Revamping Old Bangles

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• 

  Step 1

  If you don't have bangles, just make your own from wire. Cut out a piece of wire that it would fit around your hand easily when curved. Then make two loops, one on each end of the wire, and connect the two loops like jump rings. Make two.

  If you have bangles, good job so far. ;)

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  Step 2

  If you want to change the color of your bangle or make the next step easier, I suggest you wrap your bangle with thread/yarn (yarn is much easier and faster). To do so, tie a knot (leave a tail) to connect your string to the bangle and begin wrapping the bangle with the string, working with the whole spool of thread. If working with the spool isn't possible in your case, cut out a long piece of string (always overestimate for this; you'll usually need more than you think; use more string if it's thin) for wrapping. You'll need to hold onto the beginning tail (from the first knot) for the first inch of wrapping because the knot will spin.

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  Step 3

  To finish the wrap, tie the end with the tail from the beginning knot. Seal the knot by putting a bit of glue on it. Then cut the strings off as close to the knot as possible.

• Step 4

  Repeat with the other bangle, but THIS TIME:
  If you're able to work with the spool of thread, then at the end, make a knot and seal it but DON'T CUT THE STRING CONNECTED TO THE SPOOL (cut the other one only). Unravel a lot of thread (I'd say two full wingspans if your thread is sewing thread thin) and cut it out, making sure it's securely attached to the bangle.
  If you can't work with the spool, cut a long piece of thread for wrapping and cut both strings after sealing. But then make another knot with a new LONG piece of thread, seal the knot, and then cut the TAIL STRING ONLY (not the longer thread).

• Step 5

  If you didn't want to go through the hassle of wrapping (I don't blame you at all), then make sure that the colors of your thread and the bangles don't clash.

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  Step 6

  To add beads, I used the ladder stitch. Start with your long thread attached to the bangle and string on a bead (string the thread on your needle first).

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  Step 7

  Settle the bead between the two bangles. Make sure the thread is above the opposite bangle (no string attached).

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  Step 8

  Put your needle through the right bangle (no string attached) and through the bead.

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  Step 9

  Pull to tighten, keeping the thread above the left bangle (string attached).

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  Step 10

  Insert the needle through the left bangle (string attached) ONLY.

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  Step 11

  String on another bead and position it between the bangles. Keep the thread above the bangle on the right (no string attached).

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  Step 12

  Insert the needle through the bangle on the right (no string attached) and through the bead.

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  Step 13

  Here's the whole process.

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  Step 14

  Continue until you can't fit any more beads.

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  Step 15

  When no more beads will fit, end the bracelet by making knots. To do so, poke your needle into a gap between the beads...

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  Step 16

  ... and then through the circle of thread that the step creates.

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  Step 17

  Pull to tighten this first knot, and make another one for security.

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  Step 18

  Dab some glue on the knot before cutting your string.

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  Step 19

  Then you're done! Congrats, and enjoy your new bracelet.

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Posted by

Amanda B.

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Amanda B. · Coon Rapids, Minnesota, US · 3 projects 21st January 2014

Very clever. I've done this with simple wire wrapping, but thread would be soooooooooo much easier.

Conn · San Francisco, California, US · 134 projects 22nd January 2014

Thanks for your nice comment! I've been wanting to try weaving bangles together with thin gauge wire, actually.

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