https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/diy-cardi-clip • Posted by amyistheparty
Cardigans are a staple in my Spring wardrobe. I own at least a dozen of them in all different colors. They are comfy, versatile, and perfect for making a sleeveless dress or tank more work-appropriate. I am going to show you how to make a sweater chain to dress up your favorite cardigan (plus it’ll keep your sweater from slipping off your shoulders). This is such a fun and easy project that you’ll want to make sweater chains for all of your cardigans.
Cardigans are a staple in my Spring wardrobe. I own at least a dozen of them in all different colors. They are comfy, versatile, and perfect for making a sleeveless dress or tank more work-appropriate. I am going to show you how to make a sweater chain to dress up your favorite cardigan (plus it’ll keep your sweater from slipping off your shoulders). This is such a fun and easy project that you’ll want to make sweater chains for all of your cardigans.
Some ideas of what to use for your cabochons: buttons, old post or clip earrings – anything with a flat back that you have 2 of. To save money, look around your home for something that might work. Thrift stores are also a great resource. You can also search for “cabochon” on Etsy.
I’ve used a couple pairs of vintage clip earrings. I cut off the ear clip with pliers/wire cutters to leave a (mostly) flat back.
I’ve also cut the shanks off plastic buttons using a button shank remover.
Glue your cabs onto the tops of the sweater clips to dress them up a bit. I use E6000 but any strong jewelry glue or epoxy will work. Follow the directions on your glue regarding drying time. I let mine dry overnight. Once your glue is dry, you are ready to attach your chain to the sweater clips using jump rings. Open the jump ring using your jewelry pliers. Hook the loop on your sweater clip into the jump ring, along with one end of your chain. Close the jump ring securely with pliers. Repeat for the other side.
You can use two or more strands of chain if you wish. I love the look of beaded chain. If you are a more advanced jewelry maker, you might try adding beads to the chain, using eye or head pins.