FREE Crochet Illusion Necklace/Bracelet Pattern by SheilaSparkles

I'm going to be very specific here based on my learning mishaps! First you want to put your spool of fishing line into a bowl or container just a bit larger than the spool. (This is so it won't roll away when you drop it on the floor). Do NOT cut the line anywhere yet.

String your beads, gemstones, pendant, etc. onto the line in the order it will go. Make the focal pendant the last object you string. Keep the strand wrapped around the spool with very little slack as you string, allowing the weight of the strand to be supported by the bowl. (This is so that in case you drop the strand, hopefully most of what you've done will stay in the bowl!)

Tie your beginning loop and chain 7 (or number of chains you wish between each bead). You can experiment until you find the number you like best.)

Chain around the pendant. Insert hook into pendant hanger loop and work one -three single crochets to give it extra reinforcement. Chain 7 (or whatever), grab thread after next bead and pull thru loop on hook. Continue in this manner until all the beads are crocheted on. After the final bead, insert hook in first chain, pull up a loop, thread over and pull through both loops on hook. Cut line about 4" away from work. Thread over, pull entire end through loop on hook, pull tight. This will stop your work from unraveling. Insert hook in previous chain, pull up a loop, thread over and pull end through loop, pulling tight. Do this until you are right next to the last bead before the pendant. Insert hook through bead and pull thread end through bead. Put a drop of glue in bead hole to provide extra security. Allow to dry overnight. Clip thread end even with bead hole to make it invisible.

Note: the clothespin clamp is very helpful, anytime you need to interrupt your work just clamp it over the last few stitches in progress and it will prevent them from unraveling.

Another note: these pendants hang better if they are stored hanging for awhile. You can also gently stretch the chain and it will help to straighten it out a little.

Enjoy your new custom necklace!

You probably have a bead store in your community. Most of them carry strands of semi-precious gemstones of many kinds. They will range widely in price, depending on the size and quality of the stones.

You can find hundreds of people or companies who sell gemstones online. Ebay is a goldmine for these. I have probably purchased about 90% of my gemstones online. If I go on there and enter a search for "moonstone faceted beads" I know I will turn up hundreds of them. I mention Moonstone because it's one of my favorite stones, and it is also a gemstone you have to be careful buying. If you see things like "Sri Lanka Moonstone," "opalite," "opal moonstone," etc., these are faux moonstone known as Opalite. Yes it's very pretty and I have lots of it, but it is NOT a real moonstone.

What you want to search for is "rainbow moonstone" and then weed out the fakes.