Rope-Twist Necklaces

What You’ll Need:

• scissors
• yarn
• tape
• beads
• paper clip
• pliers
• marble

How to Make It:

1. Cut four pieces of yarn, each twice the length the finished necklace should be.

2. Tie the yarn pieces together at one end in a half-knot. Just above the knot, tape the yarn securely to your work surface. Set aside a second piece of tape, a few inches long, to be used later.

3. Pick up two of the yarn pieces. Twist them together clockwise. Continue twisting until the yarn is twisted so tightly that it begins to kink. Then tape the end of the twisted cord to your work surface, using the piece of tape you set aside.

4. Repeat step 3 with the two remaining pieces of yarn. When finished, hold the end of the second twisted cord in one hand. Untape the other cord and hold it in your other hand.

5. Pull the cords to straighten out the kinks. Twist them together counterclockwise. Continue until they are tightly twisted.

6. Knot the two cords together securely. Then let go of the cords. The necklace will twist and turn a bit as it settles into place.

7. Untape the top of the necklace. Trim the yarn ends at each knot. Tie the necklace into a loop, and it’s ready to wear.

8. For variety, make rope twists out of different-colored yarn, add beads, or ask your parents to help you twist a paper clip with pliers to hold a marble in place.