A couple summers ago, we stocked up on brass washers to make friendship necklaces. A year later, hex nuts became short in supply thanks to the hex nut bracelet. Today we’re all about compression sleeves, which are conventionally used in plumbing but also make for the perfect component for these statement necklaces. Striking, colorful, and fun, this tutorial won’t be able to keep you too far away from your local hardware store!
You’ll need:
- 25 feet of 3mm utility rope
- 12 – 14 pieces of 3/8″ brass compression sleeves
- 3-5 yards of 0.8-1mm chinese knotting cord
- 2 12mm x 16mm cord end caps
- 2-3 jump rings
- 1 lobster clasp
- gel super glue
- scissors
- pliers
Start by cutting the utility rope into 8 32 inch pieces. Gather them together and slide the compression sleeves on, one at a time.
Keeping the compression sleeves together keep the ropes evenly bound and make sliding them on easier. After 12-14 sleeves are on the ropes, spread them out accordingly.
Decide which sections to wrap and start at the center of the necklace. Run the end of the knotting cord upwards along one section and towards the edge of a brass sleeve. Then wrap around the ropes, working downwards in the opposite direction. This helps secures the cord.
Continue to wrap the entire section. Before reaching the end of the section, place a bead of glue along the starter cord and finish wrapping.
Allow to dry before trimming any excess cord. Continue wrapping different sections of the necklace.
When all the sections have been wrapped, trim end ends. Squeeze a generous amount of glue into the cap and insert the end of the necklace into it. It may require some rotating to get the end of the necklace into the cap. Repeat the step on the other end.
Using pliers, attach a larger jump ring to one end and a clasp to the other.
And that’s it, your necklace is finished!
Make a couple more and layer them on top of each other. And most importantly, have fun! PS If you’re in San Francisco on July 26th, come DIY with me to celebrate Madewell‘s one year anniversary!!
(all images by HonestlyWTF)
Totally in love with it!!!
http://www.emerjadesign.com
Another fabulous DIY! The colors are so pretty. I guess I need to start browsing Home Depot for some great DIY ideas!
Very nice colours! Really loving Them!
GREAT IDEA!!! 🙂
http://diamondsandspikes.com/
This is awesome. As soon as I saw this necklace trend, I want to make one. Thanks for making it easy. 🙂
Great tutorial, like always 🙂
my favorite so far!
Looks adorable, loooove the colours!
suvimariliis.blogspot.com
Looks beautiful!!
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
LOVE this!!
xx
http://thekirbybee.blogspot.com.au/
So beautiful!
It’s awesome!! Love it!
Birdyblue
This looks awesome! It reminds me of hair wraps I used to do when I was younger. I’ll definitely have to give this one a go!
Sarah x
http://www.tellhershesdreaming.com
So beautiful and such a good idea!
Kate
http://www.thrillofthechaise.com
Wow, this is so fabulous! I might share this on my blog!
My jewelry blog: joliejouel.blogspot.com
Such a great DIY! Definitely need to be trying this out 🙂
http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/
x
I looooove how you find ways to make DIY jewelry that looks like a million bucks!!! I love the vibrant colors and the mix up of texture with the rope and cords, and of course, everything is better with a little hardware!
x
http://www.iloveublank.blogspot.com
omg so gonna try this!
the final effect is awesome!
So trendy! Love it!
Too perfect!! LOVE.
I love it!!!!
http://thestelstyle.com
This is so cool. I love the beads that you used to separate the colors. Very cool.
xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com
You’ve done it again! This is very cool.
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
OMG…just great!!!!!Great great!!!!!!I want it now..!!!
kisses,
Bloody Mary
http://kosma28.blogspot.com
You’re so talented! They look amazing!
Xo
perfect… colors are fabulous… and it looks very very easy ..
SO cool ! So simple but so genius! thank you so much!!! <3
Great tutorial!! Love it!
My DIOR clutch in http://cravingforbarneys.com
I loved it!!!!!
I’m posting looks from Los Angeles and summer accessories;
http://www.thegavlaks.com
AWESOME idea! I love utility necklaces, they’re so bold and fearless!
Thanks for sharing!!!
DC2NYConfessions Blog
Don’t miss my summer GIVEAWAY
adorable!
Bises,
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
You always have the best DIY projects! The necklace looks so amazing layered like that. I love it!
Layla,
http://chicchefblog.com/
It looks great !!! What a wonderful idea.
It doesn´t look like a utility rope at all 😀
xo
glamDevils
I love this can u make me one lol 🙂
http://www.jewelryandothershit.com
What a fun project. The options are endless.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
What a cool idea, I will definitely try this out !
Great DIY! I just bought 20 feet of utility cord, this is a great use for all the leftovers!
Another great project to try!! Love it!
I need to make this!
Ruched Boutique Giveaway!!
genius!!!!!!!
love your DIY’s
too bad my patience is so thin
keep them coming!! <3
Easily the best rope necklace Ive seen EVER!
Totally going to try this! LOVE the color combo too! XOXO
Darby
Obviously Obsessed
so cool!
http://kimchicsisters.blogspot.com/2012/07/pleats-florals.html
I’m gonna for sure try it out! 🙂
Love it! I’m excited to try it out.
Oh my god, you really make the BEST DIYs….THE best. – Aliya:)
http://marantphiles.com
awesome idea! love the colors all together!
check my fashion blog out? 🙂
xo
turquoiseinlove.blogspot.com
amazing! what i really love about your DIYs are that they are always finished off so well! 😉
Hi dear!
This necklace is awesome, I am into this neon trend.
http://www.fashionblogstyle.com
X0X0 😉
Love this DIY
thats super cool!!!
Cosmic. Do Great idea! Easy to do and the effect wonderful <3
Awesome idea!
New post on SEARCH IN FASHION – DIY: Spike earrings
such an amazing diy!just like your blog..marvelous
http://unasrandomfashion.blogspot.com/
http://unasrandomfashion.blogspot.com/
http://unasrandomfashion.blogspot.com/
just great!
my DIYs —————————> http://gkdone.blogspot.com/
wonderfull…………Come and see our list of waxed cotton and leather to make this bracelet in multicolor maloufimo.com
What a clever idea!
http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/
Such a great DIY as always!!!!
http://lovelittlelulu.blogspot.gr/
This is so pretty. I already ran out and got everything I need to make these necklaces! Now I just need to find the time to assemble…
Wow Love This!!!
http://jewelryrage.com
Love it and all your DIY’s! Do you have another resource for the Chinese knotting thread? The one given doesn’t have many colors. Thanks!
Thumbs up for another excellent handmade jewelry post!
fabulous!
Bises,
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
anyone know where else to buy the chinese knotting cord? that site is sold out of the fun colors used in this necklace!
I love this!!! Verry good idea and easy to do 🙂
Love the colors- perfect for summer!
http://www.worship-worthy.com
I love these colors! This necklace is such a good idea!
http://www.PrettyEnergy.com
Great idea!
Kisses from Hong Kong,
Nicole
the compression sleeves look surprisingly awesome! where do you guys get these great ideas
This is fab, and a really well set out tutorial. Ta!
Bug @ STYLEoverSENSE
This is so original! I LOVE your DIY!!!!!! thank you!
i love ur diy!!! u r the best for me!
http://afterdinosaurs.blogspot.com/
http://afterdinosaurs.blogspot.com/
Just finished mine and love it! But I can’t find end caps anywhere, where did you get them???
-Mandy
The colors are so fun. We love your DIY and tutorial!
We found your blog from one of the members in our fashion community. She spotted your necklace into her favorite DIY collection on Socialbliss, hautespot for style.
All images are an open link back to your website where it was spotted. Enjoy!
http://www.socialbliss.com/styletab/diy-projects-GEYDKMBU/diy-utility-rope-necklace-honestly-wtf-HEZTEOJZ
http://www.socialbliss.com/
Thank goodness for your blog. You have the best DIY’s! I am constantly using your tutorials to make jewelry, and wearing it on my blog.
http://spanishspur.blogspot.com/
my Zara necklace DIY ——> http://gkdone.blogspot.com/2012/08/inspiration-zara-necklace.html
sooooooooooooooo Chic!!!!!!!!!!
http://tobchic.blogspot.com.es/
http://tobchic.blogspot.com.es/
http://tobchic.blogspot.com.es/
In what kind of store do you buy your stuff? I’m from Holland so… 😀
I am honestly inspired! Thankyou!
Naty Ponders Style
this looks amazing!
http://studsanddreams.blogspot.co.uk/
SÜPERSSSS:)
great idea! looks a little african!
http://somethinglikecreativity.blogspot.co.at/
C’est trèèèèès joli! Un tout grand merci pour le partage 🙂
<3 <3 it so EZ for my daughter and her friends to do =)
Ok so.. lets just say you are extremely talented. I love the necklace and great demo. I’ve learned a lot from you already.. Keep them coming.. I’ll be back to see more.. 🙂
This necklace is just gorgeous! I absolutely love it! I’m at a wedding this weekend and am wearing a 70’s mod white and black color block dress. I wish I had that necklace to wear as a statement piece!
Hey! First of all, i LOVE your blog! I love to do things by myself and you allready helped my for a lor of things…thank you for that! There is just one think…could you do a video showing how you put the cord end caps please? i just dont know how to use it…
Beijo from Portugal =)*
Acabo de descubrir tu blog y me ha encantado. Me qudo!!
i love these idea. i make it too thank you
Absolutely stunning, but cannot find the indicated size end caps either can you direct me
without a doubt the best DIY website that I have ever seen! Three cheers and five gold stars
http://www.rawspace.com.au
I love ur DIYs- inspiring.
http://www.thatssewnaija.blogspot.com
that is very pretty!!! I love this website!! 😀
found all items EXCEPT the end caps.. where can I find.. hard to complete project…and these are awesome. I have tried hardware stores, on line, marine shops, jewelry making store.. even went to jewelry design store… largest I found were 6MM HELP…
@Marci, you can find the end caps here.
The 16mm end caps are “currently unavailable”
Can you recommend any where else?
Ouaouuhhh ! Ilove this +++
thank you
Great colors!
http://www.smilingstyle.com/sheer-perfection/
All I can say is wowo! Why can’t I think of this! Lol
Bijoujewelryblog.blogspot.com
Adore this necklace! I linked up to it in my roundup of hardware store jewelry projects here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/hardware-store-jewelry-trend/
Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Kelly Spence, Editor
AllFreeJewelryMaking.com
yeah!! i really like the designs………..
i wanna try this awesome Necklace
Fantastic! Great design!
wow… beautiful…i really like it… and going to try it out.. thanks a lot
Awesome design and it’s very easy to make.
I wouldn’t mind having this in my life
http://www.goaccredited.biz
This is a great tut. Will give it a try.
I wouldn’t mind having this in my life love it so much.
http://viralnewo.com
I love this, it is really great. Have a look a some natural home remedies @ http://fogut.com/
wowww thats amazing and iam in love with the necklace….. You made my work easy to make such a beautiful one…. Thanks for sharing dear
Great necklace and you will definitely loves to share that on my blog: http://viralmummy.com/
without a doubt the best DIY website that I have ever seen! Three cheers and five gold stars
http://uploadarticle.com/
I love this, it is really great. Have a look a some natural home remedies
love it….
Muito lindo fabuloso, vou fazer, obrigada por esta aula maravilhosa.
This is cute I love it