Yarn Wrapped Bracelets from scraps!
Craft some fun yarn wrapped bracelets as a fun way to use up scraps – or not! When you’re done, check out these things to make with yarn without knitting. This post contains affiliate links.
When I did a simple lacing craft with A and some of her friends, I was left with… a pile of leftovers. I had wanted them to have enough that in case EVERYONE decided they need hot pink, I’m covered – and everyone didn’t, and now I had a LOT of scraps left.
I put those together with some botched engraved bangles that I had messed up while testing the xTool F1 Ultra and I had the perfect formula for a craft – some yarn wrapped bracelets!
These bracelets are fun to stack and wear, and a fabulous group activity. They require no special skills, no heavy tools (unless you count your hands), and no dry or cure time. They come together quickly, allowing you the opportunity to give crafters the chance to make one in a bit of time, and early finishers to make more.
These are more fun, friendship type jewelry. If you’re looking for something more classy and elegant, try these silk thread bangles instead.
Tips for crafting yarn wrapped bracelets
These tips will help you really nail this craft – though it’s quite simple, regardless.
Your base
For the base of my yarn wrapped bracelets, I used a stamping bangle that was already curved into shape. These are relatively cheap bases, and since they’re open on one side, they are extra easy to wrap.
You can use any old bangle – this is actually the perfect craft to upcycle. It’s best done with stiff bracelets such as bangles and cuffs.
Mine were relatively narrow. Keep in mind that using wider base bracelets will only give you more space to wrap! It’ll mean that you can play more with the designs, because you’ll have more surface space to showcase your creativity. However thinner ones will use less material and are ideal for smaller scraps. (Note: I do share how to use multiple scraps of yarn on one bangle).
If you’re going to use a fully-closed bangle, it’ll be completely wrapped. That means that no part of the base needs to show. On open bangles, you’ll have the edges showing, so make sure it’s presentable.
Choosing your yarn
The cool thing about these yarn wrapped bracelets is that you can really use any type of yarn. You can use thinner embroidery floss for a finer look, as well as chunky yarn for a “scrunchie” look – with a few caveats.
First of all, the bulk of the yarn will make the base bangle smaller. So if you go too bulky it’ll be too small. However, thinner chenille yarns that are just a bit thicker than the standard are fabulous for plush yarn-wrapped bracelets.
You’ll also find that if you go too thin, it’ll be hard to avoid gaps. It’ll be more work (which can be a good or bad thing).
And finally, if you’re using a very fuzzy yarn, a pattern won’t show as clearly. So if you plan to add any sort of pattern, I’d stick to thinner more classic yarns.
Adding designs
One of the funnest parts of making these yarn wrapped bracelets was adding designs to the wrapping. While I did keep the pink fuzzy one as-is, I had fun weaving in a contrasting yarn on one, and criss-cross wrapping a third. I used a needle to do the weaving, making it quite easy.
There are really endless possibilities with this. You can color block, wrapping single yarns in different colors. You can do a single over-wrap instead of a criss-cross. Weave through two contrasting yarns. I’d imagine that it’s even possible, on wider bangles, to create pretty intricate designs, including letters.
So let’s get crafting and get creative!
How to make yarn wrapped bracelets
What you’ll need
- Base Bracelets or bangles
- Yarn scraps
- Blunt yarn needle
- Scissors
Process
Wrapping the main bangle
1. Hold the beginning of your yarn against the outside of the bangle, so that the longer portion of yarn is in the OPPOSITE direction that you’ll be wrapping. You should have about 1cm overlapping the bangle.
2. Wrap a few times tightly over that bit of yarn to secure it in place.
3. Keep wrapping around your bangle. It doesn’t need to be VERY tight but there shouldn’t be any real space between the yarn and bangle.
4. When you’re nearly done, thread your needle with the remaining tail of yarn.
5. Thread your tail of yarn under the last few wraps (as many as you want – the more you do, the more secure).
6. Trim the excess. It should hold its wrap beautifully.
If you run out in middle, use the same process to start a new string. Thread the tail under the last few wraps. Start the new string by threading it under the last few wraps as well, so that the main thread emerges where you need to start.
Weaving through a contrasting yarn
1. Thread your contrasting color onto a needle. Thread it under the first few wraps.
2. Pull it all the way through, leaving a tiny tail.
3. Skip a few wraps, and then thread it under the next few wraps.
4. Keep going around your bracelet, finishing under the last few wraps. Trim both tail ends – it’ll be nice and tight under the wrapping.
Adding a contrasting wrap
1. Start by threading your contrasting color and weaving it under the first few wraps.
2. Start wrapping it around the bracelet, leaving a bit of space between wraps (depending on your preference.
3. When you get to the end, use your weak hand to hold the outer yarn against the bracelet, while coming from the opposite direction and weaving the running yarn under the last few base wraps.
4. Start wrapping around again, this time crossing over your first outer wrap so that it crosses over.
5. Once again, you’re finishing by stitching under those last few base wraps.
6. Trim both ends.
After your trim the ends of any of these designs, make sure to smooth those last wraps so they fully conceal your trimmed end.
Your yarn wrapped bracelets are complete! What design will you be trying? Comment below!
DIY Yarn Wrapped Bracelets from Scraps
Craft some fun yarn wrapped bracelets as a fun way to use up scraps!
Materials
- Base Bracelets or bangles
- Yarn scraps
- Blunt yarn needle
- Scissors
Instructions
1. Hold the beginning of your yarn against the outside of the bangle, so that the longer portion of yarn is in the OPPOSITE direction that you'll be wrapping. You should have about 1cm overlapping the bangle.
2. Wrap a few times tightly over that bit of yarn to secure it in place.
3. Keep wrapping around your bangle. It doesn't need to be VERY tight but there shouldn't be any real space between the yarn and bangle.
4. When you're nearly done, thread your needle with the remaining tail of yarn.
5. Thread your tail of yarn under the last few wraps (as many as you want - the more you do, the more secure).
6. Trim the excess. It should hold its wrap beautifully.
If you run out in middle, use the same process to start a new string. Thread the tail under the last few wraps. Start the new string by threading it under the last few wraps as well, so that the main thread emerges where you need to start.
Weaving through a contrasting yarn:
1. Thread your contrasting color onto a needle. Thread it under the first few wraps.
2. Pull it all the way through, leaving a tiny tail.
3. Skip a few wraps, and then thread it under the next few wraps.
4. Keep going around your bracelet, finishing under the last few wraps. Trim both tail ends - it'll be nice and tight under the wrapping.
Adding a contrasting wrap:
1. Start by threading your contrasting color and weaving it under the first few wraps.
2. Start wrapping it around the bracelet, leaving a bit of space between wraps (depending on your preference.
3. When you get to the end, use your weak hand to hold the outer yarn against the bracelet, while coming from the opposite direction and weaving the running yarn under the last few base wraps.
4. Start wrapping around again, this time crossing over your first outer wrap so that it crosses over.
5. Once again, you're finishing by stitching under those last few base wraps.
6. Trim both ends.
After your trim the ends of any of these designs, make sure to smooth those last wraps so they fully conceal your trimmed end.
