How to Make a Hemp Necklace



Have you ever thought about making your own hemp necklace but thought it would probably just be too difficult or take too much time? Well, it's a lot easier than it appears and it is a really enjoyable craft. This guide will show you step-by-step how to make a beautiful hemp necklace.

Steps   

  1. Cut the hemp.

    1. Cut one 5-yard (4.5 meter) length of hemp.
    2. Cut one length, twice as long as the piece of jewelery, plus a few extra inches. For example: for a 7" (17.7 cm) bracelet, 20-24" (50.8 cm-60.9 cm), for a necklace, Two yards is plenty.
    3. Fold these lengths in half with the 2-yard (1.8 meter) length on the inside and the 5-yard (4.5 meter) length on the outside. The reason being because the longer 5-yard (4.5 meter) cord will be what is called the "knotter" cord, which will be used to make the knots while the shorter 2-yard (1.8 meter) cord will be the carrier cords, used as an anchor to hold the knots.
    4. Butterfly long cords
      Butterfly long cords
      Butterfly long cords by wrapping them in a figure eight pattern around your fingers.
    5. Wrap them in the middle with rubber bands so they will stay together.
  2. Make a loop
    Make a loop
    Make a loop at the end by tying an overhand knot.
  3. Line up the cords with the shorter ones on the inside and the longer ones on the outside.

    • If you cannot get them to line up just right you will need to untie your knot and retie it with the cords lined up better.
  4. Tie your half-square knots.

    1. Half-square knots
      Half-square knots
      Make a loop with the cord to the far right. Bring the cord underneath the first two cords to the left and over the last one.
    2. Through the loop
      Through the loop
      Bring the cord on your far left over the two middle cords and through the loop.
  5. About 17 knots
    About 17 knots
    Continue knotting until you reach an inch in length, which will be about 17 knots.
  6. String your first bead on the two middle cords.
  7. Tie the two outer cords underneath the bead and continue these steps until you have knotted 6 inches (15.2 cm).
  8. Attach a pendant to your necklace by stringing it onto the bottom cord, if you wish.
  9. Continue to knot and bead for another 6 inches (15.2 cm).
  10. Tie another overhand knot at the end.

    • Tie off the knot
      Tie off the knot
      Be sure to apply Elmer's glue as you are tying it.
  11. Adjust and tie
    Adjust and tie
    Cut any excess cord about 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the overhand knot so you have plenty of length to adjust and tie with.


Tips   

  • Some people prefer to make necklaces without glue, or with an alternative to Elmer's Glue as Elmer's is water soluble.


Things You'll Need   

  • A spool of hemp
  • Beads with large holes in them
  • Elmer's glue or similar craft glue
  • Very helpful to have a project board and T-pins but not necessary