How to Finish a Leather & Lace Necklace
Necklaces made from leather lace cording are simple to finish if you have the right tools and jewelry findings. Cord such as leather lace, suede, satin and other lace fabric styles may be knotted to create a simple finish, but knots do not create a professional look. Learn the few steps necessary to finish leather and other lace style necklaces and take your jewelry to the next level.
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Things You'll Need
- Leather lace
- 2 crimping ends
- Chain nose pliers
- Beads
- Jump rings
- Round nose pliers
- Clasp
Instructions
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1
Cut a length of leather or other lace cord equal to the desired length of your necklace, without the clasp.
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2
Fit the chamber opening of the crimping end over one end of the leather lace cording. One side of the crimping end is closed so you can attach the clasp for your necklaces. The other side is open and fits over lace cording according to size. For example, if your leather lace is 3mm thick, purchase 3mm crimping ends.
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3
Place the flat head of a pair of chain nose pliers over the chamber opening of the crimping end. Squeeze the pliers handle to firmly press the flat head down onto the crimping end. The crimping end chamber will grasp the leather lace and connect it to the crimping end as you apply pressure.
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4
Thread the pendant, beads or charms onto the open end of the leather lace necklace. If the leather or other lace is thick, make sure to select beads that have large openings. Handmade lampwork beads, wooden beads and pony beads often have large openings. Add all of the design elements to the leather lace.
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5
Follow the process described in Step 2 to attach the remaining crimping end to the open end of the leather lace cord.
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6
Open a jump ring with the round nose pliers. Jump rings are round metal jewelry connectors with a cut in one part of the circle. Separate the ring at the cut large enough to fit over the closed loop on the clasp and the crimping end.
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7
Connect the closed loop on one part of the clasp to the closed loop on one of the crimping ends. Close the jump ring.
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8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 on the other end of the cord to finish the leather lace necklace.
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Tips & Warnings
Coil clasps also work to finish necklaces made with leather and other laces. The coil fits over the lace and bites into the fabric with pressure.
