Front Toggle Necklace

Toggle claps add an attractive accent as well as functionality to a necklace or bracelet design. So, why not show them off? In this "Front Toggle Necklace," the toggle works as the focal point of the necklace.

You’ll need:

1 toggle clasp
36 inches chain
10 head pins
10 beads
2 jump ring
wire cutters
round nosed pliers
flat/bent nosed pliers
ruler

1. Slip a bead onto a head pin.

2. Trim off all but about ½ inch of the head pin, and bend the pin into an L.

3. Use round nosed pliers to curl the L into a circle.

4. Use wire cutters to cut off approx. 2 inches of chain.

5. Add the bead in step 3 to the chain just cut.

6. Repeat steps 1 - 5 to create a second bead and chain piece.

7. Next, add both bead and chain pieces to a jump ring, and then attach the jump ring to the T end of the toggle. Don’t close the jump ring yet.

8. Slip on the end of the left over chain (which is about 32 inches long) onto the jump ring in step 7. The jump ring should now have the following attached 2 bead/chain pieces, the T end, and the long chain.

9. Use flat nosed pliers to ensure the jump ring is closed.

10. For the rest of your beads, cut the end off your head pins, curl one end, slip on the bead, and curl the other end. Don’t close the curls all the way yet. (You could also use eye pins if you have them.)

11. Next, measure 3 inches and cut the long chain at this point.

12. Slip on one of the beads from step 10, and use pliers to close the curl on one end.

13. Attach the chain to the other end of the bead.

14. Continue repeating steps 11 - 13 until you have added all your beads.

15. Once you have reached the end of your long chain, slip on a jump ring and the round part of the toggle.

Now you can close the toggle so it is front of your necklace. I actually made my fish beads go in both directions so that the wearer could wear the necklace backwards as well.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.