Step by Step: Cross Stitch Necklace

After I finished my cross stitch family portrait, I wanted to start another cross stitch project. But I didn't want to do another home dec project quite yet...I don't want my house to start looking like a granny lives there! I had seen a necklace on Pinterest so I decided to make my own version! Here's how it came out...

It's kind of like an ombre-cross stitch necklace - and I used only what I had on hand!

(which is quite an accomplishment for me, because I love to buy craft supplies...I might have a problem)

Supplies Needed:

24" of chain • jump rings • clasp • frame pendant • jewelry pliers

13 colors of embroidery thread • needle • scissors • size 14 cross stitch fabric

(all these supplies can be found at a craft store)

Here are the colors I chose, from left to right...

maroon • dark red • rosy red • scarlet red • pinkish red • coralish pink • orangey pink

orange • yellow orange • goldenrod • golden yellow • bright yellow • pale yellow

1 • Cut 16" of your darkest thread. Divide the six strands in half.

You'll only use one set of the 3 strands for this project.

2 • Cut a 2" x 2" square of cross stitch fabric.

3 • Insert needle from backside through to front.

Go down through a hole diagonally across from it.

Tie a square knot (right over left, left over right).

4 • Trim the tail so it's about a quarter of an inch long.

This is very important because it helps you avoid knots as you go.

5 • This is what it should look like on the front side.

6 • Your needle should be on the backside of the fabric right now.

This where you make your first X. Think about each X inside of a square.

Come up through one corner, and down through another.

7 • Now start the second X. This X will use two of the same holes as the previous X.

It's important to always go the same direction on the first stroke of the X.

So if you start in the left bottom corner and go to the top right corner, then stick to that.

This allows your X's to look uniform and consistent.

8 • Complete a row of 13 X's. It should look like this.

9 • When you have completed your first row, the needle should be on the backside.

Slide your needle under the backstitching and trim. (You don't have to tie a knot!)

10 • Now start the process with your second darkest color.

You'll use two of the same holes as your first row.

11 • This is what it should look like with the first stroke of the X.

12 • Here's my progress. I'm working on the 4th color in this pic.

13 • Keep going until you've stitched rows of all your colors.

Here I have 11 colors and you really start seeing the ombre effect.

(the reds look like they're the same color in this pic, but they are actually really different)

14 • When you've finished stitching, trim the edges of your cross stitch fabric.

Be careful not to cut into your stitches, but make sure to trim it close to the

stitches so it will fit in the frame.

15 • Sorry, no photo available of this step...my frame had two pieces of glass in it.

I used only one piece. Lay your trimmed finished piece on the glass and fit it into the frame.

This was really frustrating at first and took a little bit, but I eventually made it work.

The front will be exposed, which I think is good because it really shows the texture.

16 • Put a link on your frame, slide it onto the chain, and use link to secure a clasp.

And then...

Ta-da! You have a lovely handmade necklace to show off or give as a gift!