How to Make a Horsehair Necklace

Horsehair jewelry can serve as a keepsake.

A horsehair necklace can serve as a memento for horse lovers and fashionistas alike. The necklace can be worn as a keepsake or to display pride in your horse. Some crafters will chose to collect the horsehair from their own horses; however, bulk horsehair is available for purchase online as well as in equestrian supply retailers. For craft artists unfamiliar with jewelry making, the process may seem intimidating, but it is possible. With practice, you will be able to craft and design a beautiful handmade necklace.

Things You'll Need

• Horsehair
• Rubber band
• Carpet thread
• Multipurpose glue
• 2 jewelry findings, 1/4-inch deep

Instructions

1. Wash the horsehair thoroughly with shampoo or dish soap. Rinse out the shampoo and repeat the wash. Do not attempt to condition the hair -- it will become too silky and difficult to work with. Do not allow the hair to dry.

2. Sort your horsehair into three equal sections. If you are using multiple colors of horsehair, sort the sections by color. Thin the sections out as needed until the diameter of all three sections combined is equal to the width you want your necklace to be.

3. Lay the three sections on a flat work surface. Gently slide the sections together to make one bunch of hair. Do not allow the colors to become mixed together. Secure one end of the bunch together with a small rubber band placed about 3/8-inch from one end. Wrap the last 1/4 inch of the braid end tightly in carpet thread. Start the wrap just above the rubber band. Tie the thread off to secure it in place. Remove the rubber band.

4. Braid the horsehair using any braiding technique that you like. Braid the full-length of the horsehair. The braid should extend as close to the end of the hair as possible.

5. Carpet-thread using the same method as before. Remove the rubber band when the thread has been tied. Cut any excess hair from either end of the braid.

6. Apply a thin layer of multipurpose glue around the ends of each braid. Coat the tips of the braid as well as the thread wrap. Add a bead of glue to the inside of one the jewelry findings. Slide the glued finding onto one end of the braid and clamp it shut using a pair of pliers. Wrap the finding with a thin towel to prior to clamping it to prevent scratches from the pliers. Repeat on the opposite end to complete the necklace.

Tips & Warnings

• Have someone hold one end of the horsehair bunch while braiding to create a taut pull.

References

• Equestrian How 2; How to Make a Horsehair Bracelet; Elizabeth Goldsmith; December 2009