Project Idea -- Knotted cord Necklace

A fun family project that even grade school children can do.

Supply List -
3 Cord strands, 36-40"each, shown is 2 strand colored hemp, 1 silk cord
3 Corrugated Round Bead, 10mm (06-51-FM2893) silver plate or choice
5-8 Asst. Metal Bead, such as (06-SW78ME812 & 06-DA1983-59)
3 Resin Round, 15mm (we used 2 Aqua and 1 Zircon from 08-51-RT0000)
5 Resin Drum, 10mm (3 Capri, 2 Zircon from 08-51-RT2000)
2 Fold-over Cord Tips (03-DA1960-86)
Lobster Claw clasp, jumprings, your choice

Tools: flat nose pliers, scissors

Hold your three cord strands parallel to each other. About 4-5" from end, make an overhand knot with all three strands (see illustration at right). Add a metal bead (an 8mm corrugated spacer was used in example), then make an overhand knot on other side of metal bead to sandwich it in between. Separate one strand and string on a Resin Drum bead, then create another overhand knot with all three strands. Knots should be snug but not overly tight and strands should be relaxed, allowing bead to slightly hang. Separate a different strand than the previous and string on a 10mm Corrugated Round bead, followed by an overhand knot..

Continue to string beads in this manner, knotting all three strands in between. Follow design in photo or arrange as desired. Once all beads are in place, sandwich a large hole spacer (same as first) and trim cord strands so they are the same length on both sides of necklace (about 4-5" each side for an overall 18-20"). Add fold-over cord tips by placing cord in rectangular end, (add some glue to secure, if desired) then fold side flaps over (flaps will overlap) and flatten with pliers. Rotate open a jumpring with pliers, add clasp and link jumpring through end loop of a cord tip, then rotate jumpring closed. Add a ring to opposite cord tip to complete.

Variation: In lieu of adding a clasp at the end, leave the cording a few inches longer and skip cord tips. Make overhand knots on each end, use clear nail polish on cord ends to prevent fraying and necklace can be tied on with a bow.

All the supplies on the list above can be purchased in-store at Bead Jam, and many available on our On-line store. Follow link for our store site. Do a search for the exact stock number or to see all choices, or we suggest using all or part of each bold phrase above to search for the particular supply.

Design and instructions copyright of Bead Jam LLC; creation of projects is for personal or gift use only. Feel free to print and distribute projects as long as credit is given to www.beadjam.com