How to Make a Necklace from Cloth and Beads

This necklace is definitely a way to make a statement. It will dress up even the plainest blouse or sweater with pizzazz. This bead necklace makes a great accompaniment to your jewelry collection.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Piece of cloth cut to 3" wide by 34" long
• 5 1" beads (hidden)
• 6 3/8" beads

1. 
    
   Cloth Strips

   Take your cut strip of cloth and fold it lengthwise with sides meeting. Using a sewing machine, stitch all the way around rounding out the corners and leaving an inch and half opening about 3 inches on both sides from the ends. Trim off the rounded corners making sure not to cut the stitching. Turn right side out.

2. 
    
   Beads

   Find the middle of your cloth and through one of the openings, slip inside a 1" bead. Twist the material on both sides and slide on the outside a 3/8" bead on each side. Continue adding from each side until you have all the large beads used ending with a small bead on each side.

3. 
    
   Finished Necklace

   Fold in ends and stitch the two opening so you have a finished edge. Place around neck and tie into a knot in back.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make your necklaces out of matching material to your outfit or contrasting. You will always have something to wear with any outfit.
• Use patterned material with a solid color top and solid material with a patterned top. Or Mix it up. Your choice.
• These 3/8" beads must have large holes. I have found wooden and colored wooden beads to work best.

[elyria]

on 2/4/2009 So beautiful and they truly look great with many outfits.

[SunnyBaby]

on 1/4/2009 Cool! I love jewelry making!

[gatunibi]

on 12/29/2008 This is great!I must have my sister read it! She'll love it!

[Upon-Request]

on 12/26/2008 Great craft article!

[SusanYEngland]

on 12/26/2008 Simple, concise, and interesting.