Free Pattern for a Rag Crochet Necklace With Wire

Free Pattern for a Rag Crochet Necklace With Wire<br /><br />This necklace was my first attempt at rag crochet jewelry. This version has three wire wrapped pendants; a large teardrop shaped pendant is the focal point in the center, and its surrounded by two smaller pendants, one on either side.<br /><br />While Im pleased with the way this necklace turned out, I do think the version with five pendants is even nicer. I suppose thats a matter of personal preference; this version is a bit lighter, and also a bit less expensive. So, I figured Id give you the option of making both, or either, version if you like; Ive posted the patterns for both versions of the necklace.<br /><br />Fabric, Matching Thread, and Sewing Machine or Needle: I used strips of a colorful batik fabric to crochet my necklace band. This fabric has spots and dots of red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. My fabric strips were purchased in the type of bundle that quilters refer to as a jelly roll. The brand is Stripz.<br /><br />My fabric strips were already pre cut into pieces measuring about 2.5 inches high by about 46 inches long. I cut them in half again the long way so that my pieces measured about 1.25 inches high; then I sewed bunches of strips together to make a rag ball. For this particular project, you dont need an entire rag ball; a piece measuring about 122 inches long will suffice.<br /><br />Traditionally, rag crochet strips are cut on the bias, meaning in diagonals. Cutting them on the bias helps to cut down on the problem of frayed edges. The stripz fabric strips are not cut on the bias, and the edges do fray significantly. To fix that problem, I folded the edges in towards the center, then folded the whole thing in half again, then stitched the folds together using my sewing machine. A sewing machine isnt a necessity; Ive made similar rag balls on the road by hand stitching them. It takes much longer, but its doable. In either case, my resulting fabric strips measure about 1/4 inches after stitching.<br /><br />You dont need to buy Stripz to do this project, although its a nice shortcut if you do. If you dont, youll need to cut your own fabric strip measuring about 1.25 inches by 122 inches.<br /><br />Crochet Hook: I used a size K hook to crochet these necklaces, but you can use the hook of your choice. The most important thing is that your hook is a comfortable size for you to work with your fabric strips. The K, for me, was actually a little on the small side, but I didnt have a bigger hook handy when I was working on this project.<br /><br />Pendants or Embellishments: Youll need 3 wire wrapped glass pendants, or the pendants / embellishments of your choice.<br /><br />Gauge: 4 inches = approximately 9 ch sts.<br /><br />Finished Size: This pattern is designed to be one size fits most. I made my sample necklace about 46 inches long including the ties; the ties are extra long and a bit could be cut off the ends, depending on the wearers neck measurement. The crocheted area measures about 15.5 inches.<br /><br />Abbreviations Used in This Pattern:<br /><br />ch = chain<br /><br />st = stitch<br /><br />Thread your three pendants onto the fabric strip and push them about 16 inches or so down the strip.<br /><br />Decide how long you want your ties to be. I made mine about 12 inches, which is a bit excessive; yours can be shorter if you like.<br /><br />Leaving the length for your ties unworked, make a slip knot in the spot you want to begin crocheting.<br /><br />Ch 15. Slide the nearest pendant right up close to the work, ch 3, slide the next pendant close to the work, ch 3, slide the next pendant close to the work, ch 15. End off by pulling the rest of the fabric strip through the active loop.