Introduction: Ribbon Charm Choker
Most chokers, in my opinion, are far too small and very limited and have annoying amounts of skin-irritating metals. If I'm going to wear jewelry or accessories, I want them to be big and rash-free. It's a super special bonus to have pieces that are adaptable. I recently rewatched Marie Antoinette and noticed that Kirsten Dunst wore some pretty fabulous chokers which gave me the inspiration for this project.
This choker can be as big or as small as you want it. There are no metals to come in contact with your skin. You can switch out the "charms" as much as you want, and there are endless possibilities for what you can use as a charm. This project is inexpensive and quick, and you can use leftover bits of ribbon from previous projects (or presents). There's also a margin for error, so you don't have to sweat the little stuff. Most mistakes won't be very noticeable.
Step 1: Materials
- Sewing Machine
- 3 Coordinating Ribbons in Decreasing Width*
- Coordinating Thread
- Large Needle
- Seam Ripper
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Fake Flower
- Bead
- Glue Stick
- Fake Dove
- Lighter
- Pencil (optional)
Step 2: Measurements
Measure your neck in centimeters for a comfortable choker circumference. In this example, 31-33 cm was comfortable.
Subtract 3 cm for the cut length to allow for comfort and adjustment. In this example, 28 cm was the end measurement.
Cut the two primary ribbons to length. This does not include the feeder ribbon.
Slightly burn the ends of the ribbon with a lighter to prevent fraying.
Step 3: Buttonholes
Determine where to space the buttonholes on the middle width ribbon. A white and pink flower patterned ribbon is used as the middle width ribbon in this example.
The number of buttonholes must be a multiple of 4 (e.g., 16, 20, or 24). This is to allow for the feeder ribbon to have an exit point at the ends of the choker.
You can use the pattern on the ribbon, or you can measure it out and mark with a pencil. In this example, the pattern was used so that a buttonhole was sewn in the middle of each flower and between each flower to create 20 buttonholes total.
The pattern also helps determine the height of each buttonhole so that the larger centers of the flower marked the ends of the buttonhole.
If you are not using a repeating patterned ribbon, you will have to measure and mark with a pencil.
Run a test on a scrap piece of ribbon and adjust for tension, stitch width, etc. If you are uncertain how to sew a buttonhole on your machine, consult your manual and follow the steps precisely.
Sew the buttonholes on the middle ribbon only.
Open buttonholes carefully with a seam ripper or scissors.
Trim threads.
Step 4: Top-stich and Hem
A glue stick (one used for paper typically) will help the two ribbons adhere slightly and make stitching easier. Apply glue to the middle ribbon and place it on the bottom ribbon. You may have to finger press the middle ribbon a bit, and eyeballing the placement is completely acceptable.
Note: Do not use fabric glue.
Top-stitch the middle ribbon to the bottom ribbon on both edges.
Turn over the ends once and stitch.
Step 5: Feeder Ribbon and Decoration
For this example:
- Send the feeder ribbon through the holes in the middle of the deconstructed fake flower.
- Send the feeder ribbon through a bead and back through the holes in the fake flower.
- Pull taut and continue weaving the feeder ribbon through the remainder of the choker. This may require a few readjustments.
- Wrap the wire on the fake dove around a stem of the flower.
Determine how long you would like the feeder ribbon to be to allow for tying a bow. Snip to appropriate length and burn edges slightly with a lighter.
Done!!!

Participated in the
Summer Sewing Contest
22 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
I love the idea of this one! It's very bold. For me personally I like the simpler tattoo chokers or charm chokers (if you want to make one too it's pretty simple, I learned how here: https://omghow.com/articles/1125) because I'm not sure how they larger ribbons will look on my petite form. I read somewhere they can make you look shorter.
The flower one looked really cool with the pink hair. Have you made any more recently?
11 years ago on Introduction
I WANT the wig...!!! hehehe no but really nice instructable, if i had a gf i would totally make her one of those. thumbs up... btw, if someone asks... i do know how to use a sewing machine... and yes im a guy.... ñ_ñ
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
There are lots of men who sew, and I totally approve of everyone sewing regardless of gender or sex. It's a useful skill to have. ;-)
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I sew, ride my 4 motorcycles, ATV, sailboat, our horse, and more. Most of my gear I have sewn myself, Mountain Man Outfit, Leather and such. I also cook most of our food, cause I like it to taste good! My wife and daughter love my cooking. Whoever said real men don't cook should step up. I will feed them and they will be back for more. My skills are many and they have saved my butt many times, in the Mountains, Oceans and Valleys!
11 years ago on Introduction
<3-
11 years ago on Introduction
I love this project and i totally want your hair :D
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I have a pink wig like that. Im going home in two weeks I'll bring it in for you!!!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you! The model isn't me, but the pink hair is mine.
11 years ago on Introduction
beautiful. and the chokers are really nice too.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
11 years ago on Introduction
Awesome tutorial, very clear directions, though I am terrified of making button holes! Haha. I would love to make this in a rich array of purples.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Button holes are much less scary to me than zippers, and they're less expensive to practice making. You just need thread and fabric. I had to keep my sewing machine manual right next to me the first few times because each machine is different, but after that, they're easy. Hope you give it a try!
11 years ago on Introduction
The chokers are cute, but that pink hair is THE BOMB!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Ha! Thanks!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Same, And shes hot!
11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
11 years ago on Introduction
choker s damn cute.. my gal will love it if i gift it to her!! BTW, is that pink on your head REALLY your hair??!! :-P
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! As I said, the model isn't me, but the hair is mine - it's definitely a wig.
11 years ago on Introduction
beautifully done
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you very much!