https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/creating-ruffled-mesh-ribbon • Posted by Shop Showcase
Because this technique requires a lot of mesh in order to complete a necklace, it is best to experiment will a smaller piece until you get the hang of it. You can also use the 6mm mesh in the back section of the necklace, while using the 20mm for the front section, as a more economical alternative. Usually, I create a ruffled piece in sections, using big holed beads. Here's an example of how I might construct a given piece:
Because this technique requires a lot of mesh in order to complete a necklace, it is best to experiment will a smaller piece until you get the hang of it. You can also use the 6mm mesh in the back section of the necklace, while using the 20mm for the front section, as a more economical alternative. Usually, I create a ruffled piece in sections, using big holed beads. Here's an example of how I might construct a given piece:
Start with one meter of leather cord. Insert it into one meter of 20mm mesh, so that once inserted, the leather cord is sticking out of one end of the mesh only. The other end of the leather should be even with the end of the mesh. Create a needle on the end where the mesh and the leather are even by wrapping the end of the mesh around the end of the leather with your fingers.
Insert this rolled end through a large-hole focal bead. Push the focal bead to the center of the mesh, so you have an equal amount of the mesh on either side of the bead. Now, loosen the mesh that was rolled around the leather when you created your needle. Pull the leather at that same end so that you now have an equal amount of leather sticking out of the mesh on either side of the focal bead.
The focal bead should now be in the middle of the piece. On either side of the bead you should now have equal halves of the mesh and equal halves of the leather with the strung bead in the center. The leather will be quite a bit longer than the mesh it is sticking out of. Now, using a knotting awl, knot the center bead in place by placing a knot on each side of the bead. Keep in mind that you will be knotting both the mesh and the inserted leather around the awl at the same time.
Once your bead is knotted in place, starting from one side at the back, push the mesh along the leather towards the center bead, to create the desired ruffles. Repeat this movement on the other side. Once you have created your ruffles,you should have leather "tails" sticking out of either side of your necklace.
Slide on about 3/4 of a meter of 6mm mesh on the leather tails on both sides of your piece, in either the same color as the 20mm mesh, or another contrasting color. Make sure that the inner end of the 6mm mesh slides under the 20mm mesh a bit where they come together, so that the two overlap. Now, using a knotting awl or thin crochet hook, make a knot where they the mesh is joined so that your mesh and leather are all knotted together, creating a nice fat knot.
Smooth the jagged ends of the mesh around the leather cord at each end of your necklace and create a "needle" like end. Slide on one of your big/holed accent beads. Do the same on the other side. Now, knot the bead in place, using your awl. Next, push the remaining 6mm mesh from both sides of your piece towards the center, creating tight ruffles or waves.
Now using the proper crimp ends finish your piece and add your clasp.