The moment we saw Phillip Lim‘s Box Braid Collar Necklace, we were immediately overcome with a wave of nostalgia. Our memories of a neon, plastic box braid lanyard was suddenly transformed into a sophisticated leather jewelry component. Honestly, brilliant! Inspired by our fondness of Lim’s necklace and our love of utilizing hardware, we made our own interpretation of a box braid necklace. And in case you forgot how to make your favorite childhood summertime craft, take a trip down memory lane with us!
– 12 yards of micro-fiber faux suede (we highly recommend using micro-fiber suede because it’s super soft, flexible and easy to work with)
– 4 rubber bands
– an assortment of small, medium and large washers.
Start by cutting the suede in 4 three-yard pieces. Tie them together in a knot, leaving about 15 inches of slack which will serve as ties for the necklace. Because the strands are so long, tying them into bundles using rubber bands makes them more manageable and prevents tangling. Starting at the knot, spread the strands to form a cross. Fold the first vertical strand to the opposite side, creating a loop. Fold the opposing vertical strand to the opposite side, creating another loop. Hold the parallel loops in place with one hand. With the other hand, weave a horizontal strand over the closest loop and under the next loop. Do the exact opposite with the last horizontal strand. Pull the four strands tightly. (Click images to enlarge).
Repeat the box braid until you are ready to add washers to the necklace. We started braiding in the smallest washer after the first 3 inches. Undo one of the bundles. Thread on a washer and let it fall to the base of box braid. Continue with the box braid weave and tighten, securing the washer. Keep the bundle unwrapped as it will be the only strand to which you’ll add washers. And to keep the washers on one side of the box braid, add washers to every other weave. Gradually add larger washers for a graduated effect.
Once the necklace is finished, trim the ends. You can either finish the necklace with another knot like the first knot or undo the first knot – whichever you prefer. The necklace is adjustable in length and can be secured by a knot or a bow.
Wear it as a necklace, wrap bracelet or even a headband!
(top image via Ssense, rest of images by Honestly…WTF)
Simply amazing!! Such a simple idea but such an eyecatcher! I love it!!
xx
Emy
http://sweetpromises.tumblr.com/
OMG I love it!! Will make one…NOW!! 🙂
This looks seriously cool, I’m going to start making these the second I get some money/figure out where to buy washers!
Wow, you guys are freaking awesome!
That necklace is to die for! 🙂
xoxo
http://fashionagony.blogspot.com/
I absolutely LOVE this! well done! I can’t wait to make my own. Thanks for the DIY xo
stagethreeprojects.wordpress.com
Love this diy! The final product is so cool, definitely doing this one.
http://www.fashionablecollections.blogspot.com
this is actually incredible. i love your diy ideas
january, x
jessicajanuary.com
What a perfect DIY for those of us unwilling to outgrow our childhood camp crafts. Great job 🙂
Wow, I love this! I have not made a box braid since I was a little girl. This brings back so many memories. Thanks for the idea to use it in “grown-up” fashion. Can’t wait to try this project!
This may be my favorite Honestly WTF DIY yet … and that’s saying a lot! Bravo you guys!
you guys always feature the coolest DIYs! I love this one.
Laurenlovestoshare
I like your version way better! The cord is gorgeous, and the shape is just right. I love the addition of the washers for texture and they really do add an extra grown-up quality. Love it!
WHAT!!!!!?
you guys blow me away!
just ONE more thing to add to my growing DIY list!
this summer will be busy!!
xo-L
http://www.thesphinxandthemilkyway.com
LOVE this!
I’ve made the hex-nut bracelet, now I must try this!!
xo
http://cestclassique.blogspot.com/
wonderful!
amazing!
http://kimchicsisters.blogspot.com/2011/03/flowers-half-bloomed.html
Wow, I love it, I need to try it!!
http://www.emerjadesign.blogspot.com
I love following your blog for all the amaazzzingg DIY’s. Always so creative & edgy!
I can’t tell you how much I love your blog. Your DIY ideas are awesome and so trendy! LOVE!
You gals never disappoint! I loooove this! Definitely going on my list of DIYs!
Omgosh, crazy lanyard-middle-school-flashback! This is a great idea, and super easy! I must try this….
You guys have done it again….simply chic. Loves it.
that is simply spectacular!
Amazing…
http://brillenmode.blogspot.com
Wish I had some DIY talent…so impressive!
http://thestylestitch.blogspot.com/
that’s great!!!! I’ll try to do this as soon as I can!
This truly is better than Philip Lim’s!! Gorgeous .
So cool! I love relearning all those friendship knots I used to know and update them for “grownup” wear. Great idea 🙂
xoxo Maria
love this even more than Phillip Lim’s! may be a bit ambitious, but how about making a waist-cinching belt out of it?!
-j
http://sorelleinstyle.blogspot.com
I will definitely try this on a rainy day!
funny, I’ve been box braiding 25 yards of leather (though, admittedly, haven’t worked on it in a while) to DIY a shrug featured in Russian Vogue last year. I never did much of this as a kid (more friendship bracelets for me), but it definitely triggered a few good camp memories!
You girls have done it again! I like your design better than the Phillip Lim version and can’t wait to make one for myself!
I could’nt stop myself.. I had to share it!!!
http://1129designorecchinigioielli.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-box-braid-necklace-nuovo-tutorial.html
peace&love
nicoletta
This is awesome- you sure are clever folk!!
x
Michelle
Michelle’s Style File
Ohmygod, that’s so cool and i love how it looks in the end! Thanks for sharing haha
it looks amazing…i really love to try to make one…:)
LOVE IT!
LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Can’t wait to make!
xx
http://www.rebellefleur713.blogspot.com
You weren’t inspired by anything else? 😉 Very cute!
WUTTHAT’SSOAMAZINGYOUGUYSAREAMAZINGHONESTLY,WTF?!
Amazing! I love love love!
http://www.simplyrosepetal.blogspot.com
WTF!? You guys are amazing.
I am simply delighted with all your diy projects.
When I was young I made this with ‘scooby doos’, it was a real hype and I have 100 of strengs left.
It looks mazing with the leather.
this necklace is awesome! I’ve been extremely inspired by the tribal trend lately and created a DIY dream catcher necklace. check it out on my blog burnoutbrite! http://burnoutbrite.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/diy-dream-catcher-necklace/
This is GREAT. It reminds me of my days in elementary school when I was making everything out of gimp, what a grown up look for an old technique.
i totally love it…. its really cool and love the finishing of the knots 🙂
I don’t understand how you started… I know how to start traditional box stitches with lace… but for the life of my I can understand how you have two open ends on your necklace….
PLEASE TELL ME!
I used to make these at camp, although with plastic lacing and no washers, but still! Great DIY!
Star, we started with a traditional knot and then at the end, undid the knot to create an open end. The suede is unlike plastic where it will stay the way it is. The knot just helps you get started!
I remember the craft from way back but I love the new look for jewelry. The double necklace is awesome! I will feature/link this super tutorial in a future blog post so others can come visit!
Pearl
http://www.beadinggem.com
holy crap! this is one of the best diys since your shibori one! And now I’m going to have to run out and get supplies. I totally had forgotten about lanyards! And instantly I had a vision of me, 7 years old, hot summers in wisconsin, churning these out like i was shooting for child laborer of the year. The circle of life, here I go again! I’ll let you know when I get mine done.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
How amazing does that neclace look!
Please tell me, where can i buy washers??
Best diy in like,,,idk EVER!!!
how far down do I tie the knot so that my necklace is nicely centered like the one pictured??!! I’ll admit i’ve been trying to figure it out and i’m completely stumped??!!!
@Reilly, you can tie the knot as far down as you want. the trick is that after you get the box braid started, you can actually undo the knot and add or undo the braid to make it centered. the knot is for the purpose of starting the box braid! hope that makes sense!
washer neclace
totallyyyyy making one or many of these. They are so great!
Very clever ladies!!! Luvs it!!!
What would be the best thing to do if the leather tears in the middle of the braid?
I love these – so cool, but I had so much trouble making them…
this website really helped me : http://www.ehow.com/how_8635133_do-box-braid-knots.html
Enjoy!! (:
had to laugh spent all summer doing box with little kids at summer camp using gimp (that plastic string stuff) & the DIY is fantastic
I loved this… and of course was totally inspired to take it in my own direction. Using my own personal mods (cotton? washers? what?) I made a version for myself.
Check it out at http://americanaandtheuk.blogspot.com/2011/08/dyi-box-braid-necklace-only-different.html
Hey, I’m really struggling to do the box braid, everything keeps getting tangles and it just isn’t working. anyone got any tips?
thanks 🙂
Wow! So beautiful !
I absolutely LOVE this! Thats why I always come back to visit this site. i love to see exceptional designs which are simple but gorgeous. Keep going
I think I love you! Great ideas, beautiful stuff- I especially love your necklaces! I can`t wait to start making them tomorrow (morning) 😀 Thank you and keep up the good work!
Wow. I can’t stop looking at it. That’s plain awesomeness. Will most definitely make this.
I have never tried a box braid, but am def gonna give this necklace a go!
Can you tell me how many mm’s thick the cord you use is? And is it a flat cord? I may want to try this in real leather too see what I get. thanks!
Where can I get these supplies?? Online or in NYC stores?
Gorgeous. Made one the other day :):)
Awesome tute! Your interpretation is luxurious looking, and I like the way you have them layered.
like scoobydoo!
where can i get the micro-fiber faux suede? i have tried many stores but never found the micro-fiber faux suede
Amazing! How large are the different washers in mm? Are trying to find them here in a hardware store in DK…
PERFECTION!
I found faux suede on etsy.com, haven’t purchased any yet, but I plan to in the next day or so! No luck with the washers yet…
when i pull the strand tightly they just fall apart on me and i just cant get past the first braid can any one help me please?
very inspiring. Im going to try this soon.
I made this for my friends Birthday present, she loved it and didn’t believe I had made it! Thanks for the tutorial xx
I made it! I love this necklace ^^, thanks! :**
hola chicas alguna me comenta como se llama este nudo o trenza
Awesome such a conversation piece.
Very beautiful ! I like it very much. So surprised!
Hey
I made a necklace DIY roundup a while ago.
I featured your DIY in it.
And I forgot to tell you (so sorry)
Better late than never.
If you aren’t okay with it, please tell me.
http://birdsandkittens.blogspot.nl/2012/06/diy-roundup-necklaces.html
Please check it out!
Hi,
Thank you so much for this amazing post.
I just wanted to know if you can recommend a website were I can order the materials to do it.
As in my town i havent got half of all I need to make the necklace, maybe I can order by internet?
But I cant find a good website…
Maybe you have some good ones to give me?
Thank you so much!
Steffanie
THAT IS COOL LOL :~)
i know how to do that
The black and tan complement each other very nicely. I would wear this necklace with proud.
These are sooo beautiful! You are very brilliant! I’m speechless because I am ‘that’ loving everything about your jewelry! I wanna learn this and I also want to learn other great techniques that’s why I also enrolled in Dragonfly Designs (http://www.jewelrybydfly.com) to learn everything crafts and jewelry making.
I don’t like it seriously.I like beaded necklace & bracelet.
Already found this one -you gotta try it with satin ribbons! Impossible to describe-but much lighter than the not-suede version. Also works with regular o-rings, gotta experiment with the sizes.
I forgot to mention-I saw the question about where to get the cords- my local bead shop carries it by the yard in gorgeous colors!
Wow, cool. I was randomly surfing and came across your blog, and this post from 2011. You wrote about the Phillip Lim box braid necklace, and I just wanted to say- I used to work for Phillip Lim, and we hand-made that necklace! A whole team of us spent days box braiding leather strips to get them ready in time for a fashion show. Your post just brought me back in time. Cheers!
@Christina, Wow! What an amazing story!!! Thanks so much for sharing and kudos to you for hand making them all. They’re definitely tedious and time consuming! xx
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