Silk Thread Bangles: Easy Upcycle Tutorial
This super easy fashion upcycle turns old bangles into fashionable silk thread bangles for you to wear and stack! You can also check out my tutorial on how to make beaded bangles. This post contains affiliate links.
I love stacking bangles on my wrist, but if you’ve ever had a jangly wrist and a baby napping next door, you’ll understand the impracticality of it!
I also find that my fake fast-fashion bangles tend to rub out quite quickly. So they make the perfect basis for an upcycle – and why not try making silk thread bangles with them?
In the past I’ve upcycled bangles with nail polish, but this one really adds so much texture!
This tutorial can be made with cheap bangles or old ones. It’s a very durable way to thread wrap bangles so that it lasts well, however I wouldn’t go so far as to call it “easy”. This method does form a running “stitch” along the edge. You can enjoy it as part of the design or hide it on the inside of the bangle.
It is the type of craft you can sit on the couch with, do in waiting rooms, take on the go, etc. Because it’s a craft that can be completed at a later date, it’s a fantastic workshop craft too.
I simply used backward and forward knots to wrap silk thread bangles. This helps it hold well. The smoother and silkier your thread, the more challenging it’ll be as you’ll have to hold each knot tight as you thread.
And while pricey and thin silk thread would give it that authentic Indian touch, you can try it with twisted silk beading cord, embroidery floss, or whatever you’d like! If using thinner threads, you can double it up to wrap faster. Ideally, look for a floss that’s thin enough to look classy but thick enough to not be tortuously tedious.
On that note, the smoother your bangle is, the easier it’ll be! I tried it with a few bangles. The first one I started (and ironically, the one featured in most of the process images), I totally gave up on as the thread kept getting stuck in the grooves.
When you’re done making these silk thread bangles, you can try cobra knotting one like I did for these string wrapped hoop earrings, or try using this tutorial on old hoops!
What you need to make thread wrapped bangles
- Twisted silk beading cord or embroidery floss – quality will matter, I recommend DMC. I used DMC size 8 which is thinner than the typical embroidery floss.
- Bangles
- Thread snippers
- Embroidery needle if using a thread that holds well
- E6000 Glue if using a thread that doesn’t hold well
- Optional: jumprings, jewelry pliers, and charms, either make your own with beads and headpins, or just attach ready made charms
How to make silk thread bangles
1. Knot your thread around your bangle leaving an approximately one inch long tail.
2. Start with either a forward or backward knot around your bangle, including the “tail” alongside the bangle within your knot. Pull it tight.
3. Repeat with a knot in the opposite direction. This will form a “stitch” along the side.
4. Keep repeating backward/forward knots. If you want, once you’ve completed enough that your first knot is secure, you can trim the tail.
5. If you need to add thread, just start it the same way. Make sure you knot around the “tail” from the previous thread too.
6. Continue knotting until you’ve completed your entire silk thread bangle.
7. IF you’d like, you can glue down a tiny bit of “tail” from the end of your thread before you trim. Or, if you’re using a thread with better friction, you can simply thread it on an embroidery needle and pull it through some of your wrapped threads. Trim the excess.
8. Add charms for a little extra jangle on your bangle!!!
Do you like refashioning old jewelry? What’s your favorite way to do so? Comment below and enjoy your silk thread bangles!
Upcycled String Wrapped Bangles
Make these easy string wrapped bangles from an old, tired pair. It'll reduce the jangle, add some color, and give your outfit a whole new vibe!
Materials
Instructions
1. Knot your thread around your bangle leaving an approximately one inch long tail.
2. Start with either a forward or backward knot around your bangle, including the "tail" alongside the bangle within your knot. Pull it tight.
3. Repeat with a knot in the opposite direction. This will form a "stitch" along the side.
4. Keep repeating backward/forward knots. If you want, once you've completed enough that your first knot is secure, you can trim the tail.
5. If you need to add thread, just start it the same way. Make sure you knot around the "tail" from the previous thread too.
6. Continue knotting until you've completed your entire silk thread bangle.
7. IF you'd like, you can glue down a tiny bit of "tail" from the end of your thread before you trim. Or, if you're using a thread with better friction, you can simply thread it on an embroidery needle and pull it through some of your wrapped threads. Trim the excess.
8. Add charms for a little extra jangle on your bangle!!!
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