As soon as the weather starts to turn autumnal, I automatically start wearing darker and more muted clothing, almost like i’m trying to blend in! This autumn bead necklace is a perfect addition, dark wooden beads with a pop of bright green cord!
I’m using oval shaped beads, mainly because I think they look like acorns (!), but also the thread sits nicely around the outside. But round beads would do just as well. You can use any type of cord as long as two lengths can thread through the holes in your beads at the same time.
You will need:
-25 x Oval wood beads
-2 x Fold over cord ends
-2 x jumps rings
-Clasp
-Chainnose pliers
-Cutters or scissors
How to make:
1. Cut three lengths of cord, each 75-100cm long and tie them together leaving a tail of about 10cm.
2. To get the colour pop effect, each bead will have two of the three threads going through it, with the remaining length or ‘outer’ thread, going around the outside. You then alternate which thread goes on the outside, a bit like a braid.
To get started, take two of the the longer ends and thread though your first bead, and slide it up to the knot. The third thread becomes the ‘outer’ thread and goes around the outside of this bead.
3.Add the next bead onto the outer thread from the previous step and one of the other threads-it doesn’t matter whcih one for this step. A different thread now becomes the outer thread and goes around the outside.
3.The next bead is threaded onto the outer from the previous step and the thread that hasn’t yet been an outer. You can identify which threads have already been an outer by pulling on the ends- you should see them tighten and pull around the beads. Continue adding beads and working through the cords in sequence.
4. I kept going until I had a total of 25 oval beads, this made my finished necklace was 60cm/24″ long. You can add more or less beads, just make sure to leave at least 10cm free at the ends to match the other side! Once you are happy, tie an overhand knot to secure the beads.
5.Trim any excess thread, leaving a 10cm tail as you did at the beginning. Secure the three cord ends on each side in a fold over end and add a clasp and jump ring to finish.
If you have a go at making this Autumn Bead Necklace DIY, or have any questions feel free to comment below or message me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook! And if you don’t want to miss out on any future tutorials, I’d love for you to sign up to my monthly email! Happy Making!
