Cut Out + Keep

Washer Ribbon Necklace

Don't Buy DIY: Anni Albers Washer Ribbon Necklace

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/washer-ribbon-necklace • Posted by carlyjcais

I fell in love with this washer necklace, originally by artist Anni Albers. They sell the DIY necklace kit on Urban Outfitters for $14. But I'm not paying $14 for a kit! I just put together the parts - one trip to Home Depot, and one trip to Michael's later, I was set. Figuring out how the ribbon was woven through took a few false starts, but here is the DIY anyway, just in case anyone's interested: *I know it looks from the "materials needed" like we just bought a whole bunch of 1/2" washers, but for some reason the loose 1/2" dia washers actually ARE 1/2", whereas the loose, in the drawer "cutwashers1/2" are larger (like 7/8" if truth must be told). Not sure why. Anyway, those are what I used; choose whatever sizes you like! Total cost of washers? $3.74.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

0 h 40

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium washernecklace1 Medium washernecklace3

Description

I fell in love with this washer necklace, originally by artist Anni Albers. They sell the DIY necklace kit on Urban Outfitters for $14. But I'm not paying $14 for a kit! I just put together the parts - one trip to Home Depot, and one trip to Michael's later, I was set. Figuring out how the ribbon was woven through took a few false starts, but here is the DIY anyway, just in case anyone's interested: *I know it looks from the "materials needed" like we just bought a whole bunch of 1/2" washers, but for some reason the loose 1/2" dia washers actually ARE 1/2", whereas the loose, in the drawer "cutwashers1/2" are larger (like 7/8" if truth must be told). Not sure why. Anyway, those are what I used; choose whatever sizes you like! Total cost of washers? $3.74.

Instructions

  1. Small aanecklacediy1

    Thread one of the smallest washers onto your length of ribbon, about 8" or so from one end. Follow lacing instructions below, adding washers on in this order: (S= small washer, M=medium washer, L=large washer) S-S-M-M-M-M-M-M-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-M-M-M-M-M-M-S-S

  2. Small aanecklacediy2

    Make sure you underlap the washers as you add each new one; the new one goes underneath the previous one. And they're single-sided (a shiny side, and a matter side), so make sure you're keeping the same side out for each one as you add it on! Leave 6-8" on the end once you're done , and tie the end of the ribbon. You can also treat the ends with Fray-Stop, or fold them over twice and stitch a narrow hem to encase the edges (neither of which I've done in the photo cuz I'm just too lazy). I think I'll just leave the ends tied - am not sure I like the bow I made. Anyhow. Project Cost: $4.74.

  3. Small washerneckalce2

    The necklace (though heavy) sits beautifully on the body, almost like a flat snake. Very nice, Anni Albers! Happy DIY'ing! xoxox Carly