Learn How to Crochet a Necklace in Less Than 20 Minutes Using Only Scrap Yarn

Itching to crochet but don’t have much time? Then crocheting a necklace is the perfect project for you!

I’m the type of crafter who keeps everything. I have some of the most random craft supplies in my stash, from barrettes to twine and even little scraps of leather. One day, I was in the mood to crochet but I didn’t have time to go to the craft store, much less take on a giant project that would take weeks to complete. Sometimes we just don’t have the patience for that! So I grabbed some scraps and crocheted this necklace.

Dig through your stash and experience instant gratification when you crochet a necklace in mere minutes.

What you’ll need

• Scrap yarn (I used Cascade Cherub Aran Sparkle)
• Crochet hook (check your scrap yarn’s label to find the hook that matches the gauge of the yarn you’re using)
• Jewelry pendant
• Ruler
• Hot glue gun

I purchased my jewelry pendant long ago in a local bead store. You can find one in the craft store, or just dig up any flat surface you already have. You’re going to cover it with your crocheted piece, so it doesn’t have to be in good condition. You can even upcycle the pendant from an old piece of jewelry that you don’t wear anymore. The size of the pendant doesn’t even matter, because I’m going to show you how to figure out the exact number of stitches and rows you’ll need for any size pendant.

Here we go!

Calculating the number of stitches and rows

This necklace can work for any size pendant. I’m using my pendant size as an example, but you can customize it to fit your own size pendant.

First, using your scrap yarn, crochet a single crochet swatch that’s larger than the pendant.

Measure your pendant and determine the height and width. My pendant measures 1 1/2″ long x 1 1/4″ wide. Write that number down so you don’t forget!

Now measure the height of your swatch and determine how many rows will fit into the length of your pendant. So for example, if your pendant is 2″ long, count how many single crochet rows fit into 2″. For my pendant, there were seven rows in 1 1/2″. Write down your number of rows.

Now flip that ruler around and measure the number of stitches that will fit across your pendant. Since my pendant is 1 1/4″ wide, I found that I could fit 5 stitches in that space.

Write the number of stitches down, too!

With those numbers, you’ll now know how many stitches to chain and how many rows of crochet you’ll need. For my pendant, I chained 5 stitches and crocheted 7 rows. This fit the pendant perfectly!

If you’re low on scrap yarn, just rip out your swatch and reuse that yarn to make the crochet piece. You can also use multiple colors of yarn. There are no rules!

Finishing

Fasten off your tiny crochet piece and weave in the ends. Using your hot glue gun, glue the crochet piece to the pendant.

Use a chain you already have to close the necklace, or just use strands of the scrap yarn and knot them. Remember: the idea behind this necklace is that it’s inexpensive and easy! Don’t feel pressured to do anything too complicated.