How to Make Handmade Jewelry?
General Questions About Jewelry Making: Leather Cords, Components & Techniques
When you start your journey into jewelry making or even if you have been crafting for years—you will quickly realize that this art is constantly evolving. New techniques appear every season, fresh materials enter the market, and trends shift faster than we expect. Whether you are designing minimalist pieces, bold statement jewelry, or personalized gifts, it is normal to have many questions in mind. That’s why at Sun Enterprises, we are always here to help.
With more than three decades of experience in crafting and supplying jewelry components, we know how important it is for designers to understand the fundamentals. Your creativity is unlimited, but having the right technical knowledge makes the process easier, faster, and much more enjoyable. For this reason, we created this blog summarizing some of the most frequently asked questions about jewelry making—especially involving one of our favorite materials: leather cords.
Let’s dive into the essentials, step by step.
How do you make jewelry out of leather cords?
Leather cords are one of the most versatile materials in the jewelry world. They can be used in many ways:
- As a bracelet base, either single, double, or braided
- As a necklace string for pendants, charms, connectors, and beads
- For macramé-style knotting, weaving, and pattern creation
- For mix-material designs, combined with gemstones, metal beads, and stainless steel components
Designers love leather because it brings a natural, premium, and timeless look. A simple leather bracelet can easily become a men’s fashion accessory. A fine leather string can transform into a delicate women’s necklace. The possibilities are endless, and the more techniques you master, the more unique your pieces will look.
How do you make a leather string necklace?
A leather string necklace is one of the easiest jewelry-making projects, ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
You can make it in two main ways:
1. Knot-closure necklace
You simply tie the two ends of the leather string together. This method is perfect for casual or bohemian pieces and works well with larger pendants or natural stones.
2. Clasp-closure necklace
Here, you need:
- A leather cord of your preferred style
- A clasp (magnetic, lobster, hook, or bayonet)
- Glue
Just insert both ends of the leather into the clasp with glue, let it dry, and your necklace is ready. You can decorate it further with beads, charms, spacers, or tassels.
Which size of leather cord should you use for jewelry making?
Leather cords come in many thicknesses, and different sizes serve different styles.
The most commonly used sizes are:
- 1.5mm round leather cord — perfect for delicate necklaces, women’s bracelets, and jewelry that requires fine threading
- 3mm round leather cord — stronger, great for unisex or casual bracelets
Our collection of 3 mm round leather cords (small fraction)
- 4mm braided leather cord — ideal for men's jewelry, statement pieces, and bracelets with more texture and visibility
- 5–6mm round or braided leather cords — used for bold jewelry, necklaces, and accessories
In reality, every size can be used, depending on your idea. The important part is choosing a clasp that matches your cord’s diameter.
What kind of cord is best for necklaces?
This depends on the style you want to achieve. Here are the most popular choices:
Leather Cord
Classic, elegant, and long-lasting. Best for everyday jewelry, men’s accessories, and rustic designs.
Suede Cord
Soft, lightweight, and comfortable on the skin. Perfect for boho and feminine necklaces or multi-layered designs.
Cotton & Waxed Cotton Cords
Flexible and ideal for colorful, casual pieces or macramé-style necklaces.
Silk Cord
Thin, luxurious, and perfect for delicate necklaces with pendants or charms.
Each cord gives a different personality to your creation, so the “best” one is always the one that matches your final vision.
Our collection of silk cords (small fraction)
What is the strongest cord for beading?
If you are planning to make pieces with beads, the strength of your cord matters.
- Leather cord is naturally strong and great for beading projects that require durability and resistance.
- Elastic wire is a better option if you want flexibility, especially for stretchable beaded bracelets.
- Nylon or waxed cotton cords work very well for macramé-style beaded jewelry.
Choose based on whether you want the piece to stretch, stay firm, or maintain a certain shape.
How do you make a leather cord bracelet?
Making a leather bracelet is simple and enjoyable. Here's what you need:
- Leather cord in your preferred size
- A clasp that matches the cord diameter
- Glue
- Optional: beads, charms, gemstones, rings
Steps:
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Measure the leather cord around your wrist, adding a bit of extra length.
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Cut the cord.
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Apply glue inside the clasp.
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Insert both ends of the cord into the clasp firmly.
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Let it dry completely.
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Customize with charms or beads if desired.
This method works for both round and flat leather cords.
How do you make a leather cord necklace?
The process is similar to the bracelet steps, but the length is longer:
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Cut the leather to your desired necklace length (usually 45–60cm).
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Add a clasp matching the shape and size.
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Decorate with pendants, gemstones, metal components, or beads.
Leather necklaces are perfect for both minimalistic and statement designs and you can find them at Sun Enterprises!
