Twyla Necklace & Jewelry Set

Twyla Necklace & Jewelry Set by Gwen Buttke McGannon

Project Overview

The Twyla Necklace & Jewelry Set is a Tunisian crochet jewelry design that combines elegant beadwork with fiber craft techniques. This downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Gwen Buttke McGannon creates a coordinated set including a necklace and matching bracelet, both featuring decorative beads integrated into the crochet structure for added sparkle and dimension.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces two coordinated jewelry pieces:

• Necklace: 16 inches wide and 1 inch long, designed to be worn as a statement piece
• Bracelet: 7.5 inches in circumference and 1.25 inches wide, sized to coordinate with the necklace

The set also includes instructions for hoop earrings to complete the coordinated jewelry ensemble. Both the necklace and bracelet feature beads as a central design element, with the beadwork creating visual interest on what becomes the right side of each finished piece.

Crochet Techniques Used

Tunisian Crochet is the primary technique for this jewelry set. Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, combines elements of traditional crochet and knitting, creating a denser, more fabric-like textile. This method is particularly well-suited for jewelry applications because it produces a structured, stable fabric that holds its shape and can support the weight of decorative beads.

The pattern specifically incorporates beads into the return pass of the Tunisian crochet rows. This strategic bead placement means that beads are worked into the fabric during the crochet process rather than added afterward, ensuring they are securely anchored and become an integral part of the design. The beads are strung onto the thread before beginning the project, allowing them to be easily incorporated as you work.

Stitches Used

The necklace and bracelet are worked primarily in Tunisian simple stitch, the foundational stitch of Tunisian crochet. This stitch creates a consistent, even fabric with good drape and structure, making it ideal for wearable jewelry pieces. The simplicity of the stitch allows the beadwork to be the focal point of the design while maintaining an intermediate skill level for the overall project.

Materials & Specifications

Thread: The pattern calls for Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Cotton, Size 10, which is a 100% cotton thread available in multiple colors including Stone. This fine-weight thread (classified as 3-ply lace-weight) creates delicate, refined jewelry pieces with excellent drape and a professional finish.

Tools: A 2.5mm Tunisian crochet hook (9 inches long) is required, sized to obtain proper gauge. Additional tools include a beading needle for working with beads and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Beads & Hardware: The pattern specifies BeadBiz Beads in Size 8, Winter Bead Mix, with a total of 1,037 beads needed (686 beads are strung onto the thread before starting). The set includes 8mm closed jumpings (2 pieces), a lobster clasp, a split jumpring, and hoop earrings for completing the coordinated jewelry ensemble.

Gauge & Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 Tunisian simple stitches and 7 rows equaling 1 inch. Achieving proper gauge is important for creating jewelry pieces that fit correctly and drape as intended. The finished necklace measures 16 inches wide by 1 inch long, while the bracelet measures 7.5 inches in circumference by 1.25 inches wide.

Skill Level

Classified as an intermediate difficulty pattern, the Twyla Necklace & Jewelry Set requires familiarity with Tunisian crochet techniques and comfort working with beads. While the pattern uses simple stitches, the integration of beadwork into the crochet structure and the precision required for jewelry-making place it at an intermediate level rather than beginner.