DIY Fabric Wrapped Earrings: A Quick and Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 25/03/2025

Looking for a fun, affordable, and stylish way to accessorize? Fabric-wrapped earrings are the perfect project! They're surprisingly easy to make, even for complete beginners, allowing you to create unique and personalized jewelry pieces in a fraction of the time (and cost) it would take to buy them. Whether you're using leftover fabric scraps from a sewing project or raiding your stash of beautiful fabrics, this versatile craft lets your creativity shine. You can experiment with different patterns, textures, and colors to match any outfit or mood, crafting earrings that reflect your individual style.

From simple everyday studs to more elaborate dangly designs, the possibilities are endless! This tutorial will guide you through the entire process, step by step, so you can start crafting your own gorgeous fabric-wrapped earrings in no time. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Scissors
  • Seam ripper
  • Hot glue gun
  • Earring template
  • Earring hooks
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children if they are participating in any part of this craft project. Small earring components can be choking hazards.
  • Use sharp scissors and cutting tools with caution. Keep fingers and other body parts away from blades during cutting.
  • Ensure all materials used are non-toxic and safe for skin contact, especially if the earrings will be worn for extended periods.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Supplies

    • scissors, seam ripper, hot glue gun, earring template, earring hooks, and fabric strips (slightly larger than 1/2 inch wide and about 30 inches long).
    Prepare your materials: scissors, seam ripper, hot glue gun, earring template, earring hooks, and fabric strips (slightly larger than 1/2 inch wide and about 30 inches long).
    Gather Supplies

  2. Prepare the Earring Template

    • Remove the earring hooks from your template earring.
    Remove the earring hooks from your template earring.
    Prepare the Earring Template

  3. Wrap the First Earring

    • Apply a small amount of hot glue to the template earring, just before the hole, not directly on it.
    • Press the fabric onto the glue, folding in the edge for a clean finish. Pull the fabric tightly as you wrap it around the earring.
    • Continue wrapping the fabric tightly around the earring, folding in the edges as you go. Ensure there are no loose ends or uneven edges.
    • When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.
    When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.When nearing the end, fold in both the front and back edges of the fabric.
    Wrap the First Earring
    • Trim the excess fabric and use hot glue to secure the end to the back of the earring. Be careful not to get hot glue on the visible parts of the earring.
    Trim the excess fabric and use hot glue to secure the end to the back of the earring. Be careful not to get hot glue on the visible parts of the earring.Trim the excess fabric and use hot glue to secure the end to the back of the earring. Be careful not to get hot glue on the visible parts of the earring.
    Wrap the First Earring

  4. Wrap the Second Earring

    • Repeat steps 3-7 for the other earring.
    Repeat steps 3-7 for the other earring.Repeat steps 3-7 for the other earring.
    Wrap the Second Earring

  5. Attach Earring Hooks

    • Use a seam ripper to carefully poke holes where the original earring hooks were located.
    • Insert the jump rings into the holes and attach the earring hooks, ensuring they are facing outwards.
    • Close the jump rings to secure the earring hooks.
    Close the jump rings to secure the earring hooks.Close the jump rings to secure the earring hooks.Close the jump rings to secure the earring hooks.Close the jump rings to secure the earring hooks.
    Attach Earring Hooks

Read more: Twisted Wire Spiral Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use fabric strips that are not too thick or too thin; aim for slightly larger than 1/2 inch wide.
  • Keep the fabric strips as long as possible to ensure enough material for wrapping.
  • Pull the fabric tightly while wrapping to create a neat, secure finish and prevent unraveling.
  • Apply hot glue carefully to avoid excess glue showing.
  • Pay close attention to the location of the holes in your template earring before applying glue so you can easily reinsert the earring hooks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Fabric Wrapping

Reason: Inconsistent tension or pulling on the fabric while wrapping can lead to lumps, bumps, or areas where the fabric is too tight or too loose.
Solution: Maintain consistent, gentle tension on the fabric throughout the wrapping process.

2. Glue Showing or Messy Glue Application

Reason: Using too much glue, applying it unevenly, or not allowing it to dry completely can result in a messy, unprofessional finish.
Solution: Use a small amount of glue, apply it carefully and evenly, and allow ample drying time before handling.

FAQs

What kind of fabric works best for making fabric-wrapped earrings?
Lightweight fabrics like cotton, felt, silk, or even quilting cotton work well. Avoid anything too heavy or stiff, as it can be difficult to wrap neatly around the earring findings.