How to Make a Recycled Plastic Bag Bracelet

Last Updated: May 13, 2021

If you're still collecting plastic bags, or you have a lot left over from past shopping without the cloth bag, you might be wondering what to do with them all. This nifty project lets you recycle them into a simple bracelet that can be worn by you or given away as a gift. Keep the bags out of landfill, and make something pretty instead!

Steps

1
Find the resources for the project. These are listed below under the Things You'll Need list. Just be sure to choose plastic bags that won't decompose in the sunlight, or you'll end up with a disintegrating bracelet!
2
Cut out the middle section of the plastic bag. (This part is often where it says the store name or logo.)
- Cut three strips that are equal to each other in size but make them thick, so you have a strong bracelet.
- Be sure not to include the handles.
- The length is up to you. You can make the strips as long as you would like.
3
Tie the strips in a knot. Knot it just like you would if you were making a bracelet out of string.
4
Braid the strips until you have braided about an inch (2.5cm).
5
Add a bead to the middle strip. Push it all the way to the braid, not the knot. Then repeat four more braid and bead actions until your bracelet is long enough.
6
Tie another knot at the end.
7
Tie the two sides together. Make sure you are able to slip your hand through the bracelet; as you tie, check that it fits. Enjoy your new bracelet!

Community Q&A

Question

How is this helpful for the environment?

Beth H.

Community Answer

By creating such wonderful bracelets, we are keeping plastic bags out of the environment, thus reducing trash.