Accessories like jewelry, handbags, and belts are a simple way to spruce up an outfit. With a pair of high heels and a chunky necklace, even jeans and a tee can be transformed from ultra-casual to date-ready.
While it’s always fun to stock up on accessories at stores like Lovisa, especially if there’s a sale, you’ll be surprised how many items you can make from home. DIY accessory options are a lot of fun, save your pennies, and gives you a story to tell whenever someone compliments you on your unique scarf, necklace, or hair ties. Here are 3 of the easiest items you can make yourself.
1. Crocheted Scarf
Have you ever fallen in love with a knit scarf then gawked at the price tag? Gawk no more since you can make your own scarf for a fraction of the cost and spruce up your simple sweaters. All you need is a crochet hook and a 2-3 balls of wool. Your options are almost endless with the variety of wool available. You can choose wool that is chunky, multicolored, or with a little bit of sparkle.
If you’ve never crocheted before, find a tutorial on YouTube and do a few practice rows until you get the hang of it. Newbies should start with a basic double stitch for your first scarf, then work your way up to more complex designs. You can find several free crochet scarf patterns on Pinterest, but all beginners really need to do is chain 12-15 stitches, depending on the size of your hook, then keep repeating rows until your scarf reaches the desired length.
You can get creative and change colors every few rows for a striped scarf, or add some tassels to both ends. Once you have a little practice under your belt, you can try making crocheted headbands, beanies, mittens, and shawls too. When you’re in the flow, crochet can be an enjoyable way to keep your hands busy while binge-watching a season of Friends on Netflix.
2. Cotton Headband
If you have some scraps of cotton fabric and a sewing machine, you have everything you need to make your own headband. Luckily, headbands that tie at the top or bottom are in fashion, meaning there’s no need to add elastic. Simply cut a length of fabric long enough to wrap around your head, making sure to leave enough length for the knot and twice the desired width. Fold the fabric in half, good sides together, and stich the long side and1 short side together. Turn your headband inside out so the good side is now facing you and stitch the remaining side, making sure the seam is nice and tidy. Iron it flat and you’re done!
For more complex options, plait 3 pieces of fabric together, tie a loose knot in the center of your headband, or thread on some wooden or otherwise decorative beads.
3. Chunky Necklace
When you think about it, those effective, chunky necklaces you see in fashion stores are only really string and beads. What’s to stop you from making one at home? Your creativity is your only limit here as you can combine metal chains, silk threads, beads, old broaches, and even paint your own wooden beads. Repurpose broken or unwanted jewelry pieces you already have at home or buy a jewelry making kit with a few options for string and clasps.
The hardest part is tying a knot to hold your masterpiece together, so watch a few YouTube tutorials until you feel confident about tying your own. If all else fails, you won’t be the first to use a hot glue gun to hold your knot together!