Here is how to make a bandana necklace with charms – you can also use a scarf, or big square piece of your favorite fabric. Regardless, you’ll have a cool wearable art piece!
How to make a scarf necklace with charms
Sooo satisfying! What a great way to use all your mismatched statement jewelry, right?
SUPPLIES for a scarf necklace
Ribbon of choice
18 gauge wire (optional)
Video tutorial for how to make a scarf necklace
Directions:
Start with a large bandana or scarf. I used one that is 28” square. Fold diagonally, roll it up from the straight side to the pointed end.
Choose ribbon of your choice to tie the segments. I used this ivory silk ribbon because it matched the scarf.
Cut a 6″ pice of ribbon and tie it in the center of the rolled up scarf. Add more ribbon pieces to create segments.
Open a jump ring, and add one to each piece of ribbon. Trim the excess.
Gather up your charms and lay them out in a nice arrangement. Go through each charm or earring piece and add jump ring so it can be easily hung.
Set them out and arrange them until you like the layout. Slide them around to the distance you want.
Now go through and use your jewelry pliers to add the charms, one-by-one to each jump ring that is attached to the ribbon.
When you are done, it will look nice and fabulous! And if you ever want to use the scarf, simply remove the ribbon!
You can hand paint your own charms or use jewelry pieces, beads, etc. Let me know if you like this idea and want to make it!
Other ideas for a scarf necklace
Making charm necklaces using scarves or bandanas is such a fun and stylish DIY—and it’s perfect for a workshop, party, or boutique experience. Here are creative ways to build on that idea, plus party themes to match:
CHARM NECKLACE SCARF IDEAS
Slide-On Beads + Charms
Use scarf tubes or wide-hole beads with jump-ringed charms that can slide along the scarf. You can even add a safety pin-style brooch to hold multiple charms in one place.
Braided Bandana Necklace
Cut the bandana into three strips, braid them together, and tie the ends. Use ribbon crimps to add a lobster clasp if you want it to be removable. Thread charms or wire-wrapped beads into the braid at intervals.
Scarf + Charm Pendant Lariat
Tie a long thin scarf (or silk strand) into a lariat style and clip charms to the ends so they dangle dramatically down the front or back.
WORKSHOP OR PARTY THEMES
Charming Chicas
A glam-inspired jewelry night. Set up stations with scarves, charms, beads, pliers, and mirror selfie stations for instant styling.
Bandana Bar
Let guests choose their own bandana and embellish it with charms, fringe, rhinestones, or embroidery. Serve western-chic snacks and mocktails. Bonus: bandana folding demos!
Scarf Stories Workshop
Each charm represents a life milestone or goal. Guests choose charms to tell their story and tie it into a wearable keepsake. Perfect for empowerment events.
Boho Glam Picnic
Outdoor gathering with baskets of vintage scarves, gemstones, and floral charms. Think flower crowns, crystal readings, and charm crafting under the sun.
Friendship Charm Swap
Everyone brings 3 charms to trade. After creating a bandana necklace, guests write little notes about the meaning of each charm they added.
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