Fabric-Covered Bead Necklace

 

THIS IS a great no-sew project that features batik dyed fabric strips (i.e.. bias-cut fabric fiber). This necklace would look great when paired with cotton or linen fabric, perfect for a casual summer party or any time you want a great accessory with a soft, earthy look.

 MATERIALS AND SUPPLIERS

Mirah's Crafts Batik

Ribbon Yarn in garnet and ruby (Alternatively. you can cut your own bias fabric strips: 1/2 to 3/4 yards of fabric will produce all the strips you need.)

Large wooden craft beads with big holes. eight to ten as desired

White glue

Toothpicks

Large-eye needle (to accommodate fabric strips and cord)

Cord for stringing. medium-to-heavy novelty fiber. 3 yards

Two small wooden beads for cord ends

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut off a long strip of fiber (about a yard for a large bead). Use a toothpick to apply white glue just Inside the hole of the bead.

2. While the glue is wet, use the toothpick to push the end of the fiber into the hole. Roll the toothpick over the fabric inside the bead to adhere it smoothly to the inside of the bead.

3. Apply a straight, thin line of glue halfway around the bead, from hole to hole.

4. Wrap the fiber strip around the bead, over the glue, smoothing with your fingers. 

5. Thread the end of the fiber strip into a large-eyed needle. Using the needle to feed the fiber strip through the bead hole, pull the strip completely through the hole until the strip is taut.

6. Continue wrapping around the outside of the bead, threading the fiber strip through the hole with each wrap. Lightly glue and slightly overlap the edges with each wrap Until the entire bead is covered.

7. Cut off and tuck the end of the fiber into the hole, gluing it in place after the last wrap. Use the toothpick to push the end of the last fiber strip neatly inside the hole. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth and let the bead dry. Repeat until you've made eight to ten beads, or as many as you'd like in your necklace.

8. You can now string the beads on the cord. I used a double cord, but you can use a single cord if you prefer. For the double cord, cut two 1.5-yard lengths of cord. Thread the two ends of the cords into a large-eyed needle. Pull the needle and doubled cord through the bead's hole, sliding the bead along the cords to the desired position. To secure the bead in position, wrap the cord on the outside of the bead and back through the opposite hole. Repeat until all beads are strung, adjusting bead positions along the cord as desired. To create the closure, secure the cord near the ends with a wrapped finishing knot , which will allow you to adjust the length of the necklace. Add small beads to the ends of the cord, knotting at the base of each to finish the ends. Use white glue to seal the cord ends.