Here are 3 ways you can finish silk or leather cord ends:

Knot:

You can tie any kind of knot. The one pictured is an adjustable knot that lets you adjust the length of your piece. You just need to make sure you leave enough length to get over your head. This is a good place to start if you are not sure how long you want your necklace to buy or if you want to wear with different necklines.

Hook & Eye Crimp End:

This method requires a Crimp Nose pliers and craft glue if you like. First, determine the finished length of your piece, factoring in about an inch for the clasp. Then, make a good sharp cut on your cord; it is helpful to make a point on the end of the cord. This will make it a bit easier to thread into the hook & eye. Place the cord end in the hole at the base of the hook or eye, making sure cord all the way to the end, but not sticking out of the other end. Then, gently, but firmly pinch the indentation in the center of the hook to secure the cord. Repeat with the other component. You can put a little dab of craft glue before placing in hole, just to make sure cord will stay – however, done correctly the cord should stay put without glue.

Wire Wrapped Ends with Clasp:

This method requires a Wire Cutter, Crimp Nose and Flat Nose Pliers, and at least two inches of 24g wire (a headpin can substitute if you don’t have loose wire) for each loop. You just need a thin piece of wire and the longer the wire piece the better your wrap will be. If I have wire I like to use about 5 or 6 inches. First, determine the finished length of your piece, factoring in about an inch for the clasp and about an inch and a half for each loop. Make your first loop on the cord, take one of your pieces of wire, bend in half, drape over loop about half way up from the base of the loop, begin wrapping the end of the wire closest to the rounded edge of the loop. Wrap towards the loop – wrap about 3 or 4 times trying to keep your wire close to the previous wrap. At this point you should still have a bit of a tail left. Now, wrap the other end of the wire towards the base of the loop – again about 3 or 4 times. Use your crimp nose pliers to push your wraps together. Now you should have two tails at either end of the loop. Trim each end such that you can fold over cord and have the end of the wire sit between the folds of the cord loop. Now take your flat nose pliers and gently flatten your wrap and your wire ends. This will help the loops lie flat on your neck. Run your finger over the wrap and the wire ends to make sure smooth. You may need to file the ends a bit. Now repeat on the other side – only this time make sure to place your clasp inside the loop before wrapping the wire.