How-to: Braided Drop DIY Choker Necklace

With the warm weather in full swing, I can’t stop thinking about beach getaways, poolside afternoons and festival adventures. To get you ready, I created an easy suede DIY choker necklace to complete your summer look. Because Darice has so many different colors of suede cord, you can really customize this project to suit your personality. I used ivory for a neutral, simplistic vibe. Tan would be perfect for an earthy tone while purple is amazing for an eclectic touch.

Regardless of what color you choose, I’m sure it’ll turn out awesome. Keep reading to learn how to make your own DIY choker necklace!

BRAIDED DROP DIY CHOKER NECKLACE SUPPLIES:

• Darice Suede Cord  (we used ivory!)
• Darice Spacer Slider (1)
• Darice Ball Chain Stone Dangler Bead in Turquoise
• Darice 3 in 1 Jewelry Pliers
• Scissors
• Ribbon Ends (2)
• Darice Lobster Clasp
• 4mm Jump Rings (3)
• 8mm Jump Ring (1)
• Jewelry & Metal Glue
• Scotch Tape (optional)

Step one. Cut three strands of suede cord measuring at least 18 inches each. While this measurement is much longer than your final DIY choker necklace, it’s always better to start with too much instead of too little.

Step two. Add glue inside one ribbon end. Don’t overdo it; a little goes a long way.

Step three. Take the ends of all three suede strands and place them directly into the ribbon end.

Step four. Using the flat portion of the jewelry pliers, clamp down on the ribbon end to secure.

Step five. Begin braiding the suede cord.

Step six. Continue braiding until you reach half of your desired choker length. For us, this was 5 1/2 inches. Hold the cord up to your neck to make sure this is about half of your neck measurement. For a looser choker, make the necklace a little longer than your exact neck measurement.

Step seven. Using the jewelry pliers, open up a 4mm jump ring by bending the ends away from each other.

Step eight. Add both the space slider and turquoise drop bead to the jump ring. Close the jump ring shut by bending the ends towards each other.

Step nine. Add to the braided suede.

Step ten. Continue braiding until there is an equal length of braided suede on each side of the turquoise bead.

Step eleven. Cut the excess suede cord. Make sure that the braid doesn’t unravel.

Step twelve. Apply glue inside the second ribbon end, just like you did in Steps 2 – 5. Place the suede into the ribbon end and clamp shut with the pliers.

Connect the 8mm jump ring to the ribbon end using a 4mm jump ring.

Step thirteen. At the opposite end, connect the lobster clasp to the ribbon end with the last 4mm jump ring.

Once the glue is completely dry, your new DIY choker necklace is ready to wear!

Kirsten Nunez

Kirsten is a lifestyle writer and craft book author focusing on DIY, food, health, and creativity. Since 2010, she has been sharing DIY projects at WildAmor.com (formerly Studs & Pearls). In May 2014, Kirsten published her first book, Studs & Pearls: 30 Creative Projects for Customized Fashion; you can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon & select independent bookstores. She spends most of her time writing, crafting, traveling, and dreaming up new recipe ideas. Kirsten is a born and raised New Yorker currently living in the Bay Area of California.

http://wildamor.com/