Finishing Ribbon Necklace Ends
Ribbon necklaces are popular because they are inexpensive to make and the ribbon can be changed to other styles or colors quickly and at a low cost. Ribbon necklaces are wonderful for hanging a simple pendant, and are generally very feminine.
One of the first questions to ask about your design is how you'd like the necklace to be fastened. A clasp (lobster or toggle work well) gives a very finished look to the necklace and is less likely to come undone, but flexibility in necklace length is limited. Tying the ribbon will allow the wearer to adjust the necklace longer or shorter, and it's also nice if you are not sure what length necklace the wearer prefers. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the tie may come undone while wearing, and the ribbon will wear out faster than if you are using a clasp.
Once you've decided how you want to fasten your necklace, you need to decide how to finish the ends. I frequently get asked how to finish the ends of ribbon necklaces — here are a few ideas that you can try out.
Cut and paste. That's a little simplistic, but if the ribbon you are using won't fray, the easiest way to finish it is to just cut the length you need and tie it into a loose knot or bow to wear it. If you'd like, use a little glue or No Fray on the ends to be sure they don't fray, even a little.
Fold-over crimp ends. Fold-over crimps with a hook end can be attached to the ends of the ribbons. For a clasp, attach a lobster clasp and jump ring or a toggle bar and ring to the hooks, secure and you're ready to go. For a tie, make dangles using head pins and coordinating beads and attach to the hook. Some beaders use a small dab of glue on the ribbon just before folding the crimp for extra security. Just be sure you don't use too much glue because it can seep out and spoil the ribbon.
Crimp beads. Use a Big Eye needle to thread the ribbon through a large crimp bead. (You will need to run the ribbon through the crimp bead twice, so it may be a tight fit!) After the crimp bead, thread the ribbon ends through dangle loops (for tie method) or clasp rings. Run the ribbon back through the crimp bead again and secure the crimp. Trim excess ribbon and use glue or No Fray to keep the ends from unraveling.
Coil ends. You can buy pre-made coils, but for my money, they are usually too difficult to secure with ribbon. I make 1cm long coils using sterling silver wire, and attach dangles or clasps in the same manner as I would if I were using crimp beads. I prefer this method, it's clean, quick and usually causes me significantly less frustration than crimps (most ribbon doesn't thread through crimps twice!).
These same methods can be used for silk or satin cord, and even for leather or rubber lace.
