Upcycle a Cuff Bracelet with Denim!

How are you doing, friends? I know this quarantine time has been very difficult on everyone. Personally I’m finding it helpful to look ahead, way ahead, to when all this will be behind us. Mother’s Day will arrive in mid-May and I want to honor that day and all the Moms who are doing their best to support their families.

I’ve been spending time gathering craft ideas to make for your Moms (coming in a post soon) and the first idea will be an upcycled denim cuff bracelet. You can upcycle both your old jeans and an old metal cuff bracelet from your jewelry stash. These items can easily be found in a thrift store as well. I simply made a denim ‘sleeve’ to fit over the cuff and adorned it with jewelry charms. It’s a pretty easy craft project and you can tailor it to your Mom’s style (or hint strongly that you would love to receive one from your crafty child).

Take a look at how I made this denim cuff bracelet below, and feel free to make yours even more unique. Give to Mom or a special friend who needs a lift right now.

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Supplies

You will need to gather the following supplies to make this easy cuff bracelet. I provided links for items you can find online if you don’t already own them:

• scrap of denim from an old pair of jeans
• wide cuff bracelet, preferably made from a hard metal or plastic
• jewelry charms (optional)
• sewing machine (ideal, but not necessary)
• needle, thread, scissors, iron

Cut Denim

The first step to make the denim cuff bracelet is to measure the cuff you will be using as a base. You will need the length (around the wrist) and the width. The cuff I used (see above) is 1.75″ wide by 6.5″ long.

Trim your denim scrap’s width to be approximately 1/2″ wider than twice the bracelet width and 1/2″ longer than the length cuff. (I trimmed mine 4″ wide by 7″ long).

Attach jewelry charms

Mark the center of the denim piece and sew the jewelry charms there on the right side. This is where you can personalize the denim any way you want. Other options are to sew a fabric swatch here or perhaps embroider a monogram. Maybe even sew a crochet chain on? Of course you could always leave the denim alone (no embellishment whatsoever).

Sew denim sleeve for cuff

Next you’ll need to fold the denim lengthwise, right side together, and pin.

Sew a seam down the long edge of the denim sleeve, about 1/4″ in (make sure the finished width will match the width of the cuff bracelet). **Do not sew either short edge of the sleeve yet!

Press the sleeve so that the seam is centered down the middle (and charms are centered on opposite side).

Sew one of the short edges of the sleeve, about 1/4″ in.

Cover cuff bracelet

Turn the denim sleeve right-side out.

Turn the raw edges of the short end inward, about 1/4″ or until it matches the length of the cuff bracelet. Press with an iron.

Slide the cuff bracelet into the denim sleeve.

Lastly, hand-sew the open edge to secure the cuff bracelet using a whipstitch.

The cuff is finished!

Showcase the denim cuff bracelet!

Now all you need to do is slip the cuff on someone’s wrist and show it off.

It looks great with a pair of jeans. My version is a wonderful reminder of the 3 theological virtues – Faith, Hope, and Love. Some of the other phrases on the jewelry charms would be terrific, too. (e.g. Dream, Friend, Peace)

The cuff bracelets would make thoughtful gifts and are a great way to upcycle an old pair of jeans.

What do you think? Would your Mom love this? Have fun with this project and let me know if you give it a try. If you’re looking for more gift inspiration, check out my Gift Ideas for Her category.

Want to remember this idea? Post this DIY cuff bracelet to your favorite Pinterest board!