Measuring and Decorating the Cord
Use leather or waxed cotton cord. Look for cord that is 1 to 2 millimetres (0.0 to 0.1 in) in width so it is just thick enough to knot. Pick the cord color based on the pendant or beads being used for the necklace. For instance, a darker-colored cord will make a pendant or beads stand out more.
Make sure the necklace cord is at least 48 inches (121.9 cm) long. A necklace with slip knots has to fit over your head and sit nicely around your neck. You need a minimum 24 inches (61.0 cm) of cord to fit the necklace over your head. Doubling the length of the cord ensures there’s enough cord to make the knots. Add more cord if you want the necklace to sit lower around your neck. Triple the normal amount of cord if you want the knots to sit close together on the necklace.
Position the pendants or beads. Secure a pendant on the cord with a cow hitch knot or a square knot. String beads on the cord and secure them with knots or crimp beads. If you prefer a plain necklace, skip this step.
Check where you want the necklace to hang. Before tying a slip knot, hold the ends of the cord together and slide it over your head to confirm you can put it on easily. Then, make sure it sits at a preferred spot around your neck. Keep in mind it will be nearly half its length once you tie the slip knots.
Making the Slip Knot
Lay the necklace on a flat surface. Place the ends of the necklace on top of the cord, doubling the cord to form 2 layers. Make sure the pendant or beads are at the center of the cord. The ends should run straight up from the pendant or beads.
Fold the cord in half 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) from one end. Use your finger to fold the cord to form a V-shaped mark. The cord marked with the V-shape will be the section that you use to tie the slip knot.
Lie the V-shaped fold on top of the straight cord. Hold both pieces of cord with your thumb and forefinger. Keep your thumb on top of the V-shaped mark. You should now have 1 straight cord and 2 other short cords formed by the V-fold cord.
Form the knot. Take the short end of the V-fold cord and loop it around the 2 other cords. Hold the short cord end and place it behind the other 2 cords. Make sure to loop the end around the other 2 cords away from the V-fold, not towards it.
Wrap the V-fold cord 2 to 3 times around the other cords. Hold your thumb over the V-shaped mark as you wrap the cord around the other 2 cords. Keep the straight cord taut as you wrap, moving down the straight cord. You should have 2 to 3 nice tight wraps.
Remove your thumb and thread the end of the V-fold through the knot. Take your thumb off of the V-fold. Hold the end of the V-fold cord and pass it through the wrapped cord, threading it above the straight cord. Let it hang out of the first wrap you made. Pull the end tight with your fingers to secure the knot.
Cut the end with scissors. Once you have tightened the knot, cut off the excess cord with scissors. Make the cut right underneath the knot so the end is flush with the knot. This will ensure the knot stays in place and the end does not get caught on anything.
Repeat the knot on the other side of the necklace. Follow the same steps to make the second slip knot. Snip off any extra cord on the end once you finish wrapping and securing the knot. Make sure the knots sit at the same spot on the cord so they are aligned on the necklace.
Try on the necklace and adjust it as needed. Once both slip knots are tied, put the necklace over your head and let it sit on your neck. Place a finger over the slip knot and use your other hand to slide the knot up or down to make the necklace longer or shorter. Check that both knots sit evenly so the necklace is straight around your neck. Try wearing the necklace at different lengths by pulling the slip knots up or down. Have fun by wearing it low or high based on your outfit or mood for the day.
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