Comments on: Tape measure bracelet

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:25:35 +0000

Thanks, Cyndi, that is exactly what I need!

By: Cyndi Lavin

Cyndi Lavin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:18:19 +0000

I like using brick stitch around the edging most of the time, but there are lots of different stitches which will cover the edges. You can see what brick stitch looks like in this tutorial I wrote:
http://www.beading-arts.com/2009/09/beaded-cabochon-pendants.html

There are some pretty good online tutorials that will show you how to do the stitches in glorious detail. Links are here:
http://www.blisstree.com/jewelryandbeading/basics-the-best-of-the-basics-online/

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:59:03 +0000

Hi Cyndi. I’m still waiting for my tape measures to arrive in the mail. Most infuriating as I’m dying to see how they’ll look! I have another question: I’ve never sewn a bead in my life. Is there a specific stitch I should around the edges?

By: Cyndi Lavin

Cyndi Lavin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:00:08 +0000

I just mean the beading around the edges…no extra stitches were needed, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sneak a few in wherever they were necessary. Like if the tape insisted in gapping in certain spots or something.

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:22:59 +0000

the stitching holds it in place? err, which stitching is that? Are you talking about the beading stitching, or did you do a row of stitching at the top and bottom for security? I know what you mean about not wanting to glue the whole thing… When I have finished the bracelets I will send you a photo for sure! At the moment I am waiting for my tape measures to arrive from the States (ebay..) – They were harder to acquire than I thought! Thanks for your answers!

By: Cyndi Lavin

Cyndi Lavin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:37:41 +0000

I used only the slightest little bits of fabric glue to stick the tape measure down at the very beginning and the very end of the piece. It’s just my personal preference, but I just felt funny applying glue all over the antique tape measure The stitching holds it in place, so even though it’s not glued down, it still doesn’t shift.

I always either bend my bracelet form first, or buy ones that are already bent. I don’t know whether or not the glue would crack…it you used a flexible glue it might not, since most ultra suede and leather has some give to it. Or you can use cotton quilt batting instead of leather, and it’s got a lot of give.

I’d love to see your bracelet when you finish it!

BTW, I think the main reason this one looks puffier is because the tape measure is a thicker and less drapey material than the ribbon…the ribbon is really thin fine silk.

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:41:43 +0000

Thanks, Cyndi. What a great resource you are! I do have a couple of questions, actually..

In the photo of the tape measure bracelet – as opposed to the cuff ribbon bracelet, it looks as though the actual tape measure is not stuck down (to the leather) with glue. It looks a lot more ‘puffy’. Is this the case?

When applying the base leather, can I glue it down while the metal is still straight, and then bend it into the bracelet shape, or will this crack the clue and ruin the bond?

By: Cyndi Lavin

Cyndi Lavin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:45:43 +0000

I’m totally sure you can do it, Suzannah! If you run into any difficulties at all, just drop me a message, right here in the comments!

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:04:34 +0000

OK, I’m attempting to make some of these for christmas – because I think they are inspired! I’m just cutting out my metal bracelet blanks now. This bracelet seems a little different from the straight ribbon cuff bracelet. I hope I can cope – wish me luck! Suzannah

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:13:24 +0000

Thanks, Corinne! The tape measure is a really old one, so that fits…I’ve been trying to think of what other older fabrics I could use to make one of these.