There are so many fun things you could do with this technique. Imagine changing the ribbon color, the ribbon width, the pearl color, the pearl size, the kind of beads. Endless creating with just this. I added a button closure to this necklace because I thought tying four pieces of ribbon might get a little unruly. I think my daughter will prize this, and if she doesn’t, it might just end up in my closet!
Head over to this page for more lovely necklaces and jewelry tutorials of all sorts!
Materials:
Embroidery thread (DMC 5)
Approx 40 glass pearls (8mm)
2 yards 3/8″ ribbon
Needle
Button (optional for closure)
Elastic cord (optional for closure)
Time: 40 minutes
Cut two 36″ pieces of ribbon. Cross them about 10 inches in and start your thread in the center of the ribbons. I tuck the tail under the loop at least twice.
Trim your ends and thread your first pearl.
Take one of the long tails of ribbon, thread the embroidery floss through it such that the ribbon rests nicely on top of the pearl, without a big gap. You are not going to use the 10″ tails of ribbon, so ignore those and keep them separate from the longer tails.
Put on another pearl.
Now take the OTHER long tail you haven’t used yet, and go through that with the thread and needle such that that ribbon rests nicely on top of the pearl.
Place another pearl and keep repeating, alternating the long tails of ribbon. Remember, that a pearl goes on every time you bring a piece of ribbon up and over.
It will start to look like this.
Finish your thread off once.
Then bring the thread back through a few of the pearls and finish the thread off as hidden as you can make it inside the strand.
Sew a button on one of the ends.
Sew the elastic cord in a loop on the other end.
I think this closure looks quite nice. If I had had a pearl button, I would have used that.
Don’t you just want to make a ton of these?
My daughter just asked for another ring – never fear, one’s a coming. Maybe not tomorrow but in a couple of days . . .
Sharon says
Just found you today & looked back at all the projects. I can’t tell you how much I love this! I have so many people, including a 7 yr. old grand daughter that this will work for. Your work is exquisite & thank you so much for sharing! I just got more & more excited!
anne says
Sharon – thank you so much. What a lovely comment. You just got me so excited!! It is great hearing that so many folks will be trying these projects, especially with the little girls in their lives. happy making!
anjali says
this is really beautiful….and very easy as well,i might use this in my style blog as well…thanks for sharing.
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Anonymous says
Ooh. I think I like this one even better than the first ribbon/pearl necklace.
Susan
Anonymous says
WOW! Fantastic ideas, can’t wait to try this one too.
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with the world.
Laura says
This is such a wonderful necklace – beautiful work! Perfect last touch for the evening outfit – whatever it would be to wear. thank you for sharing!
sondia says
I just made one too! Thanks for the inspiration! Here’s a link to mine: http://seeshellspace.blogspot.com/2011/12/ribbon-twist-necklace-tutorial.html
Janet says
I think you’re wonderful! #16 is my favorite – very elegant! I can’t wait to use some of your ideas with when my granddaughter visits next summer!
Anonymous says
Does anyone know how long this ends up being??
anne says
Mine end up being about 22 inches.
Darla in Colorado says
Just made this necklace in black with steel blue pearls. LOVE IT!!!! My daughter wants one now and she is 25! Thanks for the tutorial! Keep on crafting!
Janel F. Acton says
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
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sherine gamal says
really amazing simple ideas!! totally love it 🙂 thx alot!!
muhammad haris says
Great work. Thanks for sharing. Online Watches
pearl necklace says
Great tutorial for make a twisted pearl necklace. The necklace is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous says
This is an utterly brilliant idea! I must make one for my mother on her birthday! 🙂
anne says
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks so much for the comment! Your welcome to all those wonderful commenters above, too! Thank YOU!