How to Make a Floating Bib Necklace

Do you remember the illusion necklace? Not so long ago, it was a popular trend in strung necklaces, using crimps to suspend beads in a widely spaced, multi-strand design. The idea has since evolved, and combined with gorgeous rhinestones and the bib necklace trend, the design possibilities are stunning!

Swarovski Floating Bib Necklace by Jamie Smedley

On the cover of the current Fire Mountain Gems catalogue is a great example of the floating bib necklace, which uses a tulle backing to float a variety of Swarovski sew-ons in a beautiful arrangement. You may have seen this necklace style around the fashion pages, particularly the work of Sparkle Beast Designs. The illusion of sporting jewels right next to the skin is hugely popular, and no wonder, with all of the wonderful shapes and colors of affordable baubles available.

Midnight Sky Floating Bib Necklace by Sparkle Beast Designs

If you’re not afraid of a little glue or sewing, there are a variety of ways that you can make this necklace style your own. You'll need a good selection of rhinestones and flatbacks, along with some sheer mesh fabric like tulle. Since there are no stitches or strings to contend with, you can arrange your baubles in any way you like!

Here are some of the best tutorials I found for floating bib necklaces:

The Rainbow Bling necklace project from Bird Hearts Bear
uses hot glue and flatbacks.





The Nikki’s Disco Dickie tutorial on CraftStylish
uses sew on stones and organza.

I also found some other beautiful bib necklace projects, many of which can be adapted to use a sheer mesh fabric to get the illusion look. Big, chunky rhinestones are a popular jewelry trend right now, so any way you stitch it, they are sure to be a hit. Here are my favorite bib necklace tutorials:

Button and Pearl Bib Necklace Tutorial by Little Miss Momma





Sparkling Bib Necklace Tutorial from Martha Stewart





Satin Bib Necklace Tutorial by Angela Osborn





Beaded Denim Bib Necklace Project from Random Chic Musings

For really affordable and lightweight designs, many artists prefer acrylic rhinestones to crystal. You can find a great selection of the same pieces used in Sparkle Beast necklaces in her destash shop, Sparkle Beast Supplies.

What do you think of the floating rhinestone technique?

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