Introduction: Jazz Up a Black Choker 3 Ways

About: I am a conceptual artist, and my DIY projects are mostly inspired by pop culture (movies, music, sports, TV). I mostly specialize in painting, graphic design, drawing, digital photography, performance art, and…

Ever went to a clothing store or jewelry store and saw those beautiful chokers that you can't seem to afford, because they're super expensive? Or maybe you've read a fashion magazine about chokers, and always wanted to put your own creative spin on them? Either way, this is the perfect fashion DIY for you! Combining basic sewing techniques, and a whole lot of fashion sense, you'll find 3 different ways to dress up a plain black choker, without paying a fortune!

Step 1: Materials

For this 3 part project, you will need:

  • a set of black chokers (I bought this set of 3 black choker necklaces from the Dollar Store)
  • sewing machine
  • thread
  • hot glue gun
  • rhinestones
  • felt
  • scissors
  • buttons
  • Other accessories: appliques, puff paint, fringe

Step 2: Prep Chokers

First off, look at the black chokers. They're black, plain, yet has some sparkle to them. These are already pre-made, so you can actually decorate them in a variety of ways!

Step 3: Rockstar Choker

This first choker channels your inner rockstar with hints of black, white, and silver!

1) First, place a row of 10 black and white buttons along the choker, and tack them on, one by one, using your sewing machine. This is best to use a button sewing foot, set to a zigzag stitch on the 0 stitch length.

2) Then, using a hot glue gun, glue on the same number of rhinestones, one for each button, and let dry.

3) Then, if you're lucky enough, attach a star applique in the middle with your sewing machine, and dress it up, if you'd like with black 3D puff paint, and a rhinestone on top to match!

Step 4: Boho Fringe Choker

This second choker is a colorful reminder of what it was like to wear fringe back in the 1970s!

This is a very simple choker to make without any further instruction. All you have to do for this one is cut a piece fringe to the size of your choker, and attach it to the choker with your sewing machine set to a left straight stitch.

Then, if you need to, add a dab or so of fabric glue (I used Liqui-Sew) to attach the bottom of the fringe to the rest of the choker so that it's completely covered.

Step 5: Flower Choker

The last choker that I want to share with you reminds me of the 1960s, where flowers became a huge staple for hippies!

1) First, grab a piece of ribbon, wrap it around a black choker, and sew it in the back. I used a piece of floral printed ribbon.

2) Then, cut out 5 circles out of yellow felt for the flower petals. You can also make droplet shaped petals, too. Either way is fine!

3) You can also cut 5 more medium sized circles out of a different color felt for the inner petals.

4) Once you've figured out your placement of the flower, attach it in place, along with a large sized button for the center with your sewing machine. With the button in the middle, set the dial to a zigzag stitch on the 0 stitch length, and make sure you use a button sewing foot for this part.

5) Then, once you take that out, add a rhinestone in the middle, and add some more details to the inner petals with puff paint for extra pop!

Step 6: Done!

And that's all there is to it! I made 3 different chokers using 3 different designs, but I plan to do more in the future! These make great additions to your fashion, costumes, and more! And you don't even need to drop a few dollars on an already decorated choker! What's important is that the Dollar Store can actually make something look like a million bucks!

Halloween Contest 2017

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Halloween Contest 2017

Sew Cool Contest

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Sew Cool Contest