A choker is an elegant item of jewelry dating back to Victorian times. It was thought to emphasize the elegance of a woman's neck and to contrast neatly with the often frilly collars of dresses in those times. These days, chokers continue to carry an air of elegance and are a sophisticated way to wear something on your neck. It is easy to make your own and possibly you will be inspired to make some as gifts for others.
Step 1
Check your closet. You are looking to match your choker with the colors of your clothes. If you have mostly blue, make a blue choker. If you have mostly black clothes, make a black choker. Or, decide what contrasting colors work well.
Step 2
Shop for supplies, or gather them from around your home. See the list below for what you will need.
Step 3
Measure the ribbon. Place it around your neck so it fits just the circumference of your neck and 1" either side remains. While looking in the mirror, mark the place where the ribbon reaches around your neck.
Step 4
Cut the ribbon on this mark if necessary.
Step 5
On both sides of the ribbon ends, sew back the end 1/2" to create a loop on each edge.
Step 6
Attach a piece of thread, fine string or fine satin ribbon into one loop. Thread through to the other loop so that the thread, string or ribbon forms a loop at the base and is open at the top ready for tying. Stitch into place inside each loop if desired. This will form the part of the choker that is tied together at the back of your neck. See photo.
Step 7
Tie the two ends of the choker together.
Step 8
Try it on. Check that the fit is comfortable and that it sits well.
Tips
- If desired, you can thread beads onto the tie part of the choker and have these hanging down the back of your neck. You will obviously need to make the tie longer and you will need to knot it at either end to prevent the beads from sliding off.
If you are very sewing clever, try a buckle clasp at the back. Or fasteners such as Velcro can also work. - Pinning an old-fashioned brooch an inch or so off centre can look very effective on plain ribbon chokers (velvet ribbon looks best for this), however this can make the choker heavy so make sure your method of fastening the choker will be able to support the brooch.
Warnings
- It is a fiddly process - you might want help from an older person if you are too young to know how to sew yet. Or just get help if you simply don't know how to sew!
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Marker
- Ribbon
- Fine string or thread (or alternate fasteners)
- Beads (optional)
- Mirror
