This chunky knotted neckpiece is a fun and unique accessory that can turn an ordinary outfit into something special. It's less complicated that you might think and you can make it from upcycled T-shirts in around an hour.
Supplies
- Clipboard.
- Scissors.
- Fabric yarn.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Yarn
Fabric yarn can be bought or made. The yarn is usually made from stretchy knit fabric and is lovely to work with. If you want to make your own fabric yarn it's a great way to recycle old T shirts or stretch fabric that is often in the bargain bins at fabric stores. When cutting T-shirts or fabric to make yarn just follow the cut lines on the diagram below. When you've cut the fabric into a continuous strip, pull it a section at a time and it will stretch and roll itself into a tube shape. Easy!
Cut the yarn to the following lengths:
Four pieces 2.5 metres (98 inches) in length.
Eight pieces 1.84 metres (74 inches) in length.
Step 2: Set Up
Start with the four longer lengths of yarn and set aside the rest.
Fold the yarn in half and tie an overhand knot about 16cm (6.5 inches) down from the loop. Start by making the knot loose then measure the 16cm mark and slip the knot into position as you tighten it.
Secure the yarn above the knot (the folded end) under the clipboard. The clipboard is a good work surface if you want to work with it on your lap - we all love to craft in front of the TV!
Step 3: Begin the Knots
To add bulk to this neckpiece we'll be working with double strands of yarn. Divide the yarn into four groups of two.
When tying the knots we'll only be using yarns 2 and 3.
Take yarn 3, pass it over yarn 2 and under yarn 1. Pull it over to the side so it is perpendicular to the other yarn.
What was yarn 3 has now become yarn 1.
Take yarn 2 and pass it under yarn 3 and over yarn 4. Pull it over to the side so it is perpendicular to the other yarn. Bring yarn 1 back down so it is parallel to the others.
So repeat the following steps for the knotting pattern:
Take yarn 3, pass it over yarn 2 and under yarn 1.
Take yarn 2 and pass it under yarn 3 and over yarn 4.
Repeat.
Continue knotting in that pattern until you have completed 12 knots. You can easily count the knots by counting the side loops.
Step 4: Finishing the First Row
You've now completed the first row of your neckpiece. To finish off, just tie an overhand knot close to the last knot.
Now measure about 11cm (4.5 inches) along from the overhand knot and tie another overhand knot.
Cut the ends of the yarn to about 11cm (4.5 inches) past the knot and tie a knot on the end of each piece of yarn.
Step 5: Start the Second Row
The second row will start in the side of the second knot of row one.
Take four of the remaining lengths of yarn and pass them through the side of the second knot in row one.
Fold the yarn in half.
Secure the neckpiece onto the clipboard and separate the new yarn into 4 groups.
Step 6: Knot the Second Row
Begin to knot as you did in Step 3: yarn 3 over yarn 2 and under yarn 1.
Continue to knot as you did in Step 3: yarn 2 under yarn 3 and over yarn 4.
Then pass the yarn through the side loop of the next knot in row one. The yarn passes through the knot from underneath.
As in Step 3, now take yarn 3 and pass it over yarn 2 and under yarn 1. Fold down yarn 4 so it's parallel to the other yarn.
Continue knotting in this pattern until you reach the second last knot of row one, making sure each time you knot with yarn 2 it passes through the next knot in row one.
Step 7: Finishing the Second Row
When you finish knotting the row in the second last stitch of row one, fold all the yarn down and tie an overhand knot to create a tassel. While the overhand knot is still loose, position it close to the end of the row and tighten it. Don't cut the ends of the yarn yet - wait until you've finished the neckpiece and try it on to see what length you'd like them to be.
Step 8: Knot the Third Row
The third row is basically a repeat of row 2. You'll be knotting into the second row, so find the second knot in row two.
Pass the remaining four lengths of yarn through the second knot. Fold the yarn in half and knot the third row in the same way you did the second row - see steps 5 to 7.
Step 9: Try It On!
To wear your lovely chunky knotted neckpiece just pass the knotted end through the looped end. Take a look in the mirror and decide what length to cut the tassels too. I liked the look of the long tassels for the dark denim neckpiece, but preferred them shorter on the pink version. If you'd like to, tie a knot on the end of each piece of yarn. Wear it with pride knowing that you made it yourself and wait for the compliments from friends!
Did you like reading this tutorial? Think you'll have a go at making it? Leave any questions or comments for Lisa in the section below.
