Thurs-DIYs: Braided Bands

 

This is a very simple and easy project that makes use of your fabric scraps, ribbon bits, and any other odds-and-ends in your craft box! They can also make great, quick gifts---especially if you personalize the colors and designs!

STEP ONE: Gather materials! Collect any fabrics, ribbons, sequins, etc. that you can find and want to use up. You will also need scissors and a needle and thread. It does make it a lot easier to have a clipboard or something to attach the strands to while braiding.
 

STEP TWO: Select ribbon/fabric. Mixing textures/designs adds an interesting look to the braid. It's always exciting to see how it will turn out! 

STEP THREE:Cut fabric/ribbon into strips. It doesn't matter if they are even widths; it adds an interesting, distressed look if the strands are a little uneven. The length depends on whether you'd like to make a bracelet or headband. Typically, 18" seems to work for bracelets and about 3 feet for the headbands. I always seem to need more than I expect! However, you can always tie on more and it will blend in just fine.

STEP FOUR: Tie the strands together.

 

STEP FIVE: Clip strands to clipboard or however you'd like to secure them.

STEP SIX: Begin braiding. If using only three strands, a standard braid works fine. Experiment with different ways of braiding! Four strands are a little trickier but once you figure out a way to braid them together it is pretty simple. All you do is take the far-left strand and cross it over the two strands, placing it in the center. Then take the far-right strand and cross it over the center strand you just moved. Repeat for all strands!

STEP SEVEN: Keep braiding! Measure it against your head/wrist/ankle from time to time.

STEP EIGHT: When you have reached the length you want, tie off the end (making sure all strands are included) and cut. I've found  that the headbands are secure enough with just a knot, but you may want to secure the bracelets with a few stitches.

STEP NINE: Layer, mix-and-match, embellish, give away, ENJOY!