Cut Out + Keep | How To » Necklace O' Washers

Not registered yet?

You Will Need

- PROJECT BUDGET
- Cheap

Necklace O' Washers

Hardware is pretty, too!

I briefly saw a similar necklace on a craft site somewhere, but soon forgot where I had seen it. One day, I decided to try it to see how hard it could be. It took several trials to get the pattern of the ribbon-weaving down, but it was fun and worth it!

Since this project was basically trial and error for me, I really don't have a clearcut formula for how many washers = length of necklace, or how long the ribbon should be (sorry!). If you have cute ribbon you want to use, I would suggest a trial run with cheap-o ribbon before you cut anything.

If anybody knows where this originally came from, I will be happy to credit.

Add to Favorites Add Your Version

Starting from underneath the first washer, thread the ribbon UP through the hole. Then, thread it DOWN through the top of a second washer.

Note: In the picture, the washer on the left is shiny-side up, the one on the right is shiny-side down. The only reason this matters is if you want the shiny sides of the washers all facing the same way.
Turn the washer over so it is shiny-side up. Thread the end of the ribbon back down through the first washer.

(This was the most confusing part for me to figure out, and even more confusing to try and describe! I hope the pictures help.)

This is your basic "stitch", if you will. The only difference between this picture and the last one is that I have pulled the ribbon tight around the washers.
Thread the ribbon UP through the hole of the top washer, and pull it all the way through.

You are now ready to start a new "stitch."
Thread the ribbon UP through the bottom of a new washer. Pull it all the way through.
Thread the ribbon UP through the bottom of a 4th washer, and again back down through the 3rd.

When adding more washers, it helped me to think of them as a pattern of 'A' and 'B.' Each pair of washers acts as one "stitch", and you have to add a new pair to complete the pattern.
Voila! You now have 2 pairs of washers! Lather, rinse, repeat as desired.
Yay, more!
I ran out of washers/patience and decided this was long enough. You're always welcome to keep the party going.

The pencil is there so you can tell how big it is life-size. And, you know, also for doodling purposes.
I'm all smiles with my new bling.