"Faux" Tatted Necklace

"Faux" Tatted Necklace by Susan Lowman

What is Being Made

The "Faux" Tatted Necklace is a delicate crocheted jewelry piece designed to mimic the appearance of traditional tatted lace while using crochet techniques. This necklace measures approximately 23 to 25 inches in length and incorporates decorative buttons, beads, or charms strung throughout the crocheted base. The finished piece creates an elegant, lacy aesthetic suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental crochet techniques adapted for fine jewelry work. The primary construction method involves creating a series of chain loops and chain spaces that form the delicate foundation of the necklace. Buttons, beads, and charms are strategically strung onto the crochet thread before and during the crocheting process, using a dental floss threader if needed to pass the thread through button holes. The design arranges embellishments with the smallest buttons positioned at each end of the necklace and the largest buttons centered in the middle, creating a balanced, graduated appearance.

Stitches Used

The "Faux" Tatted Necklace utilizes several essential crochet stitches to create its lace-like structure:

• Chain stitches (ch): Form the foundation and create the characteristic loops that give the necklace its tatted appearance
• Chain loops (ch-lps): Provide the primary decorative elements and openwork structure
• Chain spaces (ch-sps): Create gaps within the pattern that contribute to the delicate, airy design
• Single crochet (sc): Used to join and secure stitches
• Slip stitch (sl st): Connects rounds and transitions between sections

Materials and Tools

This intermediate-level project requires fine materials appropriate for jewelry crafting. The necklace is constructed using Size 10 cotton crochet thread in a color of the crafter's choice, with approximately 35 yards needed to complete the piece. A Size 7 steel crochet hook measuring 1.65mm works with the delicate thread to create precise, consistent stitches. The embellishment component calls for 21 or 23 assorted flat buttons with holes (excluding shank-style buttons), along with the option to incorporate beads or charms, or any combination of these three elements. A dental floss threader is recommended as an optional tool to assist in stringing buttons and beads onto the thread when holes are particularly small.

Skill Level and Gauge

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this necklace requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to work with fine thread and small hooks. The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 chain loops and 5 chain-7 spaces measuring 3 3/4 inches in length, providing a reference for maintaining consistent tension and stitch size throughout the project.