No sewing needed! Learn how to make a braided fabric necklace using fabric scraps for a stylish, wearable accessory with a handmade touch.
Want to make a cute accessory that's stylish and a little different?
This braided fabric necklace is a great beginner project and a fun way to use up leftover fabric.
It comes together with just a few simple steps, and you can customize it to match your style or make one as a gift.
I love projects like this because they are quick to make but still feel unique and handmade.
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Skill Level: Beginner
Total Time: 1 hour
Supply List
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Braid the Fabric Strips
Start by choosing your fabric.
Using scraps doesn't mean everything has to match perfectly.
Mixing patterns and colors can actually make the finished braided fabric necklace look even more interesting.
Instead of cutting your fabric into strips, tear it. This gives the edges a softer, slightly frayed look that works really well for this project.
Here's how:
- Find the longest side of your fabric
- Make a small snip about 1 inch in
- Tear the fabric down the length to create strips
Long strips work best, but if yours are shorter, you can tie them together to extend the length.
Take three strips of fabric and braid them together to create one rope.
Using a binder clip to hold one end in place makes this much easier, especially if you're working on your own.
Make the braid as long as you'd like your necklace to be.
For this braided fabric necklace, I made three separate braided ropes, each one slightly longer than the last. I increased each length by about two inches to create a layered look.
If you want more contrast between the layers, you can increase the length difference.
Assemble the Necklace
Once your braided strips are ready, it's time to turn them into a necklace.
- Line up the ends of the three braided ropes
- Use hot glue to secure them together on one end
- Repeat on the other end
Next, bring both ends together to form the necklace shape and glue them together.
It might not look perfect at this stage, and that's okay-this part will be covered.
Cut a small rectangle from a coordinating piece of fabric.
To keep the edges from fraying too much:
- Fold the edges slightly inward
- Add a small amount of glue to hold the folds in place
Wrap this strip around the glued seam and secure it with hot glue.
This step gives your fabric necklace a cleaner, finished look.
Add A Fabric Flower (optional)
The necklace can be finished at this point, but adding a flower gives it a little extra detail and helps hide the seam even more.
Cut flower shapes from fabric scraps. You can use a Big Shot or cut them by hand.
Layer the shapes, largest on the bottom and smallest on top
Add a small dot of hot glue between each layer
Finish the center with a half pearl embellishment.
Glue the finished flower right over the fabric strip covering the seam.
This pulls everything together and gives your braided fabric necklace a polished look.
Final Thoughts
This braided fabric necklace is one of those projects that look more detailed than they actually are.
Once you get the hang of braiding the strips, the rest comes together quickly. It's a great project for beginners and an easy way to turn fabric scraps into something fun and wearable.
You can keep it simple or add extra details depending on your style-and either way, you'll end up with a one-of-a-kind piece.
More Handmade Necklaces
Can you have too many bookmarks? I don't think so! Here are a few more fun ideas.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Hydrangeas and Harmony
Super cute! I have so much scrap fabric that I just can't bear to part with... this would be a great way to use it. TFS
Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy
Thanks for linking up to last week's Tuesday Confessional Link Party. You've been featured! Congrats!
Holistic Homemaking
This is definitely my kind of jewelry. I have some great scraps I could use to make one of these this week! Great post!
April (the Happy Hello @ Holistic Homemaking)
Kristina
So cute. I pinned something like this ages ago to but never made it, i should 🙂
Becca Acker
That is totally cool! I think I will have to pin it and make it sometime. 🙂
Found you via Live Laugh Linky.
Becca Acker
And I'm your newest follower 🙂
Christine
TOTALLY LOVING THIS NECKLACE!!!!! WOW!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!!
Libby
What a great way to use up fabric scraps. And I do have plenty!
Lori Stokes Wright
Love this! Thanks for the idea. Found you at Creative Thursday.
Carrie Barron
Fabulous! I love how simple this is. Thanks for sharing!Blessings,Carrie
Anonymous
thanks for sharing
Erin
I love this! I'm going to have to try this.
Leslie Duran
Found you from the Gunny Sack, had to click over and see your pretty necklace! Thanks for the tutorial, I've pinned it!
Sara @ My Merry Messy Life
I had no idea this was so easy! Gonna hafta make some of these for myself. You did a great job and I love that you have so many pictures to make it an easy to follow tutorial.
Desperate Craftwives
Love this! Great job!
Jenni
That is beautiful! Pinning it! 🙂
Ashley
How fun! I love scrap fabric crafts...using up small pieces of fabric, and having something awesome to show for it. Way to go!
The Mandatory Mooch
This is terrific!! I would love for you to link up to Tasty Thursdays at The Mandatory Mooch.
Nicole@Show Off Friday
That is a really pretty idea!
The Mandatory Mooch
Thanks so much for linking up to Tasty Thursdays on The Mandatory Mooch. I hope you will link up again. The party will be live tonight.
Diana - FreeStyleMama
Love it! PINNED!
Emmanuelle Polynice
Beautiful!
Ana Lopes
So, so gorgeous! I love this so much! Thanks so much for sharing the fabulous tutorial!
Have a lovely week!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
Karen
This is so cool! I bet my daughter and her friends would love to make these. Thank you!
2Momma2
Very cute! I have to pin this and give it a try sometime!
Kristin
ExploringDomesticity.blogspot.com
Milena Yancheva
So beautiful!
Hugs!!!
Wanda Ann Olsen
So Cute, thank you for sharing at Tuesday Trivia. I love these. I want to make them with my granddaughters. Love the tutorial! Pinned and sharing on facebook.
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
DesignedByBH
Super cute! Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial! 🙂
pearl necklace with ribbon
This info is worth everyone's attention. Where can I find out more?
Peggy
Thank you- I have a girls sewing club. I'm sure they will love this!
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
I love this. Pinning to make my own. Gawd knows I have too many fabric scraps! Visiting from Best of the Weekend.
Katie
Don't we all!! Thanks for stopping by Victoria!
PATRICIA
Beautiful work, but how you avoid the flower to unravel ?
Katie
Thank you Patricia! ❤️ The edges of the flower pieces unraveled a bit but I think it just makes it match the braided necklace even more.
Belle
How do you get rid of the messy frayed appearance that distracts from the braids?
Katie
to finish the edges with a seam would make the necklace too bulky. You could try using a fabric that doesn't fray like jersey knit.
Belle Mears
The. braids are messy looking…..the fraying is a distraction to my eye..
Katie
The frayed edges are a part of the look! But that is okay if this isn't your style.
Jane
Love this idea! The frayed edges look good to me but if the frayed look isn’t liked, one could fold in the edges so they wouldn’t show.
Katie Adams
Great tip Jane! Thank you.