How to Make a Ribbon Necklace at Home
By Stacy Copeland
, last updated December 30, 2011
Ribbon isn't just for wrapping packages or tying bows in your hair. Knitters and crocheters can turn their favorite ribbon into sophisticated, wearable necklaces. Yarn stores now carry a wide variety of ribbon yarns, from Lion Brand's inexpensive Incredible Yarn to Colinette's pricier Giotto. Another option is a ladder ribbon yarn, in which small, intermittent sections of ribbon run between two thin strands of nylon. If you can't find ribbon yarn, visit your craft store and select the thinnest, floppiest ribbon you can find. For example, a thin satin or fabric ribbon will work better than grosgrain, since the latter has a stiffer texture.
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Crocheters should choose a large hook, between N and P in size. Create a simple, multi-stranded necklace by making a series of crochet chains with 12-inch tails at either end. To make a crochet chain, form a slipknot, leaving the tail hanging down. Insert the hook into the loop of the knot and wrap the yarn over the top of the curved end, from right to left. Catch the yarn in the hook and pull it through the loop of the slipknot. Continue wrapping the hook and pulling each wrap through the previous stitch. You can make the chain as long as you like. Chain more stitches for a longer necklace, less for a choker. When you come to the end of the chain, cut the ribbon 12 inches from the last loop and pull the tail all the way through the loop to form a knot. After you've made as many chains as you want, braid the tails together on either end and tie off the end of each braided section with a single overhand knot. Tie the braids in a bow behind your neck to secure the necklace.
To make a thick choker, simply work a row of single crochet stitches into the base chain. Start the single crochet in the next-to-last stitch of the chain, and chain one stitch at the end of each row before you turn your work. Make as many rows of single crochet stitches as you want until the choker is as thick as you desire. Work crochet chains into either end of the single-crochet piece, approximately midway down. Make each chain 12 inches long and tie them behind your neck.
Knitters can make a tubular necklace out of i-cord. Cast on three stitches with size 11 double-pointed needles. Knit the three stitches, then slide the knitted stitches to the other end of the needle so the yarn hangs to the left. Pull the yarn across the back of the stitches and knit again, and then slide the stitches to the other end of the needle. By never turning your work, you will create a knitted tube. Leave 12-inch tails at each end and tie them in back, just as with the crochet version.
If you don't knit or crochet, thread the end of your favorite ribbon through a darning needle with a point at the end. String it with your favorite beads by slipping the beads over the needle, and then finish the ends by squeezing on a pretty clamp with pliers.
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