Ribbon Chain Necklace: Crafting Colorful Elegance at Home

Creating a ribbon chain necklace is a perfect blend of vibrant colors and elegant design, allowing you to showcase your creativity and crafting skills. This guide takes you through crafting a stunning ribbon chain necklace, using a mix of ribbons and chains to create a unique, colorful accessory that is sure to stand out. Ideal for fashion enthusiasts and DIY lovers, this project lets you experiment with materials and techniques to design a customizable piece tailored to your style preferences.

Step 1: Supplies For Ribbon Chain Necklace

As I said, this will vary with the type of necklace you want.

Supplies and Tools

Ribbon: You’ll need 1/8-inch ribbon in seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink.

Chain: Ensure your chain totals at least 113 inches, split into seven segments of 16 inches each. The chain should be wide enough to weave the ribbon through it smoothly. Look for one about 5.2mm across and 4.5mm tall, forming oval links. A Cuban or Curb Link Chain works best here, as its flattened links help it lie flat.

Glue: Choose between E6000 glue and hot glue. E6000 is reliable but requires more patience to dry. Hot glue is quicker if you’re short on time.

Tools:

• Scissors for cutting the ribbon and chain.
• Jump Rings: Use 16 rings, each 5.5mm wide. Making your own jump rings can be a rewarding task.
• Clasp to secure the ends.
• End Bars (Optional): These help gather all chain segments neatly. A large jump ring can work too, but end bars add an elegant touch.
• Jewelry Pliers: Owning two makes things easier, though one will do.
• Painter’s Tape: Handy for tidying up loose ends, though not strictly necessary.

Experiment with these tools to create a unique and colorful piece. Remember, the methods and materials can be adjusted to fit your design needs.

Step 2: Chains

Preparing Your Chains: A Practical Guide

To kick off your project, it’s essential to get your chains cut to the right length. Initially, I thought it didn’t matter if mine matched, but I soon realized consistency is key. So, aim to cut them to your desired length from the start.

Strategy for Chain Lengths

Consider two main approaches: keep all chains the same length, or have them gradually increase in length. The shortest chain should be at the top, with each subsequent chain slightly longer. This creates a balanced look, especially if you’re attaching them to an end bar. If you’re looping them all on a jump ring, the length difference might not be as noticeable.

Example: My Necklace Design

For my necklace, I opted for uniformity, with each chain measuring exactly 16 1/8 inches from end to end. Including the chains, end bars, and clasp, the total length comes to about 17.5 inches. This precise measurement helped achieve a cohesive and polished appearance.

Tips for Success

1. Measure accurately: Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure precision.
2. Consider the design layout: Decide if you want uniform chains or a tiered effect.
3. Plan the final look: Visualize how each component will hang and adjust accordingly.

By following these steps, you’ll create a necklace that looks great and hangs perfectly. Keep these guidelines in mind as you work on your design, and you’ll be pleased with the result.

Step 3: Weave Ribbon

Making Ribbon Chokers: A Simple Guide

Creating a ribbon choker can be time-consuming, especially compared to crochet projects. Here’s a straightforward method to streamline this process.

Preparation Steps

1. Cut Your Ribbon: Cut a piece of ribbon a few inches longer than the chain. For example, use about 20 inches of ribbon for a 16-inch chain, leaving room for adjustments.
2. Seal the Ends: Add tape to one end of the ribbon. This prevents fraying and ensures it doesn’t slip back through the chain.
3. Shape the Other End: On the other end, shape the tape into a point, like a makeshift needle. This will help you weave the ribbon through the chain.

Weaving the Ribbon

• Flat and Straight: Keep the ribbon flat as you weave it through the chain. Use a finger to guide it and avoid twists.
• Secure the Chain: Tape the chain down to keep it stable while working. Thread an inch of ribbon through and secure it with tape.

Avoid twists at all costs; they can be a nightmare to correct later.

Final Touches

• Align the Ends: Ensure both ribbon ends come out on the same side of the chain. This allows you to glue them neatly on the back.
• Expect Some Wear: Over time, the ribbon might twist with normal use. Initially, aim for perfection, and see how it holds up.

Ultimately, the key to a great ribbon choker is patience and careful attention to detail. With these steps, your project will be both beautiful and durable.

Step 4: Finished Chains

Take a moment to admire the intricately woven chains adorned with ribbons. It took me a couple of hours to create this, but with practice, I believe I could do it more quickly now.

Step 5: Glue Ends

Gluing Down the Ribbon Ends

It’s time to secure the ribbon ends. How you do this is up to you, but I chose hot glue for simplicity.

Measuring and Cutting the Ribbon

First, fold over the ribbon to measure the length you need, then trim the excess. The ribbon should pass through the last link of the chain but not wrap around it. Leave that final link visible for later connections. Refer to image 3 for a visual guide.

Applying the Glue

Apply a dab of glue on the ribbon and attach it. Focus on bonding the ribbon pieces together without sticking them to the chain.

Repeat for All Chains

Follow this process for each chain. Keep your ribbon neat, and your connections strong.

Step 6: Making the Necklace

Making Your Necklace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to craft your unique necklace? Let’s get started.

Start with Jump Rings
First, attach a 5.5mm jump ring to each end of your necklace chain. This helps keep everything stable and easy to work with.

Attach the End Bars
Next, connect these jump rings to your End Bar pieces. Here’s how I did it:

• First loop, attach one chain (red).
• Second loop, add two chains (orange and yellow).
• Third loop, secure one chain (green).
• Fourth loop, place two chains (blue and purple).
• Fifth loop, finish with one chain (pink).

Finish with Clasp and Ring
Once everything is in place, attach a clasp to one end. This makes your necklace easy to put on and take off. Finally, add a large 5.5mm jump ring to the other end.

By organizing your chains and loops as described, you ensure a balanced and beautiful design. Remember, the key to a professional finish is patience and precision. Try it out and see how your necklace shines with your personal touch!

Step 7: Finished Necklace

Here is a look at the finished necklace and a look at how it is clasped at the back of my neck.

Remember this is a heavy necklace.

Completing a ribbon chain necklace is a rewarding experience that combines aesthetic appeal with personal creativity. By carefully selecting ribbons, preparing chains, and meticulously weaving and securing each element, you’ve crafted a distinctive accessory that reflects your individuality. Whether worn as a vibrant focal point or a subtle complement to your ensemble, your ribbon chain necklace is a testament to your craftsmanship and style. Enjoy the process, embrace the outcome, and let your new creation add a splash of color and charm to your collection.

courtesy: instructables