Necklace Tutorial (and a prize!)

I have had a few requests to explain how I make the beaded crochet necklaces, and I have to admit I was reluctant! Because the work-to-impressiveness ratio is MINISCULE, and I don't want to reveal all my secrets ;) But it's time. Just promise me you'll still ooo and ahhh when I post one!

The technique is actually super simple and straightforward. The secret is in the materials! I should note here that I am in no way an expert beader/jewelry maker. This is pretty much the only thing I know how to do! It's that easy. So, materials needed:

1) Metallic thread - I like On the Surface New Metallics - you can buy it in a small 5 yard bobbin, which makes about three 3-strand necklaces, but I get the 100 yd spools here.

2) Teeny crochet hook - I use a 2.75 mm but any very small size works.

3) Glue - I don't love the one in the picture, I prefer the one below with the pinpoint precision tip. It makes it much easier to get it into tiny spaces.

4) Clasp -  2 clamshell doohickeys (the technical term), a hook, and a figure-8 thingy. The hook and eye are unimportant, you can use any sort of clasp, but the clamshells are vital!

5) Beading needle - big eye in the middle

6) Beads (not pictured) - you can use pretty much anything within a size range. I don't like to go smaller than a 6/0 seed bead (the larger ones), and if you go too big the necklace will be weighted funny, but you can go pretty big. It's imprecise, but they are extremely cheap and quick to make, so you can play around! I generally use about 75 per necklace, for a standard 16-18" length.

I like to use a mix of stand-out beads, filler beads, Swarovski crystals, and sometimes charms!

7) Crimping pliers - I got the Mighty Crimper at Michael's after the Gestapo at the Dublin Airport threw mine away. Sigh. 

The glue I prefer - just bought a new tube!

Close-up of the clasp bits

Step 1: Thread the beads (approx. 24) onto the metallic thread in the order you want them. DO NOT CUT THE THREAD!

Step 2: Make a slipknot in the thread and put the crochet hook through. Begin chain stitch - video here, but it's SO easy to do!! You just pull the thread through the loop to make a new loop. Chain 12-15 to get started, then bring up your first bead. Snug it up right next to the hook and chain another stitch, securing the bead in place. (Like most knitting/crochet things, this might sound confusing, but will become abundantly clear when you DO it).

Step 3: Chain 4-6 stitches, then bring up another bead (I usually do larger spaces between larger beads, smaller between smaller). Continue in this way until the last bead, then chain 12-15 (however many you started with). Before cutting the thread, try the chain around your neck and see how it looks/feels. If it is your second or third chain, compare it to the other one(s) and make sure they are similar in length. When the length is satisfactory, cut the thread leaving a 3 inch tail, and thread the end through the last stitch to secure.

Step 4: Make 3 chains in the same manner. I like to do one bead difference on each, eg 24, 25, 26, so they are slightly different lengths, but if you are doing different sized beads, use your judgment. They should be close in length but not exact, so they will lie together nicely. Try holding them up to your neck all together and making sure they look right.

Step 5: The clamshell doohickey - Thread the three ends through the hole in one of the clamshells. I just use the beading needle and do them all at once, but you don't have to. It can help to trim the ends so they're all neat and the same length. Pull the ends through so the clamshell is snug against the ends of your chains. Holding the three together, tie a knot as close to the clamshell as possible. I use the crochet hook to tie around and get the knot really low. Knot it again over the same one. This takes a little practice but is pretty easy to get the hang of! Pull very tight, and cut your ends close to the knot.

Step 6: Put a bit of glue into the clamshell (this is where the precision tip comes in handy!) and use the crimper to close it up tight. I usually give it a good firm squeeze and hold it a few seconds to help set the glue. Tip: It helps if you close the clamshell a bit before doing the glue - sometimes they are wide open and you make a gluey mess trying to get it closed! If any glue oozes out or gets on your tool, not to worry! It comes right off when it's dry. Repeat with the other end of the chains.

(Forgive the extremely bad photo! It's hard to photograph yourself squeezing pliers.)

Step 7: Put your claspy bits on the hooks at the end of the clamshell and use the crimper to bend the hook closed. Make sure it's secure!

Voila! You're done! Start to finish it takes me about 30 minutes to make one of these bad boys. If you'd like, you can block it when you're done by hanging it over a doorknob (dry! No need to get it wet) for a few hours or overnight.

Notes:

~ 16-18" is a nice length for someone with an average sized neck. The necklaces look best as a loose choker, IMO. Too long and they don't lie right because of how lightweight the thread is.

~If you want to add a charm in the center, put the charm in the middle of the first chain, and then thread it in the middle of the second and third chains as well, with the previous chains attached so all three are crocheted onto the center charm - make sure your lengths work on both ends!

~If you're using some larger or more dramatic beads, make sure to space them out on the three chains so they appear staggered - you don't want them stacked on top of each other in the finished piece! Unless you do.

~It is MUCH easier to take beads off than to add them on, so if you're unsure of the length, add a few extra onto the thread at the beginning. It's very easy to try on as you go! 

~See some of the ones I've made here in my Flickr album

~Feel free to play with more or less strands! I just like 3 cause it's the magic number. 

And to celebrate the fact that I finally did this tutorial, I am doing a GIVEAWAY!! Win a necklace in your choice of colors!

 Leave a comment in this post and I will choose a winner at random next Saturday, August 1st! 

Hope you enjoyed the explanation, and feel free to ask me any questions you might have!! 

Comments

[Angela Marie]

Very cool!!! I might have to give it a try someday. :)

[Dani]

Awesome! I'm bookmarking this for if (when?) I learn to crochet.

~Coleva

[Covington]

Great tutorial. Clear pictures and instructions. Nice work.

[Mauri]

Pretty pretty! I used to make jewelry as a teenager, but haven't touched it in years.

[Disneyette]

I'm so glad you posted this tutorial! I found it very clear and I'm excited to give it a try. I've totally coveted all the necklaces you gave out as prizes. :)

[MariainCT]

these are so incredibly gorgeous, thanks so much for the tut... now just have to get some thread :)

[Andrea]

Thank you Devon! I'll make one as soon as I get the supplies. (and I can't wait to win too! lol ;)

[Valérie]

Wow! Love it! I'd be trilled to get one of your necklaces!!!

[Sal]

That necklace is absolutely fabulous! I don't crochet, otherwise I would follow your very easy instructions, but it's so lovely!
~ Sal ~

[TNTknits]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I've been admiring your necklaces all term. Maybe I can work up the courage to try one of my own.

[Apryl]

That looks so pretty, and sounds so simple, thanks for sharing! Now if only I knew how to crochet lol

[Melanie]

Thanks so much for sharing the how-to! Woot! Now to find some time to actually jump in and give this a try myself... Adding it to the list for when we're out of that newborn stage. ;)

[Zanna]

Way cool! I'm already playing with an idea for one I want to make... Thanks for the detailed instructions!

[stacymarie]

I'm so glad you put up a tutorial. I love those necklaces :)

[sillyhilly]

Thanks for the tutorial! Your beaded crochet jewelry is gorgeous! I'm faving it on Ravelry.

[Terri]

Beautiful! Thank you. I can't wait to be the winner!

[Tara]

I'm totally bookmarking this for future gift giving reference. Enter me in the contest too! Love you!

[Jennifer]

Your necklaces are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the tutorial!

-vitalai

[Mia]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Know if I can just find my box of misc. beading supplies......

[Stephanie]

Awesome tutorial! I've loved your necklaces ever since I first saw them on HPKCHC! Now to figure out how to crochet.

[rncrowthers]

Thanks for the directions, it's nice and clear. I'll have to try it out after my next batch of stitch markers!

[damiknitter]

You make it sound so easy! I'm definitely going to give one (or 2) of these a go in August

[Sadielou]

Wow, I definitely reckon I can make one of these. Thanks for the how-to! Also, so pretty!!

[omly]

Thank you for the tutorial. This looks like a fabulous gift idea.

[Michelle]

Wow.. YAYAYAYAYA i'm so glad you posted this.. I've wanted to know how to make one.. and NOW I can (or win one... wahoo!)