How to Make a Braided Cross Necklace

If you don't have leather strips, use embroidery floss.

You can make a simple braided cross necklace at home. If you were to go to a department store and buy a braided cross necklace in the jewelry section, you might pay well over the amount you would pay for the supplies to make one yourself. You could make five or six necklaces for the cost of buying one.

Things You'll Need

• 3 strips of leather
• Scissors
• Tape
• 3 jump rings
• Clasp
• Cross charm

Instructions

1. Cut the three strips of leather. Use sharp scissors to cut all three strips to the same length. If you want a longer necklace, cut them to be at least 20 inches long. If you want more of a choker style necklace, cut them to be 12 inches long.

2. Braid the three strands of leather. Place all three strands together evenly. Make a knot at one end using all three strands. The knot should be about 1 inch from the end. Use a piece of tape to secure the strands to your work surface by placing the tape above the knot. Spread the strands out. Braid the strands together evenly until you have reached the point that is 1 inch from the end. Make a knot there.

3. Attach jump rings on each end. There is 1 knot per end on the necklace. Open a jump ring by gently pulling it open with your fingers. Use 1/4 inch or larger jump rings. Insert the pointed end of the jump ring through the knot. You will be able to get the jump ring around all 3 strands. Attach a clasp piece at each end using the open jump rings. Close jump rings by gently squeezing them together with your thumb and pointer finger.

4. Find the center of the necklace. Fold it in half. Attach a jump ring at center point. Open the jump ring, and place one end of it through the necklace and around one strand of leather. Next, add the cross, and then close the jump ring.

5. Wear the braided cross necklace you just made. You can also give it to a friend as a token of friendship and faith. Make more necklaces the same way, using different colors and thicknesses of leather, and different types of cross charms to vary the look of each one you make.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you cut the strands long enough.

• Be careful using scissors.

References

• TIPS and ideas for braiding leather strips