How to Make a Leather Surfer Necklace

A surfer necklace is made of sturdy leather that will stand up to the test of strong surf and big waves. Surfer necklaces may sport charms that represent religious beliefs, ethnic ties, shells, surfer culture and more. The general style is to wear the necklace close to the neck like a choker to keep it from getting caught during surf and beach activities. Surfer necklaces can be worn by both men and women.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Necklace leather
• Marker
• Scissors
• Necklace charm
• Internet access
• Credit/debit card

Make the Necklace

1. Measure the leather so that it fits comfortably around your neck.

2. Add about an extra 6 inches to the leather and cut it.

3. 
    
   Lopped knot

   Tie one end of the necklace in a looped knot.

4. 
    
   Mark the Leather

   Put the leather around your neck again so that it fits comfortably and mark where the two sides meet in the back.

5. 
    
   Middle of the Leather Between the Loop and the Mark

   Find the exact middle of the section that reaches from the loop to the spot you marked.

6. 
    
   A Knot Before the Center

   Tie a knot in the leather just before the mark, on the same side as the looped knot.

7. 
    

   Slide on the charm so that it is touching the knot you just made and can't go any farther.

8. 
    

   Tie a knot on the other side of the charm so that it can't slide on the leather.

9. 
    

   Put the necklace around your neck and slip the untied end of leather through the loop.

10. 
     

    Tie the untied piece of leather back to itself so that the necklace is secure on your neck.

11. Cut the excess leather off.

Picking a Charm

12. Think about the things that matter most to you, such as culture, religion, the ocean or even pets.

13. Think about what symbols represent those important things, such as tribal images, religious symbols or ocean creatures.

14. Do an internet search to find a jeweler who sells charms of the symbol you decided upon.

Tips & Warnings

• You can try tying the charm in place instead of knots on either side for a different look.
• Leather is hard to untie once it gets wet.