How to make a button bracelet

Buttons can be found everywhere: shirts, drawers, floor, sewing box. They are so colorful and different that they will look beautiful when set together in any particular pattern or even when there is no pattern. Using buttons, you can make a low-cost ornament that you can flaunt anywhere: a button-bracelet.

Button bracelet

Difficulty Level

Easy

Time required:

30 minutes

Resources required

1. A bunch of shirt buttons, about ten to twenty will work.
2. A pair of Scissors
3. Elastic cord.

1. Measure the amount of elastic required to wrap around your wrist. Take it of nearly exact circumference as that of your wrist, if you want a tight bracelet, or with larger circumference, if you want your bracelet to dangle down your wrist. Do not forget to add a couple of inches more, as you will be utilizing some of its length in tying.
2. Once the elastic cord is cut out, it is time to thread in the buttons. Use holes of the buttons to make the cord pass through them. If you want symmetry, use only those buttons which have same pattern of holes in them, and use the same hole of every button for threading. Keep threading the buttons till there are no buttons left.
3. After threading the button, in order not to let them fall out of the thread, the cord should be tied off. It is a very simple step. Just make a small, but strong knot in the cord so that it does not give way to external factors. Cut off any loose ends of the cord.

1. Question. Can I use any kind of elastic cord?

Answer. Yes, as long as it is thin enough to go through the button-holes.

2. Question. I have different kinds of buttons. Can I use them?

Answer. Yes, of course. More the type of buttons, more beautiful will the bracelet appear to look. However, make sure that these buttons are arranged in a proper pattern.

3. Question. Can I use anything apart from an elastic cord?

Answer. You can use threads, but that is not advisable. Threads are usually weak and will snap. Moreover, elastic cord does not rub against your wrist all the time, which will save you from bruises.

4. Question. Won't the buttons break?

Answer. Use only the toughest of the buttons. Avoid using buttons made from flimsy material.

5. Question. If I want to replace some buttons in the bracelet, can I do that?

Answer. Yes, you can. All you need to do is to cut the cord at its knot or open the knot if it is possible. Remember not to switch buttons often, otherwise the cord's size will reduce.

Quick tips

1. Use a strong and colorless elastic cord, if possible. You can also enhance the beauty of the bracelet by using colored cord. Use a color which blends in with that of the buttons.

2. Use different kinds and colors of buttons, if possible.
3. Make a very small knot in the cord.
4. Many shirts come with extra buttons sewn into the hem. Use one of these as a centerpiece for your bracelet to match your shirt.

1. Try not to use a very rugged elastic cord. It will snap soon.
2. Keep the cord-length larger than your wrist-thickness. It will avoid it from rubbing into your wrist.
3. Use tough buttons. Weak buttons break soon, and will damage the pattern you have achieved.
4. Be careful with cord-length. Take it as per your measure. If you are going to switch buttons in it regularly, keep the cord-length slightly longer.
5. Do not use sharp-edged buttons.