Chokers are a way to have a hip and youthful look at any age. It is one of those few fashion statements that can be made by everyone. So, how do you make a simple and attractive choker?

There are several ways to make a beaded choker, some of them simple and fast, others more complicated and time consuming.

The first choker that we will talk about is the memory wire choker. This piece is easy to do. Simply cut the memory wire to form the choker (you can do them so that there is more then one loop wrapping around the neck), finish the end, bead, and finish the last end. Sounds simple? Well maybe not completely simple. First cutting memory wire can be hard, so use wire cutters (industrial ones work great). Then finishing the end can be as simple as folding the wire over or gluing a memory wire bead on the end. There are other ways to finish it, but those two are most common. Then comes the fun part, bead it however you want. Most memory wires will take seed beads on up, color choices, sizes and patterns are completely at your disposal. Last, you will fold the wire over on the other end (or glue a memory wire bead) so that both ends match. For more memory wire finishing tips there is a section on finishing memory wire here at helium.

So, if the simple isn't what you want, what other choices do you have?

The choices are endless...yep, your imagination can take you to the moon and back. Beading wire (nylon coated wire) is a great option and easy to finish off with crimping beads. Simply add a crimp bead, add a clasp and run the wire back through the crimp bead. Using crimping pliers place the crimp bead in the back section and squish it to make a moon shape around the wire. Then move the moon shape to the front section, and turn sideways. Squish it to fold it in half. Make sure you don't fold too tight. If this mini description isn't enough there are helium articles dedicated to this technique as well. After using crimp beads to secure you wires you can bead the choker to the desired length and then finish the other end with crimp beads as well.

Beading threads can be used as well. To get different looks you can use different stitches (such as the ladder stitch, the Peyote stitch, and the brick stitch), different beads, and different patterns.

One last comment. It is also possible for you to make a pearl choker of your very own. Pearls tend not to be very expensive (when purchased unstrung) and can be made into great works. You can use pearls along with other beads, or can make your own traditional pearl necklace. This is done using silk threads and pearls. You need to knot (over hand knot) between each bead. This is done faster with knotting tools (tweezers, pliers, awls), but can be done by hand. Knotting between each bead creates that perfect pearl choker or necklace!

Good Luck and have fun!

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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