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How to Make Your Own Tribal Necklace

DIY tribal necklaces

Inspired by Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2012 line, I became obsessed with making a statement tribal necklace — knowing it would be the perfect accessory for my upcoming trips to LA and Florida. One thing I love about these DIY tribal necklaces is that you can wear just one or stack a bunch for a bolder look.

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Another thing I love is that all the supplies for this little project are under $20 at Michael’s. I wore three of these tribal necklaces with a new shirt I made at a DIY retreat with Honestly WTF this weekend in Palm Springs.

Customize yours with different color combinations or by adding nuts, washers and beads.

Prefer to watch the tutorial video? See it here.

DIY Tribal Necklace Supplies

supplies for tribal necklace project

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To make your necklace, you need these supplies: rope, embroidery floss, small beads, lobster claw, large lock nuts and chain.

DIY Tribal Necklace Tutorial

Step 1.

Woman wrapping thread around rope

Cut the rope to a little longer then the length you want the necklace (wrap masking tape around the ends to keep from fraying). Tie the first color of string at one end and double knot.

Step 2.

Wrapping thread around rope for diy necklace

Start wrapping the string around the rope leaving the starting end loose.

Step 3.

Tying two colors of thread together

To switch colors, double knot the two strings together.

Step 4.

Wrapping thread around rope to make necklace

Continue wrapping covering up the excess string ends.

Step 5.

Alternating colors of thread wrapped around rope

Keep wrapping, switching colors as you go to create your desired pattern.

Step 6.

Tribal necklace

Continue wrapping until you cover the entire piece of rope.

Step 7.

Scissors cutting end of rope

Cut so only a little masking tape is left on the end.

Step 8.

Nut attached to the end of the thread-wrapped rope

Thread the string end through the lock nut, then screw the nut onto the end of the rope.

Step 9.

Chain tied to a thread-wrapped rope

Tie the chain onto the end, repeat on opposite side.

Step 10.

Finished diy tribal necklace

Attach lobster clasp, and your first necklace is done! Using these basics make two or more strands to wear together.

Optional Upgrades

Close up of tribal necklace

Add hardware by stringing washers on the rope, or threading beads onto the embroidery floss while wrapping.

Close up of colorful necklace

Get creative and have fun making your own combinations!

Tribal Necklace Tutorial Video


aarathy

Wednesday 21st of August 2013

hi what if ropes are not available? is there an alternative solution ?

Justtap1

Monday 8th of October 2012

this is awesome. I've been looking to buy some of these necklaces, but now I can make them myself. Thanks

zarinamaih

Tuesday 6th of December 2011

Its a great deal under $20. This is amazing work with threads and give gorgeous looks and totally different made.

karla padilla.

Monday 5th of December 2011

it also seems easy to use because you go step by step .. you make it easy for it to be understand

karla padilla.

Monday 5th of December 2011

i like this site because it talks about fashion i also love how its colorful

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