Rope Necklace

This is a variation of an activity my mom taught my sisters and I as children.  There is something quite lovely about passing on things through the generations- whether it be cooking, a love of photography or creating.

Materials

• Rope, yarn etc.
• Scissors
• Tape
• Beads (be sure to select ones that holes are bigger than the diameter of your rope, yarn etc.)

Directions

• This process is a bit like a chain stitch in crochet.

• Think about how long you would like your necklace to be.  Be sure to account for extra to secure your necklace and that you need about twice the amount as the looping will take up some of the material’s length.  For us this meant about double the length of our son’s arm span.

• Tape the ends with clear tape to make easy lacing of the beads later.  (Making them like a shoe lace end.)  You could give them a little trim at the very end (cutting off a tiny bit of the rope/tape) to assure a sharp edge.

• Make a slip knot about 15 centimetres/ 6 inches in on one side of the rope.  (This was the amount that we decided would allow us to tie the necklace closed- go with whatever you feel comfortable with and remember too much is always better as it allows you to simply trim any excess!)

• Put the loop of the slip knot over the long portion of your rope.

• Pull the rope through the loop to make another loop as shown.

• Pull any slack with the long rope taut, making another small loop.

• Repeat until you have reached the desired length of loops.

• To finish your section, simply pull your long rope completely through the loop, pulling tight.

• Lace your bead(s).

• Make another slip knot to make another series of loops, using the same process.

• Alternate with beads and sections of loops until you have your desired look, leaving a bit for tying at the end.

• Don your necklace and enjoy!

Purpose

• Developing one’s fine motor skills
• Working together

Safety Notes

• Use scissors with care and adult supervision.
• Cord, yarn etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.  As well, make sure you remove your necklace for play (e.g., the playground etc.)
• Beads can be a choking hazard therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.