Making a freshwater pearl bracelet can take anywhere from taking 2-4 hours. This project is an intermediate project requiring patience and precision to pull off - but the results are worth it! These instructions are for a three strand choker made with matched freshwater pearls.
Still wondering how bracelets are making up? Look at the detailed step by step instruction or take a look at the free video tutorial.
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need:
1. Predrilled freshwater pearls, of a uniform size and luster. You may wish to experiment with different color patterns; this will require laying out your rows and bands in advance and paying close attention during the stringing process.
2. Silk thread for stringing. You will need five lengths; these should be twice the desired length of the finished choker.
Start by running the ends of one strand through a crimp. Loop it through the ring on the clasp, back through the crimp, snug close to the clasp and close the crimp. Repeat on the rings on each side, except use two strands each. This should leave you with a double strand leading off of the two outer clasp rings, and a single strand in the center.
Lay this necklace base on a table covered with a sheet to keep pearls from rolling around. Lay the outermost extra threads out to each side, leaving four single strands to work with. Thread each strand with an equal number of matched pearls. If you have prepared a color design, thread according to the way you want the finished piece to look.
Starting with the knotted strand, thread your row of pearls / beads / trinkets on until the correct length is reached (as indicated by the mark you just made). Hand knotted between each pearls to keep the them from sliding off. Please make sure leave two pieces of pearls on the end.
Cut the knot you first made, remove out extra two pearls and re-thread them on to needle. Run the needle to the jump ring of the clasp, string it back with the two pearls.
Continue weaving the needles back and forth, make pearls knooted by clasp on each row until you have come to the end. Run the ends through crimps and loops then back through crimps. Make sure everything is snug, then tighten the crimps and trim the thread ends.
This method makes the choker lie flatter and be stronger than simply making three separate strands. Your choker is now ready for wearing with any gown or pantsuit!
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