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A woven fabric necklace is a simple way to turn jersey or T-shirt fabric into a colorful statement accessory. This project uses basic materials and a repeating weave, so the finished piece can have a handmade look without requiring perfectly even cuts or advanced jewelry-making skills.
Materials for a Woven Fabric Necklace
Gather the following supplies before you begin:
- 1 yard of jersey or T-shirt fabric
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A marker or pen
- Scissors
- Glue (optional, for covering the finished joins)
Choose fabric that is comfortable against the neck and easy to stretch. If you are using an old T-shirt, check that you have enough uninterrupted fabric to cut four long strips.
Prepare the Fabric Strips
1. Fold the fabric in half. Along the bottom edge, mark four lines, each 3 inches wide. These marks indicate where to begin cutting the strips.
2. Cut along the four marked lines, extending each cut all the way through the fabric. The edges may look slightly shaggy; this is fine for this project.
3. Stretch each fabric strip from one end to the other. This helps the strips lengthen and curl into cords that are easier to weave.
4. Gather the four strips together, leaving a short section loose at one end and most of the fabric extending from the other. Tie a small scrap of fabric around the short end to hold the strips together. Pull the scrap over the short loose ends, like a turtleneck, to conceal them. Trim any excess that remains visible.
Weave the Necklace
Starting the weave may take a little patience. Work slowly at first, keeping the four strips in order and tightening the weave evenly as you go.
5. Take one strip from the left side and curve it over toward the right to form an upside-down U. Hold the end of this loop in place with your index finger and the base of the loop with your thumb.
Take a strip from the opposite side and curve it over toward the first side, forming a second upside-down U. The loose ends of the two loops should be on opposite sides. Together, the loops create a small tunnel.
6. Keep holding the two loops in place. Take a third strip from one side of the tunnel. Pass it over the first U directly in front of it and through the second U, then pull it all the way through.
Take the fourth strip from the opposite side and repeat the movement: pass it over the U in front and through the second U. Once both strips have been woven through, pull all four ends to tighten the pattern.
7. Pull the strips firmly enough to secure the weave, but keep the tension consistent so the necklace stays even. If one strip is noticeably wider than the others, the difference may show in the finished pattern. Checking the strips before weaving can help prevent uneven sections.
8. Continue repeating the same weaving sequence. As the pattern forms, the steps become easier to follow. When the necklace is long enough to fit over your head, stop and leave about 3 inches of loose fabric at the end.
Gather the loose ends together and secure them with another piece of scrap fabric, as you did at the beginning. Wrap the excess scrap around the ends and trim any visible remainder, leaving the bundle snug and neat.
Join and Finish the Necklace
9. Make a fabric connector from a well-cut scrap strip. Choose a length that will drape around your neck and allow the necklace to pass over your head. Thread the strip through a layered section of one wrapped end and knot it securely. Attach the other end of the connector to the opposite wrapped end in the same way.
The connector can be pulled through with scissors if needed, taking care not to damage the woven strips. For a cleaner finish, wrap a small piece of scrap fabric around each join to conceal the knot and wrapped ends. Glue is optional; if you use it, allow it to dry fully before wearing the necklace.
Once the joins are secure and any glue has dried, the woven fabric necklace is ready to wear.
This project is adaptable: using fabric in different colors can create a more varied look, while careful cutting and even tension help the weave appear consistent. The finished piece can be worn as a lightweight statement accessory. LaTonya notes that the necklace can be hand-washed; when cleaning a handmade piece, take care around any glued areas.
Conclusion
A woven fabric necklace is a practical DIY project for using jersey or T-shirt fabric to make a handmade accessory. With four strips, a repeating weave, and simple fabric ties at the ends, you can create a necklace without metal chain components. Keep the strips even, tighten the weave consistently, and allow any glue to dry before wearing your finished woven fabric necklace.
