by Pat Moses-Caudel

Created on: December 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 19, 2009

How to Make a Crocheted "Cleopatra style Collar in sterling silver wire cleo collar necklace pat moses-caudel 2009

I love working in wire, I began with heavier gauges and bending wire to create mountings for faceted and cab stones. Which I loved doing, still do, but I also love working in the delicate and fine wire that can be crocheted.

This design was my second published in Lapidary Journal in 1997, the first year that began a 10 year history of publishing my designs.

Oh, and if your kids give you a hard time about crocheting with wire, tell them if they behave and play their cards right, you will make them a car... 

Things You'll Need: size 4 steel boye hook fine silver wire .999 on a spool. about one oz clasp round nose pliers 20 gauge wire, for making a hook for a clasp ,in case you don't want to purchase a clasp jump rings unless you have ready made jump rings Step 1

With a size 4 steel hook, chain 160 then work a double crochet stitch in each chain. This can be altered if you need it smaller or longer.
chain 2
work a double crochet stitch in the 2nd stitch, than one in each stitch and then, end with a chain 2.

Step 2   close up on double crochet

This is not an exciting pattern, you can do just one more row, same as last, skip the first stitch, do a double crochet stitch in the 2nd stitch and if it is as wide as you like, you can stop now. Or, go on 1 or 2 more rows, the one in the picture is 4 rows.

Step 3

When it is as wide as you want, secure, clip wire end and, end with weaving the extra wire into the piece. Using a piece of the 20 ga wire, you need to make a small loop and do a running in and out stitch along the edge of the work. Be sure the loop catches at the bottom, then make another loop at the top and secure the wire with another loop. Then, do it on the other side.

Step 4   back of necklace which you can also wear as the front for a different look

Using a towel, place the finished work down, then, layer towel on top, gentle press down on the work, to flatten. You will be amazed at what a difference this makes in appearance. It is also more flexible, but be careful, too hard and you can break a wire. You don't want to cause damage. You could also gently press with your fingers, but that's tougher on your hands.  You will also be forming the neckpiece into a U shape, and it will do this easily. With the towel still in place hold up the piece and see if one side is looser than the other, the tighter or side that

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>