You’ve probably seen them. Those industrial-chic, heavy-duty necklaces draped over the necks of models in Vogue or swinging from the collars of edgy street-style influencers in Soho. They look expensive. Like, "don't-look-at-my-credit-score" expensive. But here’s the secret: most of that high-end aesthetic is basically hardware store supplies and a little bit of patience. Learning how to make a diy safety pin necklace isn't just about saving money, though. It’s about that specific, crunchy satisfaction of turning a utilitarian office supply into a piece of wearable art.
Punk rock did it first, obviously. Back in the late 70s, icons like Vivienne Westwood and Johnny Rotten weren't just using safety pins because they were cheap; they were using them as a middle finger to the polished, bourgeois fashion of the time. It was "anti-fashion." Fast forward to today, and brands like Moschino or Alexander McQueen have reclaimed that grit, charging hundreds—sometimes thousands—for silver-plated versions of the same thing. You don't need to do that. Seriously. You just need a pile of pins and a vision.
The Raw Materials You Actually Need
Forget those flimsy, tiny pins you find in a travel sewing kit. If you want a diy safety pin necklace that actually looks good, you need the heavy hitters. We’re talking about "size 3" or "size 4" safety pins. These are roughly 2 inches long. They have weight. They have presence. If you use the small ones, the necklace ends up looking like a craft project for a third grader. You want something that feels intentional.
Go for steel. Stainless steel is the gold standard here because it won't turn your neck green after twenty minutes of wear. If you’re feeling fancy, you can find silver-plated or even gold-filled pins on sites like Etsy or at specialized jewelry supply warehouses like Rio Grande. Most people just grab a bulk pack of nickel-plated steel from a craft store, and honestly? That works fine for a starter piece.
You’ll also need a chain. This is where people usually mess up. They buy a dainty little chain that gets swallowed by the pins. Look for a "chunky curb chain" or a "paperclip chain." The heft of the chain needs to match the heft of the pins. If the chain is too thin, the pins will drag it down into a weird, sagging "V" shape rather than a nice, rounded "U."
Designing the Layout Without It Looking Messy
The hardest part isn't the assembly. It’s the layout. A diy safety pin necklace can go from "couture" to "scrap metal" really fast if you don't have a plan.
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One popular method is the "fringe" look. This is where you hang the pins vertically from the chain. It’s the easiest way to start. You just slide the open end of the pin through a link in the chain and snap it shut. If you want it dense, put a pin in every single link. For a lighter look, skip a link between each pin.
But what if you want something more complex? Some makers prefer the "woven" style. This involves linking the pins to each other rather than a central chain. You hook the head of one pin through the coil of the next. It creates a stiff, armor-like collar. It’s gorgeous, but it takes forever. Your fingers will probably hurt by the end. Worth it? Totally.
Adding the "Extra" Factor
Plain pins are cool. They’re minimal. But if you want that high-fashion look, you need to think about embellishments. Seed beads are the classic choice. You slide them onto the "needle" side of the pin before you close it.
Glass beads work better than plastic. Why? Weight and light refraction. Plastic beads look... well, like plastic. Glass beads catch the light and give the necklace a professional finish. If you’re feeling particularly bold, try using freshwater pearls. The contrast between the jagged, industrial safety pin and the soft, organic pearl is a massive trend right now. It's that "high-low" mix that makes people stop and ask, "Where did you get that?"
Step-by-Step: The Fringe Method
- Prep your pins. Open about 50 pins. If you’re adding beads, do it now. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top so the pin can still close easily.
- Find the center. Lay your chain flat on a table. Find the middle link and mark it with a piece of tape or a jump ring.
- Work outwards. Start at the center link. Attach your first pin. Then, move one link to the left and one link to the right, adding pins as you go. This ensures the necklace stays symmetrical.
- Check the drape. Every ten pins or so, pick the necklace up and hold it against your neck in a mirror. Safety pins are stiff. They don't always hang the way you think they will. If the pins are bunching up, you might need to leave more space between them.
- Secure the ends. Once you’re happy with the length of the "fringe," make sure your clasp is sturdy. A lobster claw clasp is usually the safest bet for a piece this heavy.
Why This Works for Everyone
Fashion is often about rules. This isn't. The diy safety pin necklace is inherently rebellious. It doesn't care if it's perfectly symmetrical. It doesn't care if the metals match—mixing gold pins with a silver chain is actually a very "in" look right now.
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It’s also incredibly accessible. You don't need a soldering iron. You don't need expensive jewelry saws or pliers (though a pair of needle-nose pliers can help if a pin is being stubborn). You just need your hands and a bit of time.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't use "safety" pins that aren't actually safe. Some cheap, bulk-buy pins have incredibly sharp burrs on the metal. These will scratch your skin or snag your favorite sweater. Run your finger over the pins before you start. If they feel scratchy, toss them.
Another mistake? Forgetting about weight. A necklace made of 100 large safety pins is heavy. It's not "break your neck" heavy, but you'll feel it by the end of the day. If you have a sensitive neck, consider using a lighter aluminum chain or reducing the number of pins toward the back of the necklace.
Maintenance and Care
Steel rusts. Even "stainless" steel can tarnish if it’s low quality and you’re wearing it in the rain or sweating at a concert. To keep your diy safety pin necklace looking fresh, wipe it down with a soft cloth after you wear it.
If it starts to look dull, a little bit of white vinegar on a cotton ball usually does the trick. Just be careful if you used pearls or certain types of beads, as the acid in the vinegar can damage the finish on organic materials.
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Store it hanging up. If you throw a safety pin necklace into a tangled jewelry box, it will become a sentient knot of metal that will take you three hours to untangle. Use a Command hook or a jewelry stand.
The Real Expert Secret: Tension
If you want your necklace to sit flat against your chest like a "bib," you have to manage the tension. This is a bit of a pro move. Use a slightly smaller pin to connect the "heads" of the hanging pins together. It creates a secondary row of support that keeps the pins from swinging wildly. It makes the piece feel less like a collection of objects and more like a single, cohesive garment.
Taking It Further
Once you've mastered the basic necklace, the sky's the limit. You can make matching earrings (just one pin hanging from a hook is a classic look). You can make a bracelet. You can even use the same techniques to embellish the hem of a denim jacket or the strap of a bag.
The beauty of the diy safety pin necklace is that it’s never really "finished." You can always unclip a pin, add a new bead, or swap out the chain. It’s modular fashion. It grows with you.
Actionable Next Steps
To get started on your own piece, begin by sourcing your materials. Avoid the general "craft aisle" and head straight for heavy-duty notions or specialized jewelry suppliers.
- Audit your stash: Look for any old chains you don't wear anymore. They make the perfect base.
- Source "Size 3" pins: Order a pack of at least 50 to 100 pins to ensure you don't run out mid-project.
- Pick a "Hero" bead: Choose one type of bead—like a single red glass heart or a large baroque pearl—to place at the center of the necklace to create a focal point.
- Test the clasp: Ensure your clasp can handle the weight of the finished piece; if it feels flimsy, upgrade to a larger lobster claw or a toggle clasp.
By following these steps, you’ll move from a pile of hardware to a statement piece that looks like it walked off a runway. It’s about the process, the history, and the sheer coolness of making something out of nothing. Grab your pins and get to work.