Instructions for a Seed-Beaded Ruffled Necklace

You can create a ruffled necklace with seed beads.

Ruffles of fabric, yarn or beads are created in a similar fashion, by hand-stitching and gathering. Look for sparkly gold or silver seed beads for the maximum effect for a ruffled seed bead necklace. The same technique used to make the necklace could also be used to embellish the neckline or sleeve of a dress or blouse. The treatment would also add a touch of elegance to a set of linen napkins. A teenager with an interest in hand sewing may enjoy learning the uncomplicated beaded ruffling technique.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard 1/2-inch-wide satin ribbon
• 300 small seed beads
• Beading needle
• Beading thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the ribbon to the finished length of the necklace, including enough ribbon to tie the necklace in a bow for a closure.

2. Thread the beading needle with 24 inches of beading thread and knot one end. Attach a row of beads down the center of the ribbon, excluding the tie end sections. Knot the end of the thread securely.

3. Thread the needle with 36 inches of beading thread and knot the end. Insert the needle from the back of the ribbon necklace under the first bead. Pick up five beads on the needle and insert the tip of the needle from the front of the necklace to the back at the next attached bead to make a ruffle.

4. Repeat, creating ruffles directly under the attached row of seed beads, using the beads as a guide. Knot the thread securely.

5. Put on the ruffled seed bead necklace by tying the ends of the ribbon at the back of the neck.

References

• "Making Designer Seed Bead, Stone and Crystal Jewelry"; Tammy Powley; 2006
• "Creative Bead Weaving"; Carol Wilcox Wells; 1996