adminThis woven necklace DIY combines cotton twine, a short piece of copper pipe and turquoise beads to create a textured, handmade accessory. A small cardboard loom keeps the process manageable, and you can adjust the colors and dimensions to suit your style.
Materials for a Woven Necklace DIY
- Necklace chain in your preferred length
- 4 inches of copper pipe
- Cotton twine
- Yarn, optional
- Thick cardboard measuring about 5 x 7 inches
- 12 turquoise stone beads
- Tapestry needle for weaving
- Hand-sewing needle for attaching the stones
- Thread in a coordinating color
Before starting, check that the copper pipe is suitable for wearing and that its edges are smooth. Keep the beads, thread and needles within reach so you can work without interrupting the weaving.
How to Make the Woven Necklace
1. Prepare the cardboard loom
Cut a piece of thick cardboard to about 5 x 7 inches. Wrap the twine around it to create 10 warp strands across the front, then tie the two ends together at the back. Keep the strands evenly spaced and snug, but not so tight that they bend the cardboard.
2. Start weaving
Cut a separate length of twine, or yarn if you want another color, and thread it through the tapestry needle. This strand is the weft. Starting beneath the second warp strand from the right, pass the needle over and under the warp strands until you reach the left edge. Wrap around the edge strand and weave back in the opposite pattern.
3. Keep the rows even
As you pull each new row through, lift the weft at an angle to form a small hill in the middle, then gently draw it down until it lies flat. This extra slack helps prevent the rows from becoming increasingly tight and pulling the weaving into an hourglass shape. Press each row neatly against the one before it.
4. Add or change thread
Continue weaving back and forth until the strand is nearly used or you want to switch colors. Leave a tail of about 3 inches and tuck it beneath a warp strand. Tuck the beginning of the next strand about 3 inches under the same area, crossing the ends beneath the weaving. Later, secure the loose ends by stitching them into the back or tying a double knot.
5. Finish the woven section
Weave until the piece reaches your preferred length, leaving some unwoven warp at both ends for finishing. Turn the cardboard over and cut the warp strands about 1 inch from the top edge. This leaves extra fringe at the bottom.
Thread the loose end of the weft and stitch vertically through a few rows on the back to secure it. Repeat for the other loose ends. Then tie a snug double knot between each pair of warp strands at the top and bottom. Although the original weaving used nine strands, using 10 is suggested to make the tie-off easier to balance.
6. Attach the beads and necklace chain
Fold the top knots toward the back and stitch them down without sewing all the way through to the front. Use the hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread to attach the 12 stones. Sewing each bead individually means that if one stitch breaks, the others are less likely to come loose. Two rows of six beads are one arrangement; you can adjust their placement.
Thread the chain through the 4-inch copper pipe. Cut another length of twine about 2 feet long and stitch it through one corner of the woven piece, beneath the double-knotted warp. Continue across to the other side, catching the warp knots where possible to help the necklace hold its shape.
Customize Your Woven Necklace DIY
Change the cardboard loom size to make the necklace wider or longer, and choose different warp and weft colors for a more vivid or relaxed look. Wool roving or additional beads can add texture. If you alter the dimensions, check that the chain and copper pipe still sit comfortably with the woven piece.
This woven necklace DIY is a flexible project for practicing basic weaving while making a wearable accessory. Take care to keep the tension consistent, secure the loose ends, and check the bead stitches before wearing the finished necklace. — Rachel
