Things You'll Need:
- beads
- beading thread or fishing line.
- scissors
- glue (optional
- a little patience
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Step 1
Measure the diameter of your head. You want to be sure that your necklace is at least two to five inches larger so it will slip over your head easily. Most bead ropes fall into the "opera length" which is from 36 inches up. You can make yours any length you want.
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Step 2
Cut a length of beading thread or fishing line equal to the length you want your necklace plus about six inches. You need ample room to tie the ends.
If you're using beading thread you'll need to thread it onto a needle. -
Step 3
Pick up one bead and push it to within three inches of the other end of the thread, then pass the thread through it one or two more times. This is a stop bead and will be removed when you're ready to tie off.
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Step 4
Pick up beads in any pattern you decide to use. You can use all one color and one size bead or vary sizes and colors to make a pleasing pattern. Continue to add beads until you have the length you want.
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Step 5
Pull the stop bead off and tie the ends in a surgeon's knot. This is basically a square knot, but the second pass you wrap the thread through the loop twice.
Remember the girl scout rhyme, right over left and left over right, makes a knot that's tidy and tight.
Tighten up the knot so there's no thread showing between the beads, but not so tight that the beads buckle. -
Step 6
If you choose, you can put a drop of glue on the knot at this point. Now thread each end of the thread back through several beads and trim the end. Don't trim too close to the knot or it may come undone or the ends may work loose and stick out.
Comments
Jaybeew said
on 2/16/2009 Thanks for the instructions!
Upon-Request said
on 2/8/2009 Easy craft idea! I remember that Girl Scout phrase too lol
Malzeke said
on 1/27/2009 I love this. I have to make one. Thanks.