There is beauty in simplicity. A few beads, some leather cord, and finishing findings are all that is needed to make this choker necklace. Though not elaborate, it is still striking and functional. And if you are not really a jewelry minimalist, you can alter this design by stringing your favorite focal pendant in the center.

As implied by their name, “choker” necklaces circle the neckline (but they shouldn’t really choke you). And yes, you can buy ready-made chokers, but they may limit your designs. Here are the benefits to making your own multi-strand leather choker:

• Multi-strand leather is stiff enough to hold the circular shape necessary for choker necklaces.
• Adornments can be added prior to finishing the ends, thus eliminating the need for beads and bails to slide over the clasp.
• The multiple strands will support the large-hole beads and allow them to hang properly (if you have ever strung a large-hole bead on thin beading wire, you know what I mean).
• You can vary the number of leather strands to match the hole size of your chosen large-hole bead. No worries about finishing the ends, the center-crimp-with-loop findings are available in a variety of sizes.
• Your designs will be more unique.
• Making it yourself, makes it handmade. Yay!

You will need the following supplies:

• 5 each metal beads with 4.5mm or larger hole ( I used item #24-451-06-5)
• 6 feet 2mm Greek leather cord (I used item #61-132-05-46)
• 2 each center crimp cord ends (I used item #41-151-99-45)
• 2 each jump rings (I used item #37-145-1)
• 1 each lobster clasp (I used item #39-349-1)

The 2mm Greek Leather is available in so many colors!

• red * turquoise * burgundy
• dark purple * royal blue * black
• olive * natural * brown

You will need the following tools (and other supplies):

• #69-271-03 EURO TOOL Glitter, Chain-Nose Pliers
• #69-271-08 EURO TOOL Glitter, Flat-Nose Pliers
• #69-043 Scissors, Extra-Large Loop
• #69-402 Cutting Mat, 11×17″
• low-tack masking tape

Tool Spotlight

Follow these steps to make a leather and metal bead choker:

Use sharp scissors to cut leather cord to length. When calculating your finished choker length, take into consideration that the finishing findings will add an extra 1-1/4″. For a finished choker, approximately 17″ in length, I cut my leather to 16″.

Cut four leather strands to your desired length. I added about 1/4″ length in case I needed to trim the leather to keep clean even ends.

String five large-hole beads on the bundled four leather strands.

Center the five metal beads on the cord. Make sure the leather flows evenly through the beads without twisting.

Evenly match the leather cord ends and use low-tack painter’s tape to hold the bundled leather strands together.

Slide a center-crimp with loop onto the bundled leather cord. The ends of the cording should match the top rim of the center crimp tube.

Use chain-nose pliers to securely crimp the center-crimp portion of the tube. Flip the piece and crimp from the other side of the tube. Remove the tape.

Repeat the process with the second side of the necklace. It is at this stage that you might need to trim the leather ends to a matched length.

Use a jump ring to attach the lobster clasp to the necklace’s end loop. Be sure to twist the jump ring opened and closed, this will maintain its round shape.

Attach a jump ring to the necklace’s other end loop. This ring will receive the lobster clasp.

Center-crimp findings are easy to use and create a secure clasp assembly for both single and multi-strand cording necklaces. And best of all, they result in a professional finish.

The finished choker necklace is ready to wear.

You can follow the same steps to make a wrapped bracelet.

Make things,

Mollie

www.rings-things.com