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Crocheted fiber-wrap necklace tutorial

Tribal 2

Since I've had several "how did you make those?" requests, I decided to post simple directions here on the blog and add the link to my list of tutorials. Really, this couldn't be easier. The biggest trick is to have beads with large enough holes to accomodate the crochet thread, and to have a variety of fibers sitting about. Here's how mine was made.

Materials:
Cotton crochet thread (I used black)
Large-holed beads
Variety of fibers in 3' lengths

Tools:
Crochet hook
Twisted wire needle
Tapestry needle

Step One ~ Create the beaded strand
String all of your beads onto the crochet thread, remembering to place the biggest ones in the middle of the batch. Chain about 100 stitches. Don't worry about whether it's enough ~ if you come to the end before finishing your necklace, you can always add more. If there are too many, you can just remove some. Start double or single crocheting along the chain, depending upon how thick you want the stand. Add your beads a semi-regular intervals. When you get to the end, chain some more to form a closing loop. Crochet back along the entire length with single crochet to reinforce the strand. At the other end, chain some more, and crochet back along that strand until you meet up with the already-reinforced part. Add a bead or button closure to the end of this chain.

Step Two ~ Fiber wrap the strand
Really simple now! Don't make it too complicated. Take strands of interesting fibers, and wrap them along the length of the beaded strand. I kept most of mine doubled. Knot them at both ends, with tails hanging down. Repeat with additional fibers, making sure that you wrap in slightly different patterns, and/or end in different spots. When you've wrapped all that you want, look to see where additional fringes of fibers are needed. Cut short doubled lengths and knot them on, using the crochet hook to slip them in place underneath other fibers. If anything does not stay wrapped to your liking, you can always tack the fibers into place with a needle and thread.

That's it! Fun, huh?
Tribal 1

Copyright 2005 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.

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Comments

France said…
Thanks for typing out this tutorial! It's inspired me to try something along those lines!
The Beading Gem said…
Thanks for the super tutorial. I must try this! I have a yarn stash to get rid of. Will also link/feature it on a future blog post. Pearl