Figure Eight Necklace

Supplies Needed:

• 2mm Satin Rayon or other soft cord material
• 1 Bead with a 4mm hole
• 4 or more beads with 2mm holes
• 2-part clasp
• Project Board and pins

Knots Used:

• Celtic Figure Eight (Vertical variation)
• Stevedore Knot

Cutting and Preparing Cords

Step 1:  Measure your neck and add 1 to 2 inches, depending on how close you want the necklace to rest.  Multiply that number by 8.  The resulting number is the length you should cut the cord (1).

Prepare the ends by applying glue to the tips.  It should cover at least 1 inch.  Allow it to dry completely before continuing.

Designing the First Half

Step 2:  Make a circle in the middle of the cord.  The right portion needs to pass under the left.  Pass the bead with the 4mm hole over both ends.  Slide it up to the circle.  Tug on the ends so the loop is approximately ½ inches in size.

Step 3:  Use the right portion of the cord for the first half of the choker.  Push the other part aside for now.

Step 4: The bottom loop should be made in a clockwise direction. It should rest on the project board just to the right, and south of the bead.  Be sure to pass the end under the first part of the loop, as you head towards the top of the design. 

Step 5:  Direct the end through the circle made in step 2, rotating in a counter-clockwise direction.   The end should pass into it from below. As you head back to the bottom, direct the end under the first part of the upper loop.  This completes the first Figure 8 knot.  Tighten the knot so it ends up approximately 1 inch in size.

Step 6:  Pass the end through the bottom loop of the first Figure 8 knot, as you start to make the second one. Remember to go into it from below. Repeat steps 4 and 5.

Step 7:  After the 3rd or 4th Figure 8, add one of the smaller beads. It should rest between the knots.  The best place to add it is right after you link the bottom portions, and are heading up towards the top.

Step 8:  Continue the pattern until the overall design of the Figure Eight Necklace is half the length you want, or until you have 6 inches of cord left.

Creating the Second Half

Step 9:  Repeat steps 4 thru 8, except make the knots in the opposite direction.  In other words, the bottom loop will be made in a counter-clockwise direction.  The top loop is clockwise.  Otherwise, the process will be the same.

Attaching the Clasp

Step 10:  At one end of the Figure Eight Necklace, pass the end through the opening in the clasp.  Tie a Stevedore Knot to secure it.  The clasp should rest close to the overall design.

Step 11:  At the other end, attach the second part of the clasp in a similar manner.

Step 12:  Apply glue to the Stevedore knot, and allow it to dry.  Cut off any excess cord.  If you prefer, you can tie a Celtic Button Knot or other finishing knot instead. When the glue is dry, the Figure Eight Necklace is ready to wear.