Frugal Fun Projects - Mobius Bracelet

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Frequently, Mobius bracelets can be seen in stores and catalogs. We show you how to make a simple and fun Mobius bracelet using two pieces of ribbon and a snap fastener.

First, what is a Mobius strip (or bracelet)? In the mid 1800s two mathematicians, one of whom had the last name Mobius, discovered that if you take a length of paper, give it a half twist and connect the ends, you can draw a continuous line on all sides of the strip without ever lifting the drawing instrument. (More information can be found on Wikipedia.)

Our bracelet uses two pieces of ribbon and a simple snap fastener. They're fun to make, and children will be fascinated by the continuous characteristics of the Mobius strip.

Frugal Fun Projects: Mobius Bracelet Materials and Tools:

• Two pieces of 3/8 inch wide ribbon, matching or contrasting
• Snap fastener
• Matching thread
• Needle
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Washable glue or Fray-chek to prevent ribbon ends from unraveling
• Paper towels

The Steps for How to Make the Frugal Fun Projects: Mobius Bracelet:

First, determine the length of ribbon. Measure around the wrist of the person who will wear the bracelet and add three inches. The addition allows for the small seam at each end of the ribbon, the overlap for the fastener and the twist in the bracelet.

If you make several as gifts or as church bazaar crafts, cut ribbon lengths as follows:

Cut two pieces of ribbon of the appropriate length for each bracelet.

Place the cut strips of ribbon on paper towels. Apply glue to the cut ends to prevent the ribbon ends from coming undone. Allow glue to dry.

Select the piece of ribbon which will hold the two parts of the snap fastener. Thread needle with the matching thread. Tie knot in one end of the thread.

Position the larger part of the snap fastener 1/2 inch from one end of the ribbon on the side of the ribbon that will face outward. Make sure the bulb portion of the fastener is toward the ribbon and the open part of the fastener faces outward. Sew two to three stitches in each of the positions around the snap to the ribbon underneath. After sewing around the fastener, push the needle to the wrong side of the ribbon, knot the thread and cut.

Next, position the second part of the fastener to the opposite end of the same piece of ribbon 1/2 inch from the end. Make sure the flat side of the fastener is next to the ribbon. Sew two to three stitches in each of the openings around the snap fastener to the ribbon. Push the needle to the back side of the ribbon, knot the thread and cut.

Place the two pieces of ribbon with right sides together. Match the ends. Sew a small seam across each end. Use whip stitches - stitches that wrap the ends of the ribbon - spaced close together. Finish seam by knotting the thread and trimming the thread close to the ribbon.

Turn the ribbons such that the wrong sides face each other. Pinch the seams on either end.

Begin sewing the sides of the ribbon together. Use small stitches placed near the edge of the ribbon.

When one side is finished, continue sewing the second side of the length of the two ribbons. Knot the thread and trim the thread near the ribbon.

The bracelet is complete. To fasten, make a half turn in the ribbon prior to snapping the fastener together. A portion of the bracelet shows one ribbon pattern with the other ribbon pattern showing on the other portion.

The next version used white ribbon on one side and an "I've been nice" statement in blue on white ribbon on the other. When fastened as a Mobius bracelet, the two ribbons alternate around the circle.

Below, the two versions surround a glass vase and show how the ribbons alternate when fastened.

The Mobius bracelet requires two short lengths of ribbon and a few simple tools and techniques to make. You can easily and quickly make several bracelets to wear, to give to family and friends or to sell at craft shows or bazaars.

Enjoy!

You can have fun making one ribbon Mobius bracelet, or it's easy to make many.

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