This easy to make necklace turns an old t-shirt into a statement. You can keep it simple with just a few beaded fabric yo-yos or make many of them for an over-the-top couture look.
Instructions
STEP 1:
Make templates for the fabric yo-yos. Use the compass to draw two circles on a piece of cardstock. Make one with a 3 inch diameter and the other with a 5 inch diameter. Cut out and set aside.
STEP 2:
Cut the t-shirt horizontally underneath the sleeves all the way across. Set the top side apart and cut out the seams from the bottom piece so that there are two pieces of fabric without seams.
STEP 3:
Take one of the pieces of fabric and begin cutting 1/2 inch from the edge. Continue cutting parallel to the edge until you reach 1 inch from the end. Stop cutting, measure 1/2 inch up from the line that you were cutting and begin cutting from edge all the way across stopping 1 inch from the end. Continue cutting in a zigzag manner until you have a yard of ribbon. Repeat until you have three lengths of ribbon.
STEP 4:
Tie the three lengths of fabric in a knot and braid them to the length of your choice. Make another knot at the end and trim excess fabric.
STEP 5:
On the piece of fabric set aside, trace and cut out 1 large circle and 3 smaller ones. Use matching sewing thread to make fabric yo-yos.
STEP 6:
Thread a needle with beading thread and string on a stop bead leaving a 2 inch tail of thread. Pass the needle through a beading disc from the bottom up and pick up a bicone and seed bead. Pass the needle back through the bicone and beading disc. Repeat using bicones and pearls until the beading disc is covered in beads. Once the last bead is added, tie the remaining thread with the tail in a surgeon’s knot. Repeat this step for all beading discs.
STEP 7:
Sew the beaded discs to the center of the yo-yos.
STEP 8:
Sew the yo-yos to the braided fabric in the layout of your choice.
STEP 9:
1/2 inch from one of the knots, sew a length of thread in backstitch through the braided fabric to ensure that all strands have been sewn together. Carefully cut off the knot. Repeat for the other side
STEP 10:
Sew the magnetic clap to the ends of the braids. Trim any excess fabric.