Looking for a unique and stylish way to recycle those old denim jeans? Look no further than this unique denim cuff wristband idea! This easy-to-follow DIY tutorial will show you how to upcycle your denim into a trendy and eye-catching piece of jewelry.

woman in white shirt and blue jeans with denim bracelet

Denim Cuff Wristband

The denim cuff wristband is the perfect accessory for any outfit, whether you're dressing up or dressing down. It's also a great conversation starter - people will be complimenting you left and right on your one-of-a-kind style!

Upcycling at its best! This is the perfect way to show your love for recycling and upcycling. It’s a great way to use old denim that would have otherwise been thrown away. Plus, it’s a really fun and easy project that anyone can do.

You’ll love how this bracelet turns out. It’s a great accessory for any outfit, and it makes a great gift for friends and family. Plus, you can customize it however you want – so it always looks unique and special. And if you like this idea, then I know you will love our unique old blue jeans necklace! Combine the two for a perfect look!

denim beaded bracelet on wood table by mirror

How Can I Hold This Wristband On My Arm?

This blue jeans wristband can be closed with a button, snap, or ribbon tie. What you choose is up to you and how much effort you want to put into making your bracelet unique.

For the button closure, you can use the existing button or sew a button onto one end. Then you can sew a ribbon to loop around the button, or do what we did and cut a slit in the denim to slip the button through.
A snap closure may take a bit of work depending upon your own experience sewing and/or what you have available. There are inexpensive snap fasteners that make this easy, or you can simply sew the snap pieces onto the bracelet at the opposite ends.
For the ribbon tie, simply loop a piece of ribbon through both ends of the cuff and tie it in a knot. This can be done with a simple slot cut into the denim or could be done using the existing button or closure on the waistband with a ribbon added on the opposite end.

hand with denim bracelet leaned against tree

Can I Wash This With My Laundry?

You can wash this denim cuff wristband in your wash but you will want to make sure it is on the gentle cycle, especially if you add the beads to it. Another idea is to use the dishwasher to wash it. This is great when you need to get things clean that need the high-pressure hot water but you don't want to get tossed around too much.

I recommend putting it into a delicates bag if cleaning in the washing machine, or into the utensils caddy in the dishwasher.

What Can I Use to Decorate This Wristband?

There are so many ways to decorate the wristband. You can add all kinds of things to it. I chose to add seed beads in a braid because I liked the look and it was something I already had on hand. You might prefer using something a bit different. Below are some great ideas to consider.

String or sew on beads, sequins, rhinestones, or charms. Braiding lengths of these are great, but just sewing or gluing in a pattern can be perfect.
Dye the denim a different color. I love the idea of bleaching or making a tie-dyed look on this to give it more personality.
Use fabric paint to write a message on the bracelet rather than adding beads. This can also be used to draw on things like flowers or vines.
Iron on or sew on a patch with a specific theme that is part of your hobbies, a seasonal item, or just unique.
Attach lace ribbon and fake pearls for a bit of an upscale look that dresses up the denim a bit more.

beaded cuff bracelet on hand of woman wearing white shirt

Supplies Needed

boxes of beads and a pair of blue jeans on white table

How to Make a Denim Wristband

Begin by cutting the waistband off of a pair of old blue jeans. This gives you the base of the cuff and already includes a button or snap closure. If not available, this can be made with other pieces of denim, but the waist has a thicker and stiffer texture that is best.

hand using black scissors to jut waist of jeans off

Now, measure this strip of denim around your wrist cutting to around 1" longer than needed to wrap around your arm. When measuring and cutting, keep the button end on the waistband included in your measurement.

black scissors cutting through denim waistband of pants

Wrap it back around your wrist, and mark the end opposite the button where the button connects. This is where you will cut a slit into the denim for that button to slide through. If you want to make it more secure or prevent unraveling, you can then stitch just around the outside edge of the slit to give it an extra layer of protection.

Set aside the cuff and begin preparing the beads to braid. Using a needle and thread, begin stringing beads onto the thread until it is about as long as the bracelet length. It will need to be shorter to attach, but braiding will shorten the length some.

Repeat this process with three colors of beads, or at least three strands of seed beads.

Now, tie the three strands together on one end. Then, sew that end onto the end of the bracelet just above the slit you made for the button.

Now, begin braiding the strands of beads until you reach the button on the other end. If needed, remove or add some beads at this point to complete the bread.

hands braiding strands of beads attached to denim

Tie off the end to hold the braid into place. Then, wrap the loose endo f the thread around the button 2 to 3 times. Tie or sew this into place to secure it on the bracelet.

I also like to add a few stitches around the beads along the cuff so it is secure and not dangling so much. Add any additional charms or adjustments needed then check for easy closure and wear!

blue jean bracelet with beads on wrist of woman in white shirt

More Easy Denim Crafts

Old blue jeans are always fun to work with in crafting. They are super durable and definitely flexible for a lot of different crafting ideas. Below are a few more ideas you can consider using for your next craft day. Make sure that you bookmark the ideas, print out their tutorials, or pin them to a crafting board on Pinterest.

Yield: 1

DIY Upcycled Denim Cuff Wristband

This beautiful DIY upcycled denim cuff wristband is the perfect accessory for casual or dressy outfits! A unique style you will love!

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $1

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Cut the waist off a pair of blue jeans.
Measure around your wrist from the button side of the waistband, then leave at least 1" overlapping, then trim to that length.
Now, toward the end of the piece of denim, opposite the end with the button, use scissors or a craft knife to cut a slit that the button will slide through easily, but won't be too big for it.
Now, use the needle and thread to thread the seed beads into a piece about 2" shorter than the bracelet length.
Repeat this for 3 colors or 3 strands.
Now, tie the ends and then sew them individually onto the end of the bracelet, just above where the slit is that you will button the bracelet with, leaving the opposite end of the strand dangling.
Now, carefully braid the three strands of beads until you reach the button on the other end.
Twist the string around the button and tie it in place, then add a stitch if needed to hold it there.
Now you can try it on, and make adjustments if needed or add a larger button for the closure.