DIY Sunglass & Mask Chain

You've been asking for it so here it is: mask and sunglass chains. Beware, not only do these chains do a good job of keeping your hands and pockets free, they're extremely addicting to make. Plus, they're a great way to use up all those left over beads from previous DIYs. Have fun . . . and be happy!

I'm using a no.8 sized silk stringing cord for this - I think it's a thin enough while still feeling substantial. I also like using wire guardians here even though I'm using string. I think it just add another layer of protection for your cord. These will get more wear and tear than say, a necklace so the more you can reinforce them, the better. Start by unraveling the silk thread and stretching it out.

Start by threading the cord through a crimp bead. Then thread the cord through one side of the wire guardian and back down the other side.

Slide a eyeglass chain end onto the guardian. Pull the cord tight and flush against the top of the wire guardian.

Slide the other side of the cord through the crimp bead. Push the crimp bead against the base of the wire guardian and use the bottom part of the crimp tool to crimp the tube. After you've created the initial crimp, use top chamber of the crimp tool to fold that crimp in half. If you don't have a crimp tool, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze the crimp tube closed.

Trim the excess cord and start threading.

The process is the same for the mask chain, except here we're using large lobster clasps instead of eyeglass chain ends.

The clasp size will depend on the straps of your mask. I'm using a 20mm lobster clasp here but you can get one as small as 15mm or as large as 27mm. Just beware when going larger as it will add more weight.

To make the happy face daisies, thread on 7 8/0 seed beads and then a 6mm happy face bead.

Take the needle and thread it through the 1st seed bead, towards the start of your chain. Pull tight.

Then add 5 more seed beads. Then, take the needle and thread it through the last seed bead, right before your center bead. This should be going in the direction opposite of the start of the bracelet. Pull tight.

Continue adding beads and happy daisies! Be sure to measure the chain before deciding to end it. You'll want your sunglass and/or mask chain to be quite long. My mask chain is about 26" and my sunglass chain is about 30". To finish, side on a crimp bead and then a wire guardian.

Slide another lobster clasp onto the wire guardian and thread the cord through the crimp bead again. Crimp and trim.

images by HonestlyWTF

Leave a Comment

22 Comments

  1. Lizzie C wrote:

    Love the eye glass holder and the beads. Where did you find the smiling face and hands beads? Thanks!

    9.3.20
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      The beads are linked in the supply list!

      9.3.20
  2. emily wrote:

    These are adorable! Thank you for the easy to follow instructions!

    Also, where is the blue and white rope bag in the first picture from?

    9.3.20
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      Oh man, I wish I remembered where the rope bag was from. I bought it several years ago. Sorry!

      9.3.20
  3. This is such a great activity idea for me and my housemates!! I might even try it with some faux pearls as well 🙂

    9.5.20
    Reply
  4. Liv wrote:

    Very cute chains but do not, DO NOT make chains for your mask. The CDC says do NOT take it on and off – the minute you step outside or near a person outside of your bubble, it is potentially contaminated and you will be, too, if you handle it. Put on your mask. Go run your chores, leaving it on all the time. Then, when you get home, throw it in the wash. No need for a chain, even a cute one. (And if you use a chain, it, too, will get contaminated, so NO CHAIN.)

    9.5.20
    Reply
    • Jay M wrote:

      Agreed, keep the mask on until you get home. I’ve seen people leave a building, whip off their mask and stuff it in a pocket or purse…if covid 1984 is on the mask, it’s now transferred to the pocket or purse and contaminated the inside of the mask, putting you at risk for contracting the virus.

      11.19.20
    • Deirdre wrote:

      It’s perfect for taking a walk outdoors, especially for those of us who live in less populated areas. I can walk a mile from my house without seeing anyone then walk briefly through a more populated area where masks are required. Also, the CDC now says COVID doesn’t last on surfaces, so I am curious how this plays out with masks used for short term indoor errands, like shopping.

      11.23.20
  5. Lauren wrote:

    I love this. It has so much style to my basic mask. Cant wait to try. Thanks for sharing

    9.9.20
    Reply
  6. Veronica wrote:

    It’s a fun idea! Thank you for sharing! I will definitely try this!
    https://www.thecelebritybirthdays.com

    9.14.20
    Reply
  7. Charleen wrote:

    Sorry, I don’t have a website. Charleen

    11.19.20
    Reply
  8. ray wrote:

    This was so, so helpful. My mask chains turned out wonderful. I wouldn’t have been able to make them without this detailed supply list and step-by-step images. Thanks again!

    12.22.20
    Reply
    • Edlyn wrote:

      I used the same thread and crimping beads as above. Did yours slip out of the crimping beads? Or how did you do it? The chain itself came out beautifully but even after double crimping it, it slipped out.

      3.2.21
  9. maya wrote:

    thank you for sharing <3

    1.13.21
    Reply
  10. Sam wrote:

    Cutest mask chain!

    Having trouble getting the silk threaded through the wire protector. Any tips?

    Also, how do I get the needle back on the silk thread once I cut it?? Or am I SOL?

    Thank you!

    1.28.21
    Reply
  11. Lex wrote:

    Loved this tutorial so much! As always, I love that you include a linked supply list and such detailed instructions! I ended up putting lobster clasps on mine. I realized I could slide the eyeglass chain ends onto the clasp so I can use it interchangeably for a mask or sunglasses.

    10.31.21
    Reply