Recycled T-shirt Bracelet

This is an extension of my Recycled T-shirt Necklace tutorial. It is much more in-depth than my first one. There are lots of steps to show the process, but it is really easy to do once you know. A bracelet (or necklace) can be made in just a couple of minutes.

What you need:
- The sleeve of a soft, clean cotton t-shirt

- A ruler

- A cutting tool (the best results come if you use a rotary cutter* with a self healing mat but you can also use plain old scissors)

*If you are using a rotary cutter for the first time, be careful! The Purl Bee has an excellent tutorial for how to properly and safely use a rotary cutter HERE.

Step 1: Lay Shirt Out

Lay the shirt sleeve out on a flat surface.

Step 2: Cut Hem

Using scissors or your rotary cutter, slice off the hem. Discard.

Step 3: Cut the Strips

From the hem edge, measure up 3/4" and cut straight across sleeve. Continue up the sleeve until you reach the seam.
For a thick bracelet, cut up both sleeves. You can also use sleeves of an alternating color to mix in.

Step 4: Examine a Strip

Here is a single strip of fabric from the sleeve.

Step 5: Pull Strips Open

You'll notice that each strip is a loop of fabric.

Step 6: Stretch the Strips Out

As you stretch each strip out, it will automatically start to furl into itself, as seen in the picture.

Step 7: Here It Is Stretched

Here is one strip stretched out. It won't curl where the seam is, but don't worry about it.

Step 8: Line Up the Seams

Now put all your loops together. I am only using two as an example, but you will probably have more. Make sure the seams line up as shown.

Step 9: Cover the Seams

Using a scrap piece of the same fabric, loop around the seams to cover them.

Step 10: Tuck the End In

Tuck the end of the scrap under the loops. I have mine sticking out a little to show you, but you can cover it completely.

Step 11: Done!

Now you can loop it around once or twice to wear as a bracelet.