*Disclaimer* This is a lengthy tutorial, only because there are very specific steps to take. Chances are, it will take you longer to read the tutorial than to attempt the actual project, so don't get discouraged! I would rather include too much information than too little. Also, if you have any questions, please comment and I would be happy to answer or clarify.
Supply List
Scissors
Needle and thread
Fabric scraps, two different colors (you won't need much fabric for this)
Embroidery Floss
Glue (I used ModPodge Dimensional Magic, but you could easily use E6000)
An old keyring
Beads, charms, or other embellishments
Here's my load of crafty stuff (and there is way more fabric here than you would need, unless you're making...say...thirty or forty):
Directions
The first thing you'll want to do is decide on two different fabrics. One will be used to make your bracelet straps and the other will be the color of your mandala (center). After you decide on your fabrics, you will need to make a long strip for your bracelet ties . To make mine, I made a slight cut about 2" from the top of my fabric, then I ripped it until I reached the bottom of the fabric.
Tearing the fabric instead of cutting it gives it more of a bohemian vibe. I love raveled edges!
This is what my finished strip looked like. It's about 24" in total length.
Then you'll want to cut it in half. These straps are what we will sew to each side of your mandala. At this point, I ravel the edges a bit more. Basically, I just run my fingernail along the edge and pull out the vertical threads. The more you fray the edges, the more whimsical it will look. (And if you don't like the tattered look, you could always just run a straight stitch along the edge to make it smooth....or really cheat and use fabric glue!) You can put these to the side for now, we'll come back to them later.
Now, grab the other fabric that you chose. You'll need a piece that is about 1/2" wide x 5" long. I don't worry about fraying these edges because you will be wrapping them around the keyring. Using a keyring for this part is my cheat because I usually have a bunch laying around my craft space. You can buy small brass rings for this exact purpose at Hobby Lobby, but they are often sold out and they are much pricier than keyrings (which almost everyone has to spare).
Can you tell I'm in need of cheerful spring colors?!
Here's where we start to make our mandala. It will seem lengthy, but I promise you that it will take you more time to read the steps on making it than to actually do it. Grab your glue, contrast fabric, and keyring. Now start wrapping!
Keep wrapping, adding glue to make sure the layers stay as flat as possible.
Most likely, you'll have some fabric left over when you finish the keyring, just go ahead and clip that off and make sure that you glue your edge down securely. I always prefer to overshoot the amount of fabric needed. After all, you can always trim the excess, but it really stinks to be halfway through a project and realize that you're short on fabric.
When you are satisfied with your fabric ring, it is time to start weaving the center with embroidery floss. I cut my floss to a length of about 5 inches (you will have a lot left over, but it is easier to pull tight when you have a longer tail on your string). Tie one end of the floss to any point on your ring. You'll want to put a dab of glue in the middle and double-knot it to ensure that it holds. Clip off the extra tail so that your string won't get all tangled while you weave the center.
Take the free end and put a dab of glue on it. Then roll it in between your fingers until it forms a point. By doing this, the end that you'll be weaving with will function as a needle, but it will still be flexible. Also, you can thread beads onto your mandala much easier as you get better at the weaving part. Adding the glue is not necessary, but it will save you time in the long run (and it is much simpler to tie off as well!).
Now we weave! This is the basic pattern. It took me a few tries to get this down, but you really get a rhythm going after awhile. I think everyone has a style that feels natural to them, so there are many different ways to weave. This is the pattern I keep coming back to because of the sheer simplicity.
After you finish the outer layer, keep on weaving, pulling the floss taut as you work. It will keep getting smaller and smaller and start to look like a spiderweb. If you mess up, it's ok, just pull out your work and start over. When you reach the point that it is impossible to weave anymore, it's time to tie it off!
This part is always different for me, because I end up tying it off at different points. The basic step is to put a dab of glue somewhere around the center of your mandala and tie a double knot to finish it. The glue will help secure your knot. I overshoot the glue at this point, because it would be awful for all of that hard work to come undone. This is also the point where you'll be extra glad you made the end into a glue needle! Then, trim off the excess tail.
It should look something like this. But every single one will turn out differently.
That was the hard part---can you see the finish line from here? It's time to add the ties, so grab your needle and thread. Pull one of the ties through the mandala like this:
I put a dab of glue to hold it into place while I sew it, but that's not necessary. Or you could omit the sewing and only glue it. I like to gather the tie, so I use a figure 8 stitch to pull the sides of my fabric in. Initally, I folded the edges in and whip-stitched it. Either way will yield very similar results.
Now do the other side to match!
Lastly, I added a little wooden embellishment to mine. I like mixing textures and I found a whole package of wooden scrapbook pieces for about $2 at Hobby Lobby. So, now I'm just adding them to everything. I attached it with the same glue, directly to the weaving.
And here is the final product! Wrap it around for a yoga style or tie it in a bow! You may want to shorten your ties as well.
It may take a couple of tries to really get the hang of this project. I worked on the weaving for over a week before I found a style that worked for me. You can also experiment with different types of fabrics and textures to add interest to your bracelets. Here are a few that I've done, all using the same basic design as in this tutorial:
Vintage Fabric and a Resin Flower
Leather and Silver Beads
Vintage Lace, Stamped Disc, and Glass Beads
This project is one of those fun rainy day projects that will occupy your time and allow you to experiment with many different elements. I've had fun tweaking different parts of this basic design for over a year and there are some variations that I prefer over others. I've found that this bracelet is one of my best selling Etsy items and will be restocked in February. The vintage lace style is probably my favorite due to its feminine charm.
I'd love to see what designs you all came up with. Feedback and comments are more than welcome. And, as always, thank you for stopping by!
xo, Karee
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