it makes it easier)

And just tie and glue a knot like described in the previous step.

STEP 7: Done

Ok your done!
So go show off your new swag! tell people how many gallons of soda you had to drink to make it! give it to someone for a gift! WHATEVER!!!!


Feel free to post any questions or constructive criticism.

66 Comments

aria alegna 3 years ago

Thank you so much! I had spare shoelaces and collected can tabs, and this was the best set of instructions I found out of all the confusing ones! It's very satisfying to make something like this! I plan to gift it to someone and I know she'll love it haha

lwesler24 6 years ago

That is so cool I will make it.

Katterkat58 8 years ago

I only had one problem. I had 2 different sizes of tabs and didnt realize it til I had gotten a quater way through. So I ripped it out and started reading the comments. No one else mentioned having this problem. I of course separated them now. Measured the string unsted of yarn this time. I of course made it doubled and plus about 3" more. But it is still 3" to short. Ugh. How do I add to it to make it longer or do I have to start over.

Wonder_Craft 22 8 years ago

Hi thanks for showing this to me and many people i got it quickly and i like it! I would like to paint the with out painting the string, do you have a special paint and a method to paint it?

DianeL9 8 years ago

Do you have any idea how to do a neck tie? I have seen one but the lady will never reply or post the how to do. I really want to make one for my bil he has COPD and will not be making it long. I wanted to give them as Christmas favors, but I don't know how to do. Any ideas would appreciate it. Here is the site also, so that you can see what I am referring to.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/569775790326968466/

drumdude 8 years ago

That looks really cool!
But no.. I am sorry. I do not know how to make those. Perhaps if you already had the materials you could experiment and see what works?

Xtrodinary 10 years ago

Looks messy and half finished, try again and experiment with different ropes etc. Try not to use a clasp as it tends to look bad. I'm not trying to hate on your bracelet or anything, look at this as constructive criticism.

Xtrodinary 10 years ago

I've made one with green tabs and a white leather band, I use 24 tabs and every other tab i cross the band to make it a little more interesting with different patterns on each side. The band has a hint of stretch in it so it fits perfectly on my wrist.


On the first picture where you can see the knot I simply apply a few drops of superglue and wait a good 6-12 hours for it to dry up before i cut the remaining rope. I've made one with a black band of the same fabric a year back and the knot is still rock solid.


Copy/Paste the links for pictures:

http://bildr.no/view/c2UzSWto
http://bildr.no/view/cU5KRkpl

minergal98 11 years ago

If u make it just a couple tabs shorter than ur wrist then u can use a clasp instead if slipping it on for the bracelet

Nerd King 11 years ago

I Don't understand the thing with the 3rd tab.

Nerd King 11 years ago

Took me longer then I'd like to admit but I figured it out.

Xtrodinary 12 years ago

Wondering if I make make a bracelet with red bull tabs, considering their odd shape and all. Would be cool since I have a jar full of tabs :)

Xtrodinary 12 years ago

Didn't understand how to proceed with the end knot. Here is a pic of how it looks with red bull tabs and white yarn.

drumdude 12 years ago

I don't see a picture...
But just do a few simple "over and under" knots. If you are using yarn you can put some all purpose glue or some nail growth stuff. That way the knot will be glued and will never come apart.

I hope this helped.

Xtrodinary 12 years ago

Okey thanks! I'll try with glue then :)

Maybe the pic works this way: http://bildr.no/image/1165547.jpeg

drumdude 12 years ago

Ok it worked now! cool! =)

drumdude 12 years ago

I don't know. You could try it, but I bet when you're done you probably won't be able to see the little bull =/
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