To make a twist cord necklace:
Cut a length of cord 6 - 8 inches longer than you want your finished necklace to be.
Tie a loop in one end, large enough to slip your finger, a pencil or a hook through.
Hold the end of the cord that does not have the loop. This end will be the stationary end, and since it takes 3 hands to make this twist, we often find it helpful to either have someone else hold it, or tie it to something like a drawer knob.
The end with the loop will be twisted. Slip your finger through the loop, or you can use a pencil. If you are using a cord twisting mechanism, attach it to this end.
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Begin twisting the end with the loop. Aim for a nice, even twist all the way up and down the cord. Hold the cord taut ehough that you don't get kinks.
Try to get a feel for when the cord has an even tension from one end to the other. It will get this tension right BEFORE it starts to kink, so it takes a little practice to determine when it's going to happen.
When the tension is right, grasp the cord right in the middle and pull down.
Tip: If you are using nylon satin cord, you can use a flame to seal the two strands of cord together at the top. (This only works with nylon satin cord - rayon satin cord will just burn and not melt. If you are not sure what type of cord you have, use the flame test).
If you are making a necklace with fold-over style cord ends, hold the twisted cord tightly near the top and clip the ends off. Immediately attach the fold-over crimp. Be very careful not to let go of the top, otherwise, if it becomes partially untwisted, you may have to start over. Once the crimp is attached at the top, you can let go of the cord and take your time with the rest of the necklace.
Repeat the steps for the other end of the necklace. If the twist goes all the way to the end of the cord, you will not even have to clip it before attaching cord ends.
If you are making a necklace with a knot and loop closure, tie a thin string around the necklace at the top (see instructions for Finishing Cord Ends to see how to tie the string around the cord).
