My love of fabric knows no bounds these days. Even the scrap pieces that fall to the floor are making themselves useful. I found myself with a few skinny lengths of vintage calico and decided to braid them together into a necklace. I love, love braided rugs and I feel like I am carrying that love with me when I wear this around.
All you have to do to make one is gather three pieces of any fabric you love. Cut them (or pull them from your scrap pile) into 1" W x any length strips but make sure they are about 1 foot longer than your intended necklace. Loosely knot the top and start braiding, evenly and tightly, until your necklace is the desired length. Un knot your top knot. Trim your two ends so you have about 1/2" on both sides. Hold your two ends closely together so they overlap just slightly and secure with a few back and forths of a zig zag stitch as close to the braid on each side as you can. Done! Wrap around your wrist a few times to wear as a bracelet.
You can use larger widths of fabric for a thicker braid or use more than three pieces. Mix colors or use the same. These lengths would be great for decorative trim on sewing project or bag handles or belts or pretend play horsey bridles, etc. Anything! What colorful fun!
PS. The scrappy, straggly piece around my neck is just a 'cutting room floor' piece from one of my pillowcase totes and please ignore the pizza boxes in the fireplace.
Love this idea. So cute.
Posted by: Kara | April 25, 2011 at 12:49 PM
thanks kara!
Posted by: Abi | April 25, 2011 at 01:31 PM
I have been seeing a lot of wearables being made from scraps of fabric lately, and was wondering if you've ever tried to make something like a sweater or a top?
Posted by: Marie | April 25, 2011 at 02:37 PM
What a fabulous idea! My girls will just love this. I know what we will be doing one night this week while papa is working. Thanks!
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 25, 2011 at 08:03 PM
I love this use for fabric scraps - and I love your jeans - what kind are they?
Posted by: elizabeth | April 28, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Oh thank you, thank you for this idea! I have had a project spinning around in my head for weeks and I needed the perfect cord to go with it....nothing I have been able to think of was right but this, I think will be just what I was looking for - perfect! You are a superstar!!!
Posted by: Mousy Brown | May 03, 2011 at 07:13 AM
marie, i haven't. i am intrigued now! do you have a link?
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | May 03, 2011 at 06:12 PM
they are thrifted Bongo jeans. i have had them for years now. they are a soft, lightweight chambray, really wide leg...very comfy!
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | May 03, 2011 at 06:13 PM
:) xoxo
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | May 03, 2011 at 06:13 PM
I really find your site inspiring and love your ideas!
Posted by: Wendy | May 19, 2011 at 04:01 PM
thanks so much wendy!
Posted by: Abi | May 20, 2011 at 05:55 PM