This tutorial shows how fast and easy it is to make cuff bracelets out of fabric.

This is a great way to use fabric scraps from your stash. You can even use an old pair of jeans or a favorite shirt that’s seen better days, anything you want.

You’ll also learn three different closure methods for cuff bracelets.

Cuff bracelets can be left plain or transformed into wearable art. In this crafting tutorial we’re going to keep it simple and adorn our fabric cuff bracelets with pins or brooches.

If you don’t have any pins, you can make this angel kitty pin or these yo yo flowers that look so cute on cuff bracelets.

Supplies for making fabric cuff bracelets

Fusible fleece (left), point turner, fusible interfacing (right)

• Measuring tape
• Fabric scraps
• Fusible fleece
• Fusible interfacing
• Bracelet closure: buttons and beading elastic, snaps or Velcro
• Point turner
• Assortment of pins or brooches

How to make fabric cuff bracelets

Make a cuff bracelet pattern from paper

Measure your wrist and add 2″ to 2½” for the length. The length depends on the closure method and whether or not there will be any overlap. The length will also accommodate extra bulk from the fusible fleece layer.

If you’ll be using Velcro or snaps, add 2½” inches. For buttons, add 2″ (edges meeting together, no overlap). You’ll have to experiment a little to see what you like.

I prefer my cuff bracelets to be close fitting like a watch band. It also keeps the bracelet from twirling around on the wrist. The closure method I like the best is snaps.

The width should be between 1½” to 2½” which includes ¼” seam allowance. I go for the bold look, usually at least 2″ wide. But then a lot of my pins are quite large too.

Round up your favorite pins for embellishing fabric cuff bracelets

My collection of pins/brooches

Choose fabrics to coordinate with your pins

An assortment of fun fabrics

Cut and fuse fabrics

Pattern on fabric

After selecting the fabrics, cut out two pieces of fabric, one piece of fusible fleece and one piece of fusible interfacing.

Fusible fleece is used on the top layer of the bracelet because it provides a sturdy foundation for decorating with a brooch.

Cut the length of the fusible fleece a little shorter to avoid excess bulk in the seam allowance. Make it ½” shorter if you’ll be using snaps or buttons, and about 1½” shorter if you’ll be using Velcro.

Iron the fusible fleece to the wrong side of one piece of fabric and fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the other piece of fabric. The piece with the fusible fleece will be the top of the bracelet.

Note: If you’re using denim or some other thick fabric, you can forego the fusible fleece and just use fusible interfacing on both pieces. You may be able to shorten the length by a ½” or so.

Fusing tip

When fusing fleece or interfacing, press straight down with the iron, hold for a few seconds, lift the iron and move to another spot. Do not slide the iron over the fleece or the shape will become distorted.

Before sewing, fold under ¼” on one end of each piece and press. This side is left open for turning. The opening will be easier to close later with the edges already pressed under and sewn in place.

Fabric fused with interfacing (left) and fleece (right)

In this photo the fleece and interfacing have been applied and the edge is pressed under.

Sewing, trimming and turning the fabric cuff bracelet

Sewing the fabric cuff bracelet

With right sides together, sew the cuff bracelet using ¼” seam allowance.

Trim the seams very close to the stitching line and miter the corners.

Turn right side out and use a point turner to push out the fabric. Then press.

Fabric cuff bracelet after sewing, trimming and mitering corners

Sewn and trimmed bracelet ready to turn right side out

Closure method: buttons and beading elastic

Beading cord elastic

Sew buttons on the outside of the bracelet on the end that’s already closed. Remember, the side with the fusible fleece is the top.

Cut a 3″ piece of beading elastic for each button. Put the two ends together and make a knot. The knotted end is going to be inserted into the open end of the bracelet.

Meet the two ends of the bracelet together and hold with pins. Loop the beading elastic around the button and put the knotted end into the open side of the bracelet. Pin it closed then sew.

Photos of sewing the buttons and elastic loops to the fabric cuff bracelet

Closure method: Velcro

Velcro

Cut a strip of Velcro to fit the width of the bracelet.

Sew one piece to the top, and the other piece to the lining side.

Photos of sewing Velcro

Closure method: snaps

Sew-on snaps

One side of the snap is sewn to the top of the bracelet and the other side is sewn to the lining by hand.

When the bracelet is snapped shut, there should be at least ¼” of overlap.

Fabric cuff bracelet with snaps

Sequin cuff bracelet with snap closure

This cuff bracelet has been embellished with sequins and beads.

Finished fabric cuff bracelets

A tower of beautiful handmade fabric cuff bracelets