Skip to content

Country

How to Make a Mala Necklace

How to Make a Mala Necklace

Stylish Mala Necklace using African Trade Beads.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time to Completion: 30 minutes

Step 1

In this tutorial, we use an inexpensive strand of mala bone beads as our starting point, which we will redesign. Begin by measuring your base necklace, and add 10 inches to this length. Then, cut a piece of waxed cotton cord measuring this length.

Step 2

Prepare and establish the layout and pattern of the new mala necklace design. Laying out the beads in advance will make it easier during the stringing process.

Step 3

Cut between the tassel and neighboring bead to remove the tassel from your base necklace.

Step 4

Once separated, carefully pull the tassel string away from the toggle bead.

Step 5

On the tassel that you removed, you will see a short piece of string with a loop on its end. Place your cotton cord through the loop.

Pull on the string in a way that will bring your cotton cord through the tassel's upper knot.

Step 6

Center the tassel on your cotton cord.

Tie a knot to secure it in the middle of the cord.

Slide your tassel's toggle through both ends of the cord at the same time.

Step 7

Using your three-hole tassel bead, first slide both ends of the string into the beginning of the bead, then bring each string out of a different side's hole (left and right).

Step 8

String the beads in the pattern you laid out earlier on each side of the necklace.

Step 9

Tie a knot at the finished end of the necklace.

Step 10

Take the extra cord and pass it through two beads on each side of the knot. Cut the remaining visible portion of the cord.

Step 11

Congrats on making your first Mala necklace. Was it as easy as you expected?

Conclusion

Let us know about your experience making and and don't forget to share your pictures wearing your finished mala necklace.

Materials Needed

Tools Needed

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.