Velvet chokers have been in fashion for centuries and are a timeless way to add class, elegance and a bit of spice to a dressy outfit. You can buy velvet chokers at just about any fashion jewelry store, however, you can save money and get a one-of-a-kind piece by making your own velvet choker. If you enjoy making them you can even consider making a bunch of them and selling them at craft fairs or online auctions to make some spare money. Velvet chokers are easy and inexpensive to make. Here are some tips on how to make your own velvet choker.
To get started, you will need a measuring tape, scissors, and a velvet ribbon as wide as you want your choker. Now, if you are just making a choker for yourself you can take the easy way and use a hot glue gun and Velcro to create the “clasp”. However, if you are planning to sell your velvet chokers you may want to purchase a pretty clasp that is wide enough for your ribbon and use a needle and thread to attach it. I will describe both methods below so the choice is yours.
For either style of velvet choker, begin by measuring your neck with the measuring tape so you know how large to make the choker. If you are making a simple Velcro choker, add 1.5″ – 2″ to this measurement to allow it to fit around your neck. If you are making a velvet choker with a clasp add enough extra length so you can turn the ends under, stitch them and attach the clasp. Be sure to take the width of the clasp into account with your measurements. For instance, if your clasp is 3/4″ wide it will add that much length to the length of your choker, so cut your ribbon accordingly.
To make a Velcro style velvet choker, take the length of ribbon that you cut and use the hot glue gun to attach Velcro to the ends. You want to attach one piece of Velcro to the outside of the ribbon and the other to the inside of the ribbon so that when it is wrapped around your neck it can be closed. If you prefer, rather than using glue to attach the Velcro you can also stitch it on with a needle and thread to make it more secure.
To make a velvet choker that uses a clasp, first fold under the ends of the velvet ribbon and stitch them using a whipstitch to create a nice hemmed edge on the ribbon. Then sew one side of the clasp to one end of the ribbon and the other side of the clasp to the other end of the ribbon. Use thread in a color that matches your ribbon to keep your stitches from showing. You can also use hook and eyes as opposed to a clasp if you prefer. Opting for a clasp over Velcro on your choker is a great option if your have short hair or plan to wear your hair up since your velvet choker will look beautiful from the back as well.
Finally, you can either leave your choker plain and just wear it as a strip of velvet, or you can glue or sew embellishments onto the front of it. Try using vintage jewelry, metal crosses or even a spattering of beads to make your velvet choker unique and original. If you prefer, you can slide a great pendant onto your choker and wear it that way instead.
