Hemp Jewelry

Hemp jewelry is easy to make, the materials required are very affordable, and it is durable and recyclable. Most hemp jewelry is created by making a series of knots and by incorporating beads or charms if you want. By repeating one of two knot patterns, you will make a spiral piece of jewelry; by incorporating two different knot patterns, you will be able to make a flat pattern. It is quite simple to make hemp necklaces and bracelets by following these simple steps.

Materials

A ball of hemp twine (about 1 mm thick and the smoother the better)

Beads or charms (optional—but if you do use these, make sure the stringing holes are large enough for two pieces of hemp to fit through)

Clasp, cord tip, or large bead for securing the jewelry (optional) Tape (to hold down the hemp while you are knotting)

Scissors

Ruler or measuring tape

Glue (optional—used to attach the securing bead at the end)

1.  To start, you will need four lengths of hemp: two for the base strings (these should be a little longer than your overall desired length) and two for knotting (these should be five times the length of the base strings). If you are looking to make a looped closure, you can also cut two lengths of hemp string roughly 3 yards long, fold these strings in half to create four strings, and then simply make a loop at the end where the strings are folded. Whichever method you choose, be sure to tape down the folded end of the string so you have greater ease in knotting your jewelry.

2.  Then begin knotting. You may use just one of these knots (spiral pattern) or alternate both (flat pattern) when making your jewelry. Just remember that you are never knotting the two inner (base) strings.

a.  First knot: Take the right string, pass it over the base strands, and pull it under the left strand (this should make a shape that looks like a backwards 4). Then, take the left strand, pass it under the base strings, and bring it up and over the right string. Pull both ends and tighten the knot.

b.  Second knot: Take the left string, pass it over the base strings, and bring it under the right string (this should make a shape that looks like the number 4). Then, take the right string, pass it under the base strings, and bring it up and over the left string. Pull both ends and tighten the knot.

c.  If you want a flat pattern, continue alternating the first and second knots.

3.  If you want to add beads or charms to your hemp, simply slide the bead or charm onto the base strings and make a knot around it. It is a good idea to try to space the beads or charms equally on your necklace or bracelet. You can easily do this by counting the number of knots in between each bead or charm and then adding another item after the designated amount of knots.

4.  Continue knotting the hemp until the desired length is reached.

5.  To finish the jewelry, you may either tie both ends together (the easiest way); knot a larger bead to the end so it will pass through the top loop, securing the jewelry (place a dab of glue onto the bed to help it stay fast); or use metal clasps, which you can buy at your local arts and crafts store.