Yep, you heard me right! A chain. cape. necklace.
Do tell?
Honestly, I’m still not sure if that’s technically the best way to describe it. But basically, it’s a choker & two upper arm bands attached via chain. Like magician x medieval knight, or superhero x tetherball pole – super fun, right?!
When it comes to metal, typically you think jewelry, purses, maybe a Spencer’s wallet circa 2006 if we dare flash back that far. Although the truth is, chain accessories can go SO much further than that. And not to mention, look super chic while at it.
Think paired with sleeveless top or dress to make make for a Cleopatra-inspired situation, or added to your favorite fall/winter staples for a more subtle, industrial-glam touch. Either way, there’s no denying it creates an interesting vibe to look at – plus, turns any tired-feeling outfit totally on its head.
So what more could ya want?
// WHAT YOU NEED //
+ Black elastic (1/2 inch wide)
+ 4 jump rings (15 mm)
+ Your choice of sturdy fabric for the choker
+ Curb chain (60 inches long)
+ One hook & eye closure
+ Needle & heavy-duty thread
+ Sewing pins
// STEPS //
THE ARM BANDS
++ Measure your upper arm & cut four strips of black elastic to length + one extra inch.
++ Cut two additional pieces of black elastic approximately 2 inches long.
++ Take the four elastic pieces you cut for the upper arm bands & pin the ends of each piece around one jump ring to create four individual bands.
++ Stack two of the individual bands so that the jump rings line up & pin one of the 2-inch elastic pieces around the two jump rings to connect them. Do the same for the other set.
++ Use a zig-zag stitch to secure each folded over section of elastic to create two finished upper arm bands.
THE CHOKER
++ Measure your neck & cut a 2.5 inch-wide strip of your choker fabric to length + one extra inch for the seam allowance.
++ Fold your strip of fabric in half the long way (AKA hot dog style) so that the right sides are together & pin it.
++ Sew a straight stitch across the width of the fabric at each end & flip the strip right sides out.
++ Make sure all of the extra fabric is tucked in & sew a straight topstitch along the right side of the fabric to create a clean-edged choker band. Then, topstitch the other side to finish it off.
++ Finally, hand-sew a hook & eye to each end & double-check that it still fits your neck.
TO FINISH
++ Cut your curb chain in half to make two 30-inch pieces & hand-sew one end of one chain to the inside of the choker left of the hook & eye, then one end of the other chain to the right of the hook & eye.
++ Take the other ends of each chain and hand-sew one to each arm band. Done & done!
xxAA
MSFT Living 