Soda Tab Crochet Bracelet v2.0

So, I've been working on making more bags like this one (I'm on number 4) and making more of these for that blanket I want to complete sometime before the next century rolls around. The problem with the blanket project is that I just need to break down and go buy a cone of the yarn instead of having to run out every 2 or 3 days and get one of the teensy weensy skeins. I'm such a penny pincher. ^_^

Anyway, I made this bracelet a while back and keep getting comments on it so I thought I'd post it again with the newest version in burgundy crochet thread. The thread version is more delicate and has definitely garnered more positive comments than the regular yarn version. With the regular yarn version I got comments like, "How cute" and "Ahh". With this newest thread version it's more of "That's soda tabs? How neat!" and "I could make one to match almost any outfit!". So, yes, I will take the thread version, please.

Soda Tab Crochet Bracelet v2.0

There are several patterns on the web for projects like this. This one is my take on it ^_^

Notes: Adjustments for the thread version are in {blue parentheses}. 

Materials:

• Yarn of your choice. Aunt Lydia's Size 10 Burgundy Classic Crochet Thread
• size E hook
• scissors
• embroidery needle
• button (mine is 5/8" no shank)
• clean soda tabs (mine has 12 and the bracelet is loose)
• sand paper/coarse emery board for sanding
• sewing thread and sewing needle (optional)

Before you begin! Wash and dry your tabs to make sure all the soda is gone. 

While you're at it: get rid of the little part that will sometimes pop off when you remove the tab (whatever that thingy is called). A pair of needle nose pliers will help you or you can use a pair of snips made for metal. Be sure to cover the tab while you cut or that thing might fly off and hit you in the face (or end up lost on the floor and you won't find it until you're walking through the house barefoot).

And make sure the back is safe by sanding the rough edges. Sand paper is listed in the Materials but I actually used a coarse emery board. The fat kind that has 4 sides and is easy to hold. Make sure the tab is smooth because you don't want any rough edges scratching your wrist (or the wrist of anyone you may be making this for).

And also before you begin, we need to cover how to put the tabs together to get the bracelet made. The following pictures will show you what you need to know and here are the written directions as well:

Hold the tabs "wrong" side to "wrong" side. The wrong side being the one that shows all the folds used when they made the tab. The "right" side is the one that you can see when the tab is still on the can. In this picture the "right" side is on top and the "wrong" side is on the bottom.

 
Here is a picture showing the tabs together as you need to hold them.  As you start, holding the tabs may seem a bit awkward at first. I know I found it a bit confusing so don't get too frustrated right out of the gate. Give it a few minutes and I promise, it does get easier.




This picture shows how to keep adding the tabs as you progress through the project. Notice in this pic and the one above that you are only matching ONE hole at a time. It's like laying brick, you have to stagger them so you have something to build on as you continue. Keep matching "wrong" side to "wrong" side, this will keep any missed rough edges away from the skin. Safety first!

Pattern:

The following picture will show you how to work the yarn through the holes in the tabs to actually make the bracelet. If you've worked "around" anything before this will be familiar to you. The first thing you do is hold the tabs and insert the hook through the hole. Put your slip knot on and pull though, then chain 3 (counts as first DC). Double crochet 2 more times in this first hole. You now have 3 DC. {Chain 3, 5 DC all in same hole}

Continue on with adding tabs and working through the holes, putting 3 DC {6 DC} in each hole. Keep "wrong" side to "wrong" side. As you work, keep in mind that the ends will have approximately 1" added due to the yarn working across the them. So watch the length closely and remove any tabs you don't need. This is easily customizable to any wrist size.

The end of the bracelet should be worked across the slimmer end of the tab for one reason: it's smooth inside the hole and is less likely to cut your yarn. Now for the button-hole end of the bracelet: DCx2, chain 4, DCx2 all in the same hole. {9 DC, ch 6, 9 DC all in same hole} Continue across the opposite side of the piece (all the tabs are now on so all you have to do is work though the holes as before, putting 3DC in each hole).

At the opposite end (where the button will be sewn): DCx6 in the last hole. {DCx20} Secure with a slip stitch to the beginning chain 3. Tie off and weave in your ends. Sew your button on with matching thread or yarn, whichever works for you.

 Now you have one great recycled, wearable piece of art.

Enjoy it!