How to Make a Necklace With Washers & Ribbon

Transform basic hardware into attractive jewelry.

Artist Anni Albers introduced hardware into jewelry during the early 1940s. Washers are flat metal rings commonly found in hardware stores. You can combine these disks with ribbon to make inexpensive fashion necklaces. Bare metal can lend a stylish industrial look, but you can paint the washers for more colorful creations. Explore the array of satin, sheer, metallic and grosgrain ribbons. Brighten your own wardrobe and make special gifts with this simple design.

Things You'll Need

• 2 yards of 1/2-inch double-sided ribbon
• Ruler or tape measure
• 15 1/2-inch washers
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure 12 inches of ribbon before you start adding washers. Thread the longer end of the ribbon through a washer and tie a simple knot to keep it in place at the 12-inch mark. Thread the ribbon up through the center of the washer from below. Pull it tight.

2. Thread the long end of the ribbon down through the top of a second washer, pulling the ribbon through all the way. Put the tail end of the ribbon through the hole of the first washer again -- coming from above the washer. Pull the ribbon tight. You'll see that the two washers now overlap and begin forming a chain.

3. Again pull the ribbon up through the center of the second washer, coming from below.

4. Repeat the looping technique through a third washer: Put the ribbon down through the next washer's hole, back over the top and down through the hole of the second washer, threading from above, and up through the bottom of the third washer again. Pull to tighten.

5. Repeat the process in Step 4 -- pulling the ribbon to tighten the chain with every washer added -- until all washers have been threaded onto the ribbon. Tie a simple knot after the last washer to secure it. Trim both ribbon ends to the same length. Place the necklace around your neck and tie the ribbon ends in a bow.

Tips & Warnings

• Use spray paint suitable for metal to add color to the washers.

• Try using several sizes of washers -- the smallest at one end, graduating in size to the largest in the middle and then back down to the smallest at the other end.

• Be sure to use double-sided ribbon because it tends to twist during the looping process.

References

• "Tiny Sparkly Things": DIY-Anni Albers Washer Ribbon Necklace; Sparkly Girl; January 2010
• "Studio 5": Washer Ribbon Necklace; April 2010