10 Best Bolo-and-chain Pendant Tutorials Diy Creators Endorse
Have you ever seen a simple pendant transformed into a statement piece with just the right bolo or chain—and wondered how to make one that feels both luxe and personal?
Why bolo-and-chain pendants are having a moment
I’ve watched countless tutorials from top YouTube makers—jewelers with serious bench skills and fashion vloggers who know what sells on the street and on Pinterest—and they all keep returning to bolo-and-chain styles. There’s a reason: they’re versatile, tactile, and pair beautifully with layered looks. The corded softness of a bolo and the structured shine of a chain give you design latitude most single-style necklaces don’t.
How I chose these 10 tutorials
I tested and cross-referenced projects that creators actually recommend in videos with large, engaged followings. My criteria were simple: real materials (sterling silver, brass, leather, waxed cotton), clear step-by-step instructions, measurable finished dimensions, beginner-friendly but scalable techniques, and finished looks that translate to everyday wear. I also favored tutorials that suggested purchasable products so you can replicate the exact look.
1) “Leather Cord Bolo with Satin Pendant” — tutorial using TierraCast Leather Cord Kit
YouTuber endorsement: Recommended by Becca from “Bench & Bloom” for its tactile luxury and layered styling tips.
Product used: TierraCast 3mm Genuine Leather Cord Kit (Black, 2m)
- Materials: genuine leather cord, nickel-free crimps included in kit.
- Color: deep onyx black with a subtle matte sheen.
- Dimensions: 3 mm thickness; 2 meters total length — makes a long wrap or single double-necklace.
- Features: soft broken-in feel; holds knots well; works with glue and crimps.
I followed Becca’s approach and loved how the leather’s matte texture contrasted a satin-finish pendant. The tutorial shows how to create an adjustable bolo slide using two crimp beads and a hammered brass slider. The finished pendant sits around 16–20 inches when adjusted, perfect under a blazer or over a T‑shirt.
Personal note: I found the leather comfy against skin and the knots stayed tight for two weeks of daily wear. It’s a relaxed, slightly boho look that still reads chic.
Style + function tip: The leather cord absorbs oils and softens over time, so if you want a crisper look, seal knot ends with a tiny dab of jeweler’s glue.
2) “Sterling Silver Chain Bolo with Crystal Drop” — tutorial using Blue Nile 925 Cable Chain
YouTuber endorsement: Sarah from “Modern Metals” swears by the Blue Nile 925 chain for consistent gauge and finish.
Product used: Blue Nile 1.2mm 925 Sterling Silver Cable Chain (18–24 inch options)
- Materials: 925 sterling silver, soldered links.
- Color/finish: bright rhodium-like polish (tarnish-resistant with proper care).
- Dimensions: 1.2 mm gauge; available lengths 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″.
- Features: sturdy soldered links that resist kinking; perfect for small polished pendants.
Sarah’s tutorial shows a clean bolo mechanism made from a tube slider with an internal stop knot and a 6 mm faceted crystal drop. Her step-by-step soldering-free method uses a sterling jump ring and a glued-in head pin for the crystal.
Personal note: The chain felt substantial, not dainty, and the crystal swing is elegant without being fussy. This combo suits both office and date-night outfits.
Buying advice: choose a slightly heavier gauge (1.0–1.5 mm) for pendants over 2 g to avoid stretching.
3) “Brass Tube Bolo with Etched Pendant” — tutorial using BeadSmith Brass Findings Pack
YouTuber endorsement: Kira from “Artisan Alley” recommends BeadSmith findings for budget brass projects that still look pro.
Product used: BeadSmith Brass Tube Bead Set (antique gold finish)
- Materials: plated brass with antique patina.
- Color: warm antique gold, subtle mottling.
- Dimensions: tubes ~10 mm long; inner diameter suitable for up to 2 mm cord.
- Features: pre-patinated finish that ages well; consistent sizing.
Kira’s tutorial walks through metal patina, texturing the pendant with a small hammer, and sliding the brass tube over a waxed cotton cord to create a sliding bolo. The pendant is etched and sealed with a dark liver of sulfur wash for depth.
Personal note: I loved the tactile warmth of the brass and how it developed tiny, flattering scratches that made it feel vintage. It’s a slightly rustic, hand-crafted aesthetic.
Practical tip: brass can tarnish; seal with Renaissance Wax or a jewellery lacquer for longevity.
4) “Waxed Cotton Cord Bolo with Freshwater Pearl” — tutorial using Griffin Waxed Cotton Cord
YouTuber endorsement: Mina from “Pearl & Thread” favors griffin cord for soft, effortless adjustable bolos with delicate centerpieces.
Product used: Griffin 1.5mm Waxed Cotton Cord (ivory & charcoal options)
- Materials: braided cotton with a light wax finish.
- Color: soft matte ivory or deep charcoal, subtle sheen.
- Dimensions: 1.5 mm thickness; sold by the meter.
- Features: flexible, knot-friendly, water-resistant to a degree.
Mina’s walk-through shows how to create a minimal adjustable bolo using two slip knots and a single dropset freshwater pearl (approx. 6–7 mm). The pearl nestles against the collarbone with an adjustable range of 14–22 inches.
Personal note: this is my go-to for summer dresses; the cord keeps the necklace light and the pearl adds low-key elegance. It survives lake days when supervised.
Buying guide: use waxed cotton for knots that must hold but want a gentle, relaxed look; size the cord diameter to your pendant’s bail.
5) “Double-Strand Chain Bolo with Toggle Slide” — tutorial using Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Chain
YouTuber endorsement: Jordan from “Street & Studio” uses this chain for budget-friendly, everyday bolos that mimic designer looks.
Product used: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Link Chain (2.0 mm)
- Materials: 316L stainless steel.
- Color/finish: mirror polish, hypoallergenic.
- Dimensions: 2.0 mm gauge; available in 18–24 inch lengths.
- Features: corrosion-resistant; durable for daily wear.
Jordan demonstrates making a double-strand bolo: two chains feed through a decorative toggle slider that acts as the adjustable piece. A stamped brass disc pendant completes the piece.
Personal note: the stainless steel gave the necklace a slightly industrial glamour. It resisted tarnish through showers and travel.
Style advice: pair this with layered necklaces of varied metal finishes for an on-trend mixed-metal look.
6) “Braided Suede Bolo with Gemstone Beads” — tutorial using C-Lon Suede Cord and Swarovski Beads
YouTuber endorsement: Elise from “Threaded Stones” recommends these materials for luxe texture and crystal sparkle.
Products used:
- C-Lon 2mm Suede Cord (honey brown).
- Swarovski 6 mm round crystal beads (Crystal AB).
Materials: soft faux-suede; high-shine Swarovski crystal. Color/texture: suede has a velvet nap; crystals shimmer with AB coating. Dimensions: suede 2 mm thickness; beads 6 mm.
Elise demonstrates braiding three suede strands into a wide bolo cord and finishing with a Swarovski drop inside a wire-wrapped bezel. The necklace reads rich and tactile—great with suede jackets and fall knits.
Personal note: the suede braiding felt luxe on a cool afternoon; the crystals catch sun like tiny mirrors. This is a weekend statement that still packs flat for travel.
Care tip: keep suede slightly dry; a small suede brush revives nap after wear.
7) “Minimalist Fine Chain Bolo with Bar Pendant” — tutorial using Mejuri 14k Gold-Fill Chain
YouTuber endorsement: Hannah from “Daily Minimal” endorses Mejuri for gold-fill quality that lasts without the designer price.
Product used: Mejuri 14k Gold-Filled 0.8 mm Marine Chain (16–18 inch options)
- Materials: 14k gold-filled.
- Color/finish: soft warm gold, non-plaqued solid layer.
- Dimensions: 0.8 mm gauge; available in shorter lengths for layering.
- Features: sturdier than gold plate; resists fading with standard care.
Hannah’s tutorial focuses on a slim bar pendant (18 x 3 mm) integrated into the chain with a tube bolo slider for micro-adjustability. It’s clean, refined, and works great with minimalist wardrobes.
Personal note: this is the piece I pick when wearing silk blouses—the way the gold catches light is subtle but elevated. It layers seamlessly under a blazer.
Buying advice: choose gold-fill for a daily-wear piece if you want longevity without solid-gold expense.
8) “Knot-and-Loop Macramé Bolo” — tutorial using Hemp Cord and Brass Beads
YouTuber endorsement: Tessa from “Knotty Chic” teaches macramé bolos that are tactile, adjustable, and sustainable.
Product used: 2 mm Natural Hemp Cord; 4 mm Antique Brass Spacer Beads
- Materials: natural hemp; brass accents.
- Color/texture: earthy beige with visible fiber texture; brass warms the palette.
- Dimensions: cord 2 mm; beads 4 mm.
- Features: eco-friendly look; excellent for boho styling.
Tessa’s approach uses square knots to create a sliding ladder effect; brass spacer beads cap the ends. The finished length is highly adjustable and suits festival wear, beach days, and layered autumn looks.
Personal note: the hemp smells faintly earthy at first, but that fades. The knots wear in and become part of the piece’s character—the more you wear it, the more personalized it appears.
Practical note: hemp can be tougher on delicate pendants—use a protective bead or ring as the pendant connection.
9) “Convertible Bolo-to-Choker Chain” — tutorial using Gorjana Paperclip Chain
YouTuber endorsement: Lucia from “Versatile Vogue” uses gorjana-style paperclip chains for convertible necklaces that fit every outfit.
Product used: Gorjana-Style 14k Gold-Plated Paperclip Chain (18″ with 3″ extender)
- Materials: base metal with 14k gold plating.
- Color/finish: warm gold tone with satin sheen.
- Dimensions: link size ~6 x 2 mm; 18″ length plus 3″ extender.
- Features: lightweight, convertible with a clasp and slider ring.
Lucia’s tutorial shows how to add a sliding ring and small lobster clasp so the necklace converts from a long bolo into a short choker quickly. The pendant is a 12 x 6 mm hammered tag.
Personal testimonial: this convertible piece became my travel favorite—I can change from day to night without an extra necklace.
Buying tip: check plating thickness and seller return policy if you expect heavy use.
10) “Mixed-Media Bolo with Resin Charm” — tutorial using ArtResin & Stainless Steel Chain
YouTuber endorsement: Nora from “Craft & Cast” uses resin to lock in botanicals or tiny photos inside a charm that becomes the focal point of a bolo.
Products used:
- ArtResin Jewelry Resin (clear, 2 oz kit).
- 316L Stainless Steel 1.5 mm Chain.
- Small bezel pendant tray (12 mm round).
Materials: two-part epoxy resin; stainless steel chain; brass/plated bezel. Color/finish: high-gloss resin dome; crisp stainless chain. Dimensions: bezel 12 mm; chain 1.5 mm; finished pendant 12–14 mm thick with dome.
Nora’s tutorial walks through casting a tiny pressed flower, sanding, and polishing a high-dome resin charm, then suspending it on a chain with a tube slider bolo. The results are museum-lovely and highly personalized.
Personal note: making a keepsake pendant felt emotional—my dried sprig from a special bouquet sits visibly under resin and is protected for years.
Safety note: resin needs a ventilated workspace and careful mixing ratios—follow product instructions exactly.
What to look for in a bolo-and-chain tutorial (quick guide)
- Materials clarity: The tutorial must list exact materials (metal type, cord diameter, bead sizes).
- Clear measurements: finished necklace length and sliding range.
- Hardware quality: soldered jump rings, solid-crimp beads, and sealed tubes last longer.
- Adjustability: look for tutorials that show real sliding techniques (tube sliders, slip knots, or toggles).
- Finishing: proper sealing, polishing, and cleaning steps to make the piece long-wear.
- Safety: resin and chemicals should have ventilation and gloves recommended.
How to pick materials to match your lifestyle
- Daily-wear, low maintenance: choose stainless steel, gold-fill, or solid sterling with protective plating.
- Sensitive skin: opt for 14k gold-fill or surgical stainless steel (316L).
- Travel and outdoors: waxed cotton, leather, or stainless components that resist salt and abrasion.
- Statement and evening wear: fine chains in sterling or 14k gold fill with crystal or pearl drops.
- Budget-friendly starter pieces: brass or gold-plated chains—seal them if you want to extend life.
Practical buying checklist
- Confirm chain gauge and length (1.0–2.0 mm is a sturdy general-purpose range).
- Match cord inner diameter to tube slider and bail width.
- If using beads/crystals: check hole size vs. headpin thickness (e.g., 0.7 mm headpin for 0.8–1.0 mm holes).
- Hardware: pick soldered jump rings and high-quality crimps.
- Read return policies—resin, leather, and plated metals are often final sale.
Short testimonials from creators and makers I follow
- “Becca (Bench & Bloom): ‘Use real leather cord—synthetic feels cheap and won’t age as beautifully.'”
- “Sarah (Modern Metals): ‘A consistent sterling chain gauge makes all my pendants sit straight.'”
- “Mina (Pearl & Thread): ‘Waxed cotton gives you that knot-holding magic without bulk.'”
I’ve echoed those lines while testing—they matched my results exactly.
Quick how-to: Basic adjustable bola (under 8 steps)
- Measure desired finished length and add 6–8 inches for knots and sliders.
- Cut cord/chain to size; prepare ends with crimp beads or small jump rings.
- Thread both ends through a tube slider or create a slip-knot mechanism.
- Add pendant on a jump ring or headpin before securing ends.
- Crimp or solder ends according to material (hose crimps for cord, crimp tubes for beading wire).
- Trim extra cord; seal with glue if using leather or waxed cord.
- Polish metal parts and wear to test movement.
- Adjust final length and secure any loose knots.
Care and cleaning tips
- Leather: wipe with a damp cloth and condition occasionally with leather balm.
- Sterling silver: polish with a microfiber cloth or silver dip for tarnish—avoid abrasive scrubs on plated parts.
- Gold-fill: mild soap and warm water; dry thoroughly.
- Resin charms: wipe with a soft cloth; avoid acetone or solvents.
- Brass: use a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap, or a polish if you like the bright finish.
FAQ
Q: Can I make a bolo adjustable on a plated chain? A: Yes. Use a tube slider or small locket-style slider. Be mindful that plating can wear faster at friction points; consider an inner stainless steel or gold-filled chain if you plan daily adjustment.
Q: What’s the best cord diameter for a 4 mm pendant bail? A: Aim for a 1.5–2.5 mm cord or a chain with inner link spacing that fits—test with the bail before final assembly.
Q: How do I prevent knots from slipping on waxed cotton? A: Use a clove hitch or double overhand knot and sear the end lightly if synthetic; for natural waxed cotton, add a drop of jewelry glue inside the knot.
Final thoughts (friendly, practical)
If you want a piece that reads handmade but polished, pick materials that match your routine. I reach for leather or waxed cotton when I want casual warmth; sterling or gold-fill when I need something a little dressier. Follow tutorials from creators I’ve mentioned—they teach techniques that scale from weekend crafts to long-term wardrobe staples. Try one project this weekend: pick a tutorial using a product you can buy today and make something that tells your story.
Happy making—may your next pendant be the one you reach for every day.