6 Ways to Wear a 5-Foot Long Chain
by Rena Klingenberg. © 2003-Present Rena Klingenberg. All Rights Reserved
I recently discovered that a 5-foot (152.4 cm) long chain is a cool and versatile accessory.
Here it is, all 60 inches, coiled up:
I’m going to share 6 ways I’ve discovered to wear this chain.
But first . . . .
Why This Unique Chain
Was Created
A dozen years ago I had a ton of small cabochons, and I wanted an easy way to make simple earrings with them without having to wire-wrap them.
So I ordered a HUGE mixed lot of small “wrap-tite” settings for my cabs.
Here’s what some of my wrap-tites look like:
However, I wound up changing my mind about making earrings with the cabochons.
So I put the wrap-tites away unused, and totally forgot about them for several years.
Then a few weeks ago I came across my bulk supply of wrap-tites again.
I immediately saw their potential as links for a unique chain.
So I combined them with a huge collection of these odds-and-ends jump rings from a jewelry supply stash I inherited from my Grandmother:
. . . and while watching a movie at home, I turned the wrap-tites and jump rings into a single chain that grew and grew until it reached 5 feet long.
The links are random sizes and shapes because of the assorted wrap-tites:
Now here are 6 ways I’ve discovered to wear a chain like this:
1.) As a Long Double-Strand Necklace
This is a lovely look, and very lightweight thanks to the large, airy links!
2.) As a 4-Strand Choker
The random link sizes make this interesting and lively, and I like to adjust the four strands so that all of them can be seen.
3.) As a Chain Scarf
Wrap the chain twice around your neck and let the long ends hang down in the front, scarf style!
4.) As a Lariat Necklace
Fold the chain in half, and wrap it around your neck.
Then pass the two chain ends through the folded chain (basically making a larks-head knot) – and let the long ends hang down artistically.
5.) As a Chain Belt
Wrap the chain once around your waist and leave the two long ends hanging down.
Or fold the chain in half and fasten it around your waist with just a small end hanging down.
6.) As a Groovy Wrap Bracelet
Wrap the chain around your wrist several times – and the result looks like it was inspired by chain maille.
7.) Bonus! Matching Earrings
I saved out two wrap-tites and two jump rings to make a pair of earrings.
I hung them on earwires from another long-ago bulk buy that I’m still trying to use up!
Ways to Make Your Own
Super-Long Chain
I encourage you to make a dramatically long chain for yourself, and enjoy all the interesting ways you can wear it.
Here are some easy ways you can make a long chain:
- Get (or make) a variety of jump rings and link them together.
- Link together some standard-length chains (16″, 18″, etc.).
- Cut up several standard-length chains with different link designs; attach small strips of the chains together in random order.
- Cut a really long piece from a bulk roll of chain.
- Save up your leftover chain scraps from various jewelry projects and connect them together.
- Turn some of your leftover wire scraps into various types of links and join them together.
- Use jump rings to link together a variety of rubber O-rings.
- When your local craft store / bead shop has a sale or coupon, go in and see what they have that you can put together into a chain.
How Else Could You Wear a
5-Foot Long Chain?
I’d love to hear your ideas on more ways to wear this versatile accessory!
