How to Create a Leather Cord Necklace: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Designers and DIY Enthusiasts

Leather cord necklaces continue to be one of the most versatile and in-demand accessories in both the fashion and jewelry world. Their natural texture, durability, and ability to pair effortlessly with different charms, pendants, and beads make them a timeless choice for designers and customers alike. Whether you are a jewelry maker developing a new collection or a creative enthusiast experimenting with new materials, leather cords offer endless possibilities.

At Sun Enterprises, we provide an easy and effective way to create your own leather cord necklace using high-quality materials, including toggle clasps, charms, headpins, and of course, our extensive range of leather cords available in every colour, size, and finish.

Below, we walk you through a complete, detailed step-by-step guide on how to create a professional-quality leather necklace. This method is suitable for beginners and experienced jewelers, and it can be adapted for small-scale DIY projects as well as large-scale B2B production.

Our collection of braided round leather (small fraction)

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

To create your leather necklace, you will need:

- A round toggle clasp (with one big and one small ring)

- Round, flat, or braided leather cord

- Beads, charms, or pendants

- A headpin

- Round pliers and flat pliers

- Cutting pliers

- High-quality jewelry glue

At Sun Enterprises, we supply all these materials in wholesale quantities, customizable options, and premium quality: ideal for brands that want consistent production results.

Step 2: Attach the Leather Cord to the Toggle Clasp

Your toggle clasp comes with two rings: a big round and a small round. Begin by selecting the larger round component — this will serve as the central piece where your leather cord and charms will later connect.

✔ Fold the Leather Cord

Take your leather cord and fold it in half. One side should be slightly longer than the other — ideally around 15 cm longer. This variation in length will allow you to wrap and secure the cord properly in later steps.

Slide both ends of the leather cord through the large ring of the toggle clasp so that the clasp sits neatly in the center of your fold.

Step 3: Secure the Leather Cord with a Wrap Knot

This step gives your necklace structure, style, and stability.

1. Hold the large round toggle clasp and the folded leather cords together tightly with one hand.

2. Using your other hand, take the longer end of the leather cord.

3. Wrap the longer cord around your index finger, which is helping hold the clasp.

4. Make three full loops around your finger.

5. Gently slide the wrapped loops off your finger.

6. Take the longer cord and pass it through the loops you just created.

7. Pull the cord firmly to tighten the knot.

8. Adjust the knot until it sits securely and doesn’t move.

This wrap knot is decorative, clean, and durable — perfect for both minimalist and boho necklace styles.

Step 4: Level the Ends and Create Side Knots

Once your central knot is secure, adjust both ends of the leather cord so that they lie evenly. This symmetry ensures your necklace sits well once worn.

Next, create a decorative knot on each side:

How to Make the Knot:

1. Make a simple loop with one side of the leather cord.

2. Wrap the short end of the leather cord around both strands of leather — the loop and the main cord.

3. Wrap once more to create a second coil.

4. Pull the short end through the opening and tighten the knot using flat pliers for a clean finish.

Repeat this process on the opposite side of the necklace.

These knots add decorative detail and provide extra reinforcement to the structure of your necklace.

Step 5: Trim the Leather and Apply Glue

Using cutting pliers, trim any excess leather from the knots. Make sure each cut is clean and smooth.

To reinforce your knots and prevent slipping, apply a small drop of strong jewelry glue on each trimmed end. This is especially important for necklaces intended for sale or mass production, as it increases durability and customer satisfaction.

Allow the glue to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Create Your Charm or Pendant Decoration

This is where your creativity shines.

1. Take a headpin and slide your beads, gemstones, charms, or pendants onto it.

2. Once decorated, use round-nose pliers to create a small loop at the top.

3. Bend the loop gently in the opposite direction for a straight, elegant alignment.

4. Open the loop slightly using your pliers.

5. Attach the loop to the small round part of the toggle clasp.

6. Close the loop securely.

This creates a beautiful charm drop that hangs from the toggle clasp when the necklace is worn — giving it a polished, professional finish.

Step 7: Your Necklace Is Complete

You now have a stylish, handmade leather cord necklace ready to wear, gift, or add to your product collection. This method creates a piece that is:

- Durable

- Stylish

- Customizable

- Suitable for men and women

- Perfect for retail or wholesale production

Leather necklaces are timeless, and when combined with high-quality materials from Sun Enterprises, your designs will always look professional and elegant.

Why Choose Sun Enterprises for Your Materials?

As the biggest manufacturer of:

- Leather cords

- Magnetic clasps

- Jewelry components

- High-quality findings

we offer unmatched variety and customization options. Whether you need:

- Stainless steel clasps

- Gold or rosé gold plating

- Custom sizes

- Unique colours

- Large production runs

- Private-label branding

We also offer a full service for larger B2B clients:
✔ Bracelet and necklace finishing
✔ Assembly and clasp attachment
✔ Branding assistance
✔ Premium packaging options
✔ Quality control at every step

With Sun Enterprises, you can take your creative ideas from concept to market-ready product effortlessly.

Explore Thousands of Products

If we have sparked your interest, we invite you to discover our complete assortment of leather cords, silk ribbons, clasps, beads, and jewelry components in our Instagram or website.

Let our products inspire your next beautiful creation!