How to Make Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets with Seed Beads
Turn old wooden bangles into ribbon-wrapped bangle bracelets with satin ribbon, seed beads, and a few easy stitches. This beginner jewelry tutorial takes about 35 minutes.
Those plain wooden bangles in your drawer can turn into ribbon-wrapped bangle bracelets in one quiet afternoon. This version uses satin ribbon and seed beads to make the stack look polished without buying a new jewelry set.
This is the finished look after the ribbon wraps and bead rows are in place.
Project at a Glance
Difficulty
Beginner
Time
25-35 minutes
Cost
Under $5
Ages
12+ years
Best for
Refreshing old bangles and making quick handmade gifts
What You’ll Need for Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets
You only need one plain bangle base and a few small supplies, but each choice changes how neat the finished bracelet looks. Here’s exactly what I use and why.
Plain wooden bangles: Wooden bangles give the ribbon something to grip, so the wraps stay put more easily than they do on slick plastic. If you only have plastic or metal, use a little more glue at the starting point.
1-inch satin ribbon: This wide ribbon covers the base quickly and gives the bracelet its main color. Satin keeps the finish smooth, while stiff ribbon can wrinkle around the curve.
Thin satin ribbon in a second color: The narrow ribbon adds contrast and creates the spaces where the seed beads stand out. Choose a color that is easy to see against the base wrap.
Seed beads: Small beads sit flatter on the bangle and are easier to stitch in short rows. Large beads can make the bracelet feel bulky against your wrist.
Needle and sewing thread: Use a fine needle that slips through the seed beads comfortably. Matching thread hides inside the ribbon wraps.
Craft glue and sharp scissors: The glue locks the ribbon ends on the inside of the bangle, and clean cuts keep the wrap neat instead of fuzzy.
Share your finished project in Craftaholic Community. We’d love to see your version.
Glue the end of the wide ribbon to the inside of the bangle, then wrap until the base is fully covered. Add the thin ribbon on top with small, even gaps between each pass so the beadwork has a clear path to follow.
You should end with a smooth ribbon base and evenly spaced second wraps.
Stitch a Short Row of Seed Beads Across One Gap
Bring the needle up from the inside of the bangle, knot the thread around the ribbon, and string enough seed beads to span the width of the bangle. Stop as soon as the beaded row reaches the opposite ribbon edge so it lays flat instead of bowing out.
The bead row should sit straight across the bangle without sagging.
Carry the Thread Diagonally Across the Back of the Bangle
Take the needle through the ribbon at the opposite edge, then carry the thread diagonally across the back to the next open gap. This hidden return stitch keeps the front tidy and lines the next beaded row up neatly beside the first one.
If the back threads stay diagonal and snug, the front bead rows will stay evenly spaced.
Repeat the Beaded Rows and Secure the Thread Inside the Bangle
Keep stitching bead rows the same way until the design reaches the other end of the wrapped section. Tie two small knots on the inside, trim the thread, and add a tiny dot of glue to lock everything in place before you wear the bangle.
The last stitched rows should sit flat and feel secure when you turn the bangle in your hand.
If you want the beadwork to look denser, keep the thin ribbon wraps a little closer together before you start stitching.
Tips and Variations
Cut extra ribbon before you begin
It is much easier to trim away extra ribbon than to hide a short end near the finish. I like leaving a few extra inches on both ribbons so I can keep the wrap tension even.
Use tiny seed beads for the flattest finish
Small seed beads follow the curve of the bangle better than chunky beads. If you want to keep the bracelet easy to stack, stay with the smallest beads you can thread comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets
Can I use plastic or metal bangles instead of wooden ones?
Yes. Wooden bangles are easiest because the ribbon grips them well, but plastic and metal can work too. Add a little extra glue where the ribbon starts and ends so the wrap does not slide.
What kind of ribbon works best for this project?
Satin ribbon is the easiest option because it wraps smoothly around the curve and gives the bracelet a clean finish. Very stiff ribbon can crease, and very slippery ribbon may need a touch more glue at the ends.
How do I stop the ribbon from shifting while I stitch the beads?
Keep the wraps snug from the beginning and press each one close to the last before moving on. If a section still feels loose, add a tiny dot of glue on the inside of the bangle where it will not show.
Can I make ribbon-wrapped bangles without adding the beads?
Yes. The double ribbon wrap already looks pretty on its own, so you can stop there if you want a faster project. The seed beads just add a little more texture and shine.
Share your finished project in Craftaholic Community. We’d love to see your version.
Muhaimina Faiz has published 49+ jewelry-making tutorials and won over 50 international crafting competitions. She has been featured in Yahoo and Good Housekeeping.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “HowTo”,
“name”: “How to Make Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets with Seed Beads”,
“description”: “Turn old wooden bangles into ribbon-wrapped bangle bracelets with satin ribbon and seed beads in this easy four-step jewelry tutorial for beginners.”,
“image”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-featured-image.jpg”,
“width”: 800,
“height”: 480
},
“totalTime”: “PT35M”,
“estimatedCost”: {
“@type”: “MonetaryAmount”,
“currency”: “USD”,
“value”: “5”
},
“supply”: [
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “Plain wooden bangles”},
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “1-inch satin ribbon”},
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “Thin satin ribbon in a second color”},
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “Seed beads”},
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “Sewing thread”},
{“@type”: “HowToSupply”, “name”: “Craft glue”}
],
“tool”: [
{“@type”: “HowToTool”, “name”: “Fine sewing needle”},
{“@type”: “HowToTool”, “name”: “Sharp scissors”}
],
“step”: [
{
“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“name”: “Wrap the Bangle with Wide and Narrow Satin Ribbon”,
“text”: “Glue the end of the wide ribbon to the inside of the bangle, then wrap until the base is fully covered. Add the thin ribbon on top with small, even gaps between each pass so the beadwork has a clear path to follow.”,
“image”: {“@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-1.jpg”},
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/#wrap-the-bangle-with-wide-and-narrow-satin-ribbon”
},
{
“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“name”: “Stitch a Short Row of Seed Beads Across One Gap”,
“text”: “Bring the needle up from the inside of the bangle, knot the thread around the ribbon, and string enough seed beads to span the width of the bangle. Stop as soon as the beaded row reaches the opposite ribbon edge so it lays flat instead of bowing out.”,
“image”: {“@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-2.jpg”},
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/#stitch-a-short-row-of-seed-beads-across-one-gap”
},
{
“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“name”: “Carry the Thread Diagonally Across the Back of the Bangle”,
“text”: “Take the needle through the ribbon at the opposite edge, then carry the thread diagonally across the back to the next open gap. This hidden return stitch keeps the front tidy and lines the next beaded row up neatly beside the first one.”,
“image”: {“@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-3.jpg”},
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/#carry-the-thread-diagonally-across-the-back-of-the-bangle”
},
{
“@type”: “HowToStep”,
“name”: “Repeat the Beaded Rows and Secure the Thread Inside the Bangle”,
“text”: “Keep stitching bead rows the same way until the design reaches the other end of the wrapped section. Tie two small knots on the inside, trim the thread, and add a tiny dot of glue to lock everything in place before you wear the bangle.”,
“image”: {“@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-4.jpg”},
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/#repeat-the-beaded-rows-and-secure-the-thread-inside-the-bangle”
}
],
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Muhaimina Faiz”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/about/muhaimina-faiz/”
}
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I use plastic or metal bangles instead of wooden ones?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. Wooden bangles are easiest because the ribbon grips them well, but plastic and metal can work too. Add a little extra glue where the ribbon starts and ends so the wrap does not slide.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What kind of ribbon works best for this project?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Satin ribbon is the easiest option because it wraps smoothly around the curve and gives the bracelet a clean finish. Very stiff ribbon can crease, and very slippery ribbon may need a touch more glue at the ends.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I stop the ribbon from shifting while I stitch the beads?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Keep the wraps snug from the beginning and press each one close to the last before moving on. If a section still feels loose, add a tiny dot of glue on the inside of the bangle where it will not show.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I make ribbon-wrapped bangles without adding the beads?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. The double ribbon wrap already looks pretty on its own, so you can stop there if you want a faster project. The seed beads just add a little more texture and shine.”
}
}
]
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Article”,
“headline”: “How to Make Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets with Seed Beads”,
“description”: “Turn old wooden bangles into ribbon-wrapped bangle bracelets with satin ribbon and seed beads in this easy four-step jewelry tutorial for beginners.”,
“image”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ribbon-bangles-featured-image.jpg”,
“width”: 800,
“height”: 480
},
“datePublished”: “2016-03-07”,
“dateModified”: “2026-05-02”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Muhaimina Faiz”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/about/muhaimina-faiz/”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Craftaholic Witch”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/”,
“logo”: {
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/craftaholic-witch-new-logo-copy-1-1.webp”
}
},
“mainEntityOfPage”: {
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“@id”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/”
},
“articleSection”: “Jewelry Making”,
“keywords”: “ribbon-wrapped bangle bracelets, beaded bangles, bracelet tutorials”
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “BreadcrumbList”,
“itemListElement”: [
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 1,
“name”: “Home”,
“item”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/”
},
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 2,
“name”: “Jewelry Making”,
“item”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/jewelry-making/”
},
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 3,
“name”: “Bracelet Tutorials”,
“item”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/jewelry-making/bracelets/”
},
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 4,
“name”: “How to Make Ribbon-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets with Seed Beads”,
“item”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/create-ribbon-wrapped-beaded-bangles/”
}
]
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Muhaimina Faiz”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/about/muhaimina-faiz/”,
“image”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Muhaimina-Faiz-150×150.jpg”,
“jobTitle”: “Craft Artist & Educator”,
“description”: “Muhaimina Faiz is a craft artist and educator with 230+ published tutorials, 50+ international competition wins, and features in Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Yahoo, WikiHow, and Brit.co.”,
“knowsAbout”: [
“Origami”,
“Paper Crafts”,
“Jewelry Making”,
“Paper Flowers”,
“Home Decor Crafts”,
“Kids Crafts”,
“Plushies”,
“Crochet”
],
“sameAs”: [
“https://www.pinterest.com/craftaholicwitch”,
“https://www.youtube.com/@craftaholicwitch”,
“https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicwitch”
],
“worksFor”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Craftaholic Witch”,
“url”: “https://www.thecraftaholicwitch.com/”
}
}
Muhaimina Faiz is a jewelry designer and craft artist who has published 49 jewelry-making tutorials. She has won 50+ international crafting competitions and her work has been featured in Yahoo and Good Housekeeping.
Discussion
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation.
Join the conversation
Log in to your Craftaholic Community account to comment, ask questions, and cheer on fellow makers.
Links multiple page views into a single browsing session for Clarity's session-recording analytics.
1 day
_clck
Persists Clarity user/session identity to link page views into browsing sessions for behavior analytics.
1 Year
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
Name
Description
Duration
__cmpcccx134349
-
Name
Description
Duration
cto_bundle
Manages Criteo's ad-tracking session, enabling personalized retargeting and real-time ad bidding.
13 months
Used by Lotame's data management platform to collect visit statistics (pages viewed, time on site) and segment visitors by demographics and location, for targeted advertising delivered through Mediavine's ad vendor chain.
Stores the expiration timestamp for the Lotame Panorama ID, used to manage when the identifier needs to be refreshed.
1 Year
_cc_id
Used by Lotame's data management platform to collect visit statistics
1 year
panoramaId
Stores a pseudonymous cross-device ID (Lotame Panorama ID) used to connect visitor identity across browsers for programmatic ad targeting, even without third-party cookies.
1 Year
Prebid.js identity module used in header-bidding auctions to help ad exchanges match and recognize visitors across sessions, particularly on browsers with tracking-prevention restrictions.
Ads are what keep every tutorial on this site free to follow.
Please turn off your ad blocker to keep reading — or create a free account and browse without this reminder.
0 Comments
Join the conversation
Log in to your Craftaholic Community account to comment, ask questions, and cheer on fellow makers.
Log in to comment