Make a simple leather beaded necklace
This simple and stylish necklace with bead detailing makes a truly thoughtful present for a friend
To make
No special tools required. Cut a 150cm length of leather cord. Choose a selection of small beads, or charms with wire loops attached – we used 20 beads to make this necklace. Lay out the beads in your desired order. Thread on the centre bead and tie a knot on either side to secure it in place. Leave a gap of about 4cm then tie another knot. Thread on the next bead and tie a knot on the other side of it to secure in place. Repeat all the way along both sides of the necklace. To finish the necklace, tie two adjustable slip knots (see below), adding a metal bead after each, secured with knots, and trimming the free ends of the cord.
How to tie a slip knot
This is an easy way to finish a necklace or bracelet without the need for a fastening and also means the length can be adjusted. Start by overlapping the ends of the cord. Then, following the diagram, tie two slip knots to tie both free ends around the main length of cord. Check that you can pull the cord to tighten or loosen.
Feature: Kirsty Robertson. Photo: Richard Burns. Illustration: Terry Evans
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