As I was watching Adam Savage on YouTube, I kept noticing that he was USING HIS ARM to measure the project he was working on. I paused it, and looked, and he had a ruler tattooed on his arm. It’s genius, absolute genius. I love him anyway, but this put him into craft idol status. Can you imagine how absolutely useful it would be to have a ruler stuck to your arm?
Since there’s really no way that I can get a tattoo at this time, I decided to do the next best thing. I was on the hunt for the perfect ruler bracelet. I wanted a bracelet that was comfortable, functional, affordable and of course, cute. I literally couldn’t find anything that fit the bill, so I made one. The instructions below will explain how I did it and other options that you can try. The total cost of the bracelet was less than $5.
For this project you will need:
1) Ruler Ribbon from Origin Design Trim on Etsy
PLEASE NOTE: AS LISTED IN THE RIBBON LISTING, THE RIBBON IS SOMETIMES A MM OR TWO OFF. I simply pulled the ribbon to the exact size of my ruler and it measures exact with my ruler.
At the time of this writing, this ribbon is only $1.60 for a whole yard. A yard is enough to make a double bracelet like I made. I actually received a lot of beautiful ribbon with my order, and the pieces were so stunning that they took my breath away. My favorite part about Etsy is meeting such amazing people. The ruler ribbon is available in several colors and sizes in the store. These are a very high quality, and so pretty.
2) Twill tape. Any brand will work, just make sure it is a little wider than the width of the ribbon.
3) A sewing machine or a needle and thread
4) The closure can be anything you have on hand. A snap or button of your choice. Nothing is needed for a closure if you plan on tying it closed.
Begin by measuring the ribbon around your wrist so that it will fit perfectly. Place the twill on the back of the ribbon and pin in place.
I used black thread and stitched with a close stitch, right on the back line at the top. Go all the way around and sew the ribbon securely onto the twill tape.
For the closure, I used my old faithful snap press. I like the snap option best, because it’s easy to get off and on. I found an affordable mini press and snaps on Amazon (above). You can also find snaps at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. If you wanted to use a favorite button, you could add a tiny piece of elastic to the other end and use that as a really cute closure. The options are really endless,.
If you don’t want a snap, or don’t have one, simply sew completely around the ribbon, and tie a small knot at both ends!
This is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest things that I’ve ever made. If you have no sewing machine, simply hand sew completely around the tape. No special skills are required. I’m not sure why these aren’t already being made by everyone, but I’m honored to be the first to teach this easy method. I feel like this bracelet will be so useful every single day, that I may have to make more styles and colors to match!
TIPS:
After making these, I’d like to remind you to measure the bracelet against your wrist before and during making it. This will guarantee a perfect fit.
Ironing the twill is recommended before sewing, but DO NOT IRON THE RIBBON. The iron is too hot for the woven ribbon. It will burn it into a little black wad if you attempt to use the iron. (I know this from experience).
Adding Fray Check or any type of clear glue to the ends of the bracelet will help it to stay intact. Super glue, E6000, and even clear nail polish, work perfectly to seal the ends.
I hope that you find this as useful as I do! A huge thank you to Origin Design Trim on Etsy! The options and quality are the wonderful, and so fun to work with.
Please let me know if you have any questions and remember, always, that you are not alone.
