Coin Felt Necklace {Tutorial}

Coined jewelry is very big in the Arab world and today we made a play version out of felt. This coin felt necklace can be worn anytime without worry about it getting lost.

Arab cultures have a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewelry.  Brides would wear headpieces covered in coins. The coined jewelry was a financial investment, when times were tough, it was sold off to provide for their family. But when times were good, the women would add to her collection.

Even dancers would adorn hip scarves that had tiny coins that jingled when they danced. It was said that street dancers would sew the coins that were thrown at them when they danced in the street to show how successful and well liked they were.

Today we thought we’d be inspired by Arab coined jewelry and create a necklace with round felted pieces that looked like round coins. We hope you can make it too!

Supplies

Felt (four different colors)
Scissors
Ruler
Pen
Fabric Glue
Rubber Bands (Optional)
Needle
Embroidery thread
Thimble (Optional)
Buttons (Optional)acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace1

Cut a felt sheet into 5 x 4 rectangle and another contrasting colour in 5 x 3. Do the same with two other colors too.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace2

Place smaller rectangle on top of larger rectangle and be sure to leave a 1/2 inch gap at both ends. acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace3

Paste glue along the edge.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace4

Roll up the felt from the glued edge.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace5

Paste glue along the other edge and hold in place for a few minutes until the glue dries. If your little one is having a hard time holding the ends down until they dry, use rubber bands. acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace6

Lay your rolled felt piece along a ruler and make tiny marks on the 1/2 inch mark.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace7

Cut your felt piece on these rolled marks.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace8

Here are all ours cut up.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace9

Thread the beads onto the embroidery thread and needle to make the necklace. acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace10

You can also sew on buttons to some of the rolled felt beads for a fun contrast.acraftyarab-coin-felt-necklace11

To see more fun A Crafty Arab tutorials, visit Pinterest.

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acraftyarab

I am a Libyan American who creates art to promote a positive image of Arab and Islamic culture.