Tutorial: Medieval Token
These are general instructions for making a cross-stitched bracelet. The finished dimensions of this particular piece are 6″x1″ for the fabric band and 8″ length including the chain.
Materials:
- Scrap of Aida cross-stitch cloth
- Embroidery floss
- Beads or seed pearls (optional)
- Scrap of cotton fabric for backing
- Thread
- Ribbon end caps
- Two jump rings
- Short length of chain
- Lobster claw clasp
| Click the thumbnails for larger images.
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Make sure you use soft, “bendable” Aida cloth rather than the stiff kind. Stitch a small pattern in the cloth using the embroidery floss. The one shown here is from One-Hour Cross Stitch, but you can use whatever pattern you like. If desired, embellish further with small beads or seed pearls.
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Trim the cloth to desired size, leaving 1/4″ on all sides for stitching. Cut a piece of sturdy cotton cloth (like muslin or calico) to the same size. With right sides together, stitch the two long sides with a 1/4″ seam. (Note: I used a contrasting color to show detail, but you should try to use thread that matches the fabric.)
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Turn the fabric tube right-side out. Press, then stitch across the raw ends.
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Fold each corner of the short ends to the middle and stitch to tack in place.
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Clamp the ribbon end caps to the short ends, making sure to cover the tacking stitches.
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Cut a short length of chain with jewelry snips. (If possible, measure the circumference of the wrist and cut a piece of chain that will give the bracelet a fairly snug fit.) Using jump rings, attach one end of chain to one of the ribbon end caps. Attach a lobster claw clasp to the other end. (The clasp should be small enough to clip through the loop of the other end cap.)
And you’re done! Present as a token of affection, or just wear it yourself. |