Claudia has been writing about crafts online for many years. She is an avid crafter who has been creating for most of her life.

These fabric wrapped cord necklaces and bracelets are easy to make with this step by step tutorial. Brighten up your wardrobe with these fun and colorful accessories. Glimmer Twin Fan

I love fun and funky jewelry. I just don't have the funds to buy some of the pricey pieces that I see in the stores.

I also love crafting with fabric and, luckily, I do have a lot of fabric. In my craft room there are boxes and shelves piled high with brightly colored fabric that is just begging to be used in a project.

I decided to combine these two loves, jewelry and fabric, and make something fun out of them.

The result is these gorgeous fabric wrapped cord bracelets and necklaces. I think they have a cool ethnic look to them.

They can be made in any color combination imaginable and take little time to finish. They are also lightweight and durable.

Luckily I had all of the supplies on hand, even the clothesline cord, but if you don't, they are easy to find.

Try making one of these colorful bracelets or necklaces for some added flair in your jewelry wardrobe.

Wrapped bracelets and necklaces ready to wear

Any color combination of fabric and embroidery thread works with these beautiful bracelets and necklaces. They are like eye candy! Glimmer Twin Fan

This jewelry can be made in the following 9 easy steps

You don't need many supplies to make these cute fashion accessories. Glimmer Twin Fan

Tip

Cover your work surface with an old towel. This way the surface doesn't get glue on it and you can wipe the glue off of your fingers too. Remember that it should be a towel that you can throw away since the glue is permanent.

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Fabric strips - 1" - 3" wide and almost any length

Fabric glue - Permanent hold and clear drying

Cotton clothesline cord

Embroidery floss

Scissors

Step 1 - Lay out fabric and cord

I did not have long strips of this fabric so I used 2 strips and a length of cord for this bracelet. Glimmer Twin Fan

Cut the desired length of cord.

For a bracelet - Wrap the cord around your wrist. Make sure it is large enough to slip over your hand, but not large enough to slip off easily. Then add about 1 inch for the seam. It's better to cut it a little longer and take off length if you need to.

For a necklace - Drape the cord around your neck and cut to the desired length. Make sure it's long enough to fit over your head when finished.

Step 2 - Apply the fabric glue

Apply the glue to the fabric. Glimmer Twin Fan

Apply fabric glue to one end of the strip of fabric. It should go on the wrong side of the fabric.

Step 3 - Start wrapping the fabric

Start wrapping the fabric around the cord. Glimmer Twin Fan

Place your fabric on the diagonal in relation to the cord, then begin wrapping with the top corner of the glue side of the fabric. Start about 2" in from one end of the cord. Pull fabric snugly as you work, trying to get out as many wrinkles as possible.

Step 4 - Keep wrapping

Keep wrapping the fabric around the cord. Glimmer Twin Fan

Hint

Don't forget to leave enough fabric to finish wrapping once the cord ends have been sewn together.

Keep wrapping the fabric around the cord until there is about 1 inch of cord not covered with fabric.

If your fabric strip is not long enough just start another one with glue.

Step 5 - Sew the cord ends together

Sew the ends together. It doesn't look pretty, but it gets covered by fabric. Glimmer Twin Fan

Sew the ends of the cord together.

I use a machine to do this, but you can stitch by hand as well. Make sure it is very secure.

I overlap the ends by about an inch and join them together with two or three hand stitches. Then I use a sewing machine to really secure it.

I sew back and forth many times, getting the center of the cord as well.

Trim off all of the thread and extra bulk.

Step 6 - Finish wrapping

Finish wrapping the cord. Glimmer Twin Fan

Once you have finished wrapping and have covered the seam, apply glue to the edge of the fabric and secure. Try to smooth out any wrinkles that you can.

Step 7 - Set aside to dry

Set the jewelry aside so the glue can dry. Glimmer Twin Fan

Once you have finished wrapping and like the look of the piece, set it aside to dry. I usually wait about half an hour before I start wrapping with the thread.

As you can see it still looks wrinkled and unfinished. Once the piece is wrapped, it will look much smoother.

Step 8 - Start wrapping with thread

Using embroidery floss, wrap the jewelry. Glimmer Twin Fan

Using the full 6 stranded embroidery thread, cut a long piece that will wrap around the entire piece of jewelry.

I like to choose contrasting colors to add interest. I also like to use two different colors.

Begin by tying the thread in a knot securely around the bracelet. DO NOT trim anything yet. Start wrapping the thread around until finished. Pull the thread tightly as you wrap. You can wrap as many times as you'd like. End at the knot where you started so you can tie off the thread, using the tail that was left when you tied off the thread at the beginning.

Step 9 - Add more interest

Add other colors for interest and dimension. Glimmer Twin Fan

Add a second color of thread if you'd like to. Use the same steps to begin and end the thread. Clip and discard all of the excess thread once you have securely knotted it.

The finished wrapped bracelet

Fabric wrapped jewelry is a great fashion statement. Glimmer Twin Fan

Once wrapped, the jewelry is finished and ready to wear. As you can see, it looks much smoother and more finished after the embroidery thread has been applied.

If you prefer to see instructions in a video, the one I made below demonstrates how to make this jewelry from beginning to end.

Here are all of the steps you'll need to make your own fabric wrapped jewelry in this easy to follow video

All the colors of the rainbow

Wear them separately or all together for a fun and funky look. These fabric wrapped cord bracelets and necklaces jazz up any outfit! Glimmer Twin Fan

I'd love to hear from you!

How pretty are these bracelets and necklaces? I'm so happy with the way they turned out.

My tween daughter loves them too and has already started picking out colors for her necklace.

Wear them one at a time or stack them, like the bracelets in the photo below, for a powerful color punch.

However you decide to wear them, have fun making your fabric wrapped cord jewelry creations!

A few color scheme ideas to get you started

Theme Color Suggestions Rainbows Purples, Reds, Greens, Yellows, Blues, Sports Team colors Fall Browns, Yellows, Rusts, Greens, Oranges, Reds Winter Whites, Blues, Greys Spring Pastels Summer Jewel tones, Patriotic Christmas Greens, Reds, Whites Valentine's Day Reds, Whites, Pinks, Purples Fourth of July Reds, Whites, Blues Support for medical causes Colors of the cause School support School colors

These bright fabric wrapped cord bracelets are the perfect accessory for almost any outfit. This easy to follow tutorial shows you how to make them. Glimmer Twin Fan

© 2014 Claudia Mitchell

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on July 02, 2020:

Love the bracelets! They are easy to make and the instructions are easy to follow. Will try this, thank you for sharing.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 29, 2020:

I think you can try that. The fabric will be more stretchy.

Ginny Anton on June 27, 2020:

What about cutting the material on the bias?

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 18, 2020:

Good question. I've never washed mine. With the thread, they are pretty delicate, so if you need to, you could maybe hand wash it gently. I'm not sure if it would hurt it or not though.

Peta on June 18, 2020:

Are they washable?

Claudia Mitchell (author) on May 31, 2020:

Great. These necklaces are fun to make.

Susan Lillich on May 22, 2020:

Can’t wait to get started making some.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on May 22, 2020:

Great. Thanks for reading!

Leilani Zidan on May 15, 2020:

What a great idea, thank you so much.

I already have everything on hand and I can hardly wait to make a few bangles for my daughter's. ❤

Claudia Mitchell (author) on February 25, 2020:

That sounds lovely, but I'm not sure how you would do the knot for four row. That is a lot of cording. The only thing I can think of is to do each one separately and then hand stitch them together where you want them to join. Good luck!

Pam Powell on February 24, 2020:

If making a necklace with lets say four rows do you make each one longer than one before. How about doing the one with knot. Any help would be great

Claudia Mitchell (author) on August 18, 2019:

Glad you like it. Have fun making the jewelry!

PamLinton on August 14, 2019:

Love this easy to make jewelry. I too have tons of fabric. I can’t wait.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on August 07, 2019:

Hmmm..Mine are not that stiff. I'm not sure why yours don't hang. Maybe hang them on a hook with something heavy to pull them down, and leave them for a while to see if that helps. Good luck. I'm glad you like the bracelets.

PPRider on August 06, 2019:

Love the look of this jewelry, and the comfort too. I made 6 bracelets and 3 necklaces following your directions. I love the bracelets and wear them all the time. The necklaces, however, are too stiff to wear on their own. They don't drape properly. The only way I can wear them is to place a rather heavy pendant on them, then they drape properly. Any suggestions for wearing the necklaces on their own?

cheryl gold on July 31, 2019:

love it

Patricia Meek on June 14, 2019:

This is Fantastic It comes up in my mind it is safe from Lightening from the Rain. You are a Genius!!! I am searching for what is best to pick handmake crafts for my Mini Class to see which student likes or finds their own goal from Hobby into the business. I usually courage them find something better idea than this.. so, They will not steal your idea, ha.. or unless if you like to join with us as Go Creator Movement... I almost finish video maker just add map and crafts in it will be done... I usually will not allow any student to makes real jewelry and your idea is safe and fantastic.. Thank you for sharing it with us, all...I always think about safe cloth but Never thought of it, again you are genius, Yep.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on May 20, 2019:

Thanks. The jewelry is lots of fun to make!

Ellen on May 19, 2019:

Love these instructions. Very easy to follow. Great project to do with all age groups. Thanks for sharing!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on March 01, 2019:

Thank you Joy. I appreciate that and hope that you will make one of these.

Joy becton on February 27, 2019:

Thank you for giving so freely and very comprehensive instructions

Claudia Mitchell (author) on February 21, 2019:

Thank you Maria. I appreciate it.

Maria on February 21, 2019:

Thanks, very beautifull.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on February 11, 2019:

Thank you so much Ana! I'm glad you like the project.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on November 15, 2018:

Great, I'm glad you are making this bracelet. They really are fun to do and a great way to show off some style!

Evgenia Panopoulou on November 13, 2018:

It's a great idea to use cord ! I am finishing one bracelet just now and I did not know what material to use! Thank you !!!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on September 25, 2018:

Using leather sounds really interesting and I bet it will turn out nicely. I like the idea of buying bags at thrift stores. Nice way to repurpose.

Mary Summerour on September 21, 2018:

love love love this! I buy leather garments and purses at thrift stores and would like to try this with strips of leather and faux leather. Thank you Thank you!!!!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on August 23, 2018:

What about sewing a bit of elastic on both ends so you can make a choker, but get it over your head? Just thinking, but not sure if it would work. I like it long so I can wear them with sweaters or wrapped a few times like a bracelet. You have some good ideas too. Have fun!

GINNY COLE on August 22, 2018:

Fun idea. My mind is working through the necklace idea - either 1) make it 24" or so to go over one's head, or 2) make it 16-18" to be a choker, and leave enough fabric (sans cord) or floss to make a tie, or 3) use glue-on or pinch cord ends and add a regular clasp. What would you do? Gotta try it.

cynthiamartinez715@gmail.com on April 06, 2018:

I made these using liquid laminate instead of

Glue came out great I made 7 bracelets in

Total .Wrapped a few around with a metallic

Crochet thread.So much fun to make☺

Lis on February 18, 2018:

Thanks so much for the tutorial. These are so boho and so easy to make. I think I might try one where my embroidery floss would be wound in color blocks rather than over lapping. Do you think that would work? I might have to take some floss in the color of the fabric first and do as you did in order to keep my fabric in place but it's worth a try. Thanks again.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on September 24, 2016:

These can be made in any size you'd like.

KG on July 06, 2016:

What size do I make these?

Claudia Mitchell (author) on March 25, 2015:

Thank you so much Suzanne. High praise from someone who has such lovely craft hubs. The sari fabric sounds beautiful and would add a nice touch to this bracelet. Thanks again for the support!

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on March 21, 2015:

I love this project! It's so easy to make and you can use lots of variations in it. For example, I might have a go at a sari yarn one. I've made fabric bracelets before, by wrapping cut fabrics in overlap, but not gluing them. I think this would be more durable than my result and a bit easier too. Voted awesome and pinned ;)

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 10, 2014:

Glad you enjoyed the hub smcopywrite and thanks for reading and commenting.

smcopywrite from all over the web on December 09, 2014:

i see these often and think they are beautiful. i am a crafty person and imagine with these easy instructions making my own in no time. Thank you for giving up the info. wonderful job.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

I love the fabrics too oceansnsunsets. Batiks are some of my favorites. Hope you try one of these soon. Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed the project.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

Hi Mary - Thanks so much for all of your support and pin and share. I appreciate it and hope your granddaughters have fun making these. You'll have fun too!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

Many many thanks for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me. It was a nice surprise to get the HOTD on this one. I hope everyone will be making these jewelry creations soon.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

Julyanne Pessoa - Thanks so much for the pin and for reading and commenting. Hope you make one of these soon.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

Hi anglnwu - I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 09, 2014:

Thank you so much Rota - I appreciate it.

Paula from The Midwest, USA on December 09, 2014:

These look like a neat project to make! I have never made bracelets or necklaces with these things, but love that you can do it. The batik looking fabrics look really cool, and I agree, they look really ethnic and different. I hope to try it some time, and imagine that kids would think this is a cool project too, if they had the skill level to make it. So glad you shared it!

Mary Hyatt from Florida on December 09, 2014:

Wow! Fantastic Hub and certainly worthy of HOTD. You did a great job with your instructions and the video. My granddaughters would enjoy making these.

Voted UP, and shared. Pinned to my Crafts board, too.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on December 09, 2014:

I actually left a comment but for some reason I don't see it. Anyhow, a big congratulations for HOTD! I can see why this hub was honored with your detailed instructions and fantastic photos.

Sharing and votes across.

Audrey

Julyanne Pessoa on December 08, 2014:

I really appreciate your post. It's very detailed, maybe now I'll be able to make something..hahaha this one goes to my pinterest.com board. :)

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 08, 2014:

Hi Millionaire - There are other types of glue you can use. Really a good craft glue would work, just try not to get the bracelet wet or bang it around too much. Have fun making your bracelet and thanks for your nice comments!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 08, 2014:

Thanks so much David. Glad you stopped by to read.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 08, 2014:

Thank you so much doris and me. I really appreciate it! Hope you make one for yourself.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 08, 2014:

Thanks Bill! That's so sweet and means so much. This was a nice surprise yesterday!

anglnwu on December 07, 2014:

Congrats on the HOTD. Well-deserved.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Thanks poetryman6969 - Have a great evening!

Rota on December 07, 2014:

very cool and unique tutorial. nice hub

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Thanks so much tillsontitan. I really appreciate your nice comments and hope you make a couple of these bracelets. I like writing articles like this and was really delighted to see that I had gotten this today.

Shasta Matova from USA on December 07, 2014:

Congratulations on HOTD. This is a really cute project, and I happen to have the fabric and the cord to make this! I don't have the glue, but I'm sure I will be able to improvise. Thanks! I've pinned it to my craft board.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Awww - Thanks purl! I always love it when you stop by. This was a really nice surprise when I woke up this morning!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Hi aesta1 - You are right, it is a great project for extra fabric, and I don't know about you, but I have a lot of extra fabric. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Thanks so much Arachnea! I really appreciate it.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Many thanks heidithorne and Happy Holidays to you too. I'm glad you enjoyed the project.

david on December 07, 2014:

wow Very nice

Mohammad Tanvir Ibne Amin from Dhaka on December 07, 2014:

Simple idea but great hub. Absolutely love this article.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 07, 2014:

Congratulations on the HOTD. It makes me happy when good writers win one of these for a change. :)

poetryman6969 on December 07, 2014:

Very crafty!

Mary Craig from New York on December 07, 2014:

Congrats on your well deserved HOTD! Not only are your directions easy to follow, your pictures are fabulous! Seeing the step by step and then the finished product certainly makes the whole process easier. Very well done and I know there'll be a lot of these necklaces and bracelets being made.

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Donna Herron from USA on December 07, 2014:

Still love this project! Just wanted to stop back and congratulate you on your HOTD! Well-deserved!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Hi peachpurple - Your teens will love these, they could aslo make some for their friends. Cheap and easy to make, they are great stocking stuffers. Thanks for stopping by and have making these.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Hmmm Sunshine - I'm going to have to think of some sort of project with hair ties now! LOL - Thanks for reading. You could make this shorter too. That my help and then pull it over your hand, but they don't have a lot of give. Have a lovely sunday.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 07, 2014:

Congrats. This is a wonderful thing to do especially when one has many left over fabrics.

Tanya Jones from Texas USA on December 07, 2014:

This looks awesome and like a real fun project.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on December 07, 2014:

So cute! And a cool project for holiday gifts. Voted up, beautiful. Congrats on Hub of the Day and Happy Holidays!

peachy from Home Sweet Home on December 07, 2014:

this is so easy! i am going to make this for my teen as xmas gift, thanks

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on December 07, 2014:

I love funky bracelets, but because my wrists are small I have found that unless the bracelets are elastic or have some sort of stretch they will fall off. I really like these bracelets, but would need to use a stretch rope. Right now I just wear hair ties as bracelets :) Congrats on your HOTD!!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Thank you mySuccess8 - This is a fun project and the results are nice. Glad you enjoyed the project and I appreciate your kind comments.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 07, 2014:

Thanks Sally! It was a lovely surprise this morning to see my email announcement. Have a great day too!

mySuccess8 on December 07, 2014:

A wonderful piece of artistic jewelry, with clear written instructions and nice photos for making it, and you made it even easier to craft this with the excellent video tutorial. It would be hard to believe it is so easy and cheap to make this beautiful necklace or bracelet, if I had not read this first. Congrats on Hub of the Day!

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on December 07, 2014:

Glimmer Twin Fan

Had to return to say very well done on your HOTD, very well deserved. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Sally

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 03, 2014:

I appreciate it heathersgreatcat - These are a fun project and I have a lot of solid sweaters in the winter and these bracelets really brighten them up. Thanks for stopping by!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 03, 2014:

Thanks so much anglnwu - I appreciate your kind comments. I'm enjoying working on my photography and hub layouts. Hope you try these bracelets out when you get a chance.

Heather Walton from Charlotte, NC on December 01, 2014:

Totally awesome idea!!! Very good, well-written, detailed instructions!!

anglnwu on November 29, 2014:

This is a neat idea. I love your pictures - they're very well taken and I love the way you set up the hub. Enjoyed reading this hub and even though, I'm not big on crafts (though I love working with flowers), I may even attempt this. Thanks!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on November 27, 2014:

Hi Nell - I love that one can mix up the colors on these too. That makes them fun. I can see holiday colors on these too. And they are easy to make. Thanks for stopping by.

Nell Rose from England on November 25, 2014:

Hi Glimmer, now I love these! a mix of color in the bracelets or necklace is just what I like, I have far too many that are just silver, being a color nut I will definitely give these a go, then again the way you make them is brilliant! I can but try! lol!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on November 25, 2014:

Thanks so much for the support pstraubie! These are fun for any age and can be tailored easily to any taste. This might be a fun craft over the holiday break.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on November 25, 2014:

Hi My daughter makes bracelets similar to this. I know she will like to have this hub to use to create these as well.

These will make some perfect gifts for little ones I know.

Pinned and voted up++++

Claudia Mitchell (author) on November 02, 2014:

kschimmel - I've been absolutely horrible about responding to comments lately so I apologize and thank you for stopping by to read. I just made a couple for one of my family members and they really are fun. And I agree, they are a great way to use up extra fabric. Thanks again for your kind comments.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on October 21, 2014:

Thanks so much Krysanthe - I'm happy you enjoyed this and my daughter and I love to do this one. It really is fun and can be done in so many colors. I appreciate the kind comments.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on October 21, 2014:

Hi randomcreative - So glad you liked this one. These were really fun to make. They'd be cute with a couple buttons on them too. Thanks for reading!

Kimberly Schimmel from North Carolina, USA on October 20, 2014:

These are just lovely--and simple enough to make with inexperienced crafters. Also a great way to use leftover fabric.

Kathy Hull from Bloomington, Illinois on October 20, 2014:

I am in love with this!!! Such a unique idea, and so versatile. Would be a perfect craft for my daughter and I to do together. Pinned for future reference.

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 19, 2014:

Thanks for the fabulous tutorial! I love inexpensive, colorful jewelry.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on October 16, 2014:

Hi SheGetsCreative - I have been away for a while so I am just now responding. Thanks so much for reading and sharing. I have a tween myself and she loves doing these bracelets. They really are fun.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on October 13, 2014:

Vellur - Sorry it's taken a while to respond, but I was away for a few days. Glad you liked the article and project. It's a fun one to make. Thanks for commenting.

Angela F from Seattle, WA on October 10, 2014:

Sharing with some tweens I know and pinned to my craft board :)

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on October 06, 2014:

A beautiful bracelet, great pics and video. Thank you for sharing, this will make a great gift idea.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on October 01, 2014:

Hi tirelesstraveler - Apologies that it has taken so long to respond. This is definitely a fun project for friends and relatives and would make terrific holiday gifts. I definitely don't mind if you link it to your Christmas hub. Thanks for that and for reading and commenting. Let me know how your jewelry turns out!

Judy Specht from California on September 27, 2014:

Have girlfriends and daughter-in-laws to gift this year. I have been looking for Christmas gift ideas ; need activities that don't take much brain power. Your directions are so clear I can follow them. Nice, I wouldl like to link this hub to my Christmas hub if you don't mind

Claudia Mitchell (author) on September 26, 2014:

Hi aviannovice - I appreciate it. Birds would be lovely. I have a couple of different bird cookie cutters. Thanks for the idea and for reading!

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on September 26, 2014:

These are really handsome. Nice work. How about some bird Christmas tree ornaments?