Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Ellen Christian
So, if you want to make your own mala necklace, but don’t know how, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. This DIY tutorial will show you step by step how to make a beautiful and meaningful mala necklace using your favorite beads, gemstones, or crystals.
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Table of Contents
How to Make a Mala Necklace
Follow the easy steps in this video tutorial and learn how to make a gorgeous handmade mala necklace! With just some simple supplies from the craft store, anyone can do it! These are great as gifts or for yourself too!
What is a Mala necklace?
Mala necklaces are traditionally used for meditation and prayer, but can also be worn as a fashion accessory. They come in many different colors, shapes, sizes, and materials.
Is it disrespectful to wear Mala beads?
Malas, also known as Guru beads or rosaries are usually used by Hindu and Buddhist practitioners to count mantras and prayers. It is common for the people who practice those religions to wear a malas necklace around their neck while praying in public.
The different colors of the beads within the Malas are supposed to represent sacred objects white represents water, green represents earth, red represents fire and yellow represents air.
If you’re wondering how to make a Mala necklace for prayer, this tutorial will not work for you. My goal is to simply show you how to make this style of jewelry. It does not have the required knots, etc. to use in prayer. So, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy this style of jewelry as a fashion accessory. It is not intended as prayer beads.
What does Mala mean?
Mala is Sanskrit for “garland” or “impurity.” It also refers to bracelets made up of 108 individual beads that have been used by sages around the world for thousands of years as a way to help them reach enlightenment when they meditate using their mantra while wearing these Malas. So, a Tussle Mala is simple a Mala necklace with a tassel at the bottom.
Finally, in this Mala necklace tutorial, it is simply meant as the style of beaded jewelry with a tassel at the end. This can be a beautiful style of jewelry to wear with a cardigan or summer top.
What do I need to make this necklace?
- Golden pearl bead
- Silk Tussle (or tassel)
- Fish wire
- Gold leaf charms (similar)
- Lobster Clasp
- Dark Blue Glass Beads (variety here)
- Light Blue Glass Beads
- Glue Glass Beads
- Jewelry Making Pliers
Jewelry is a great way to show off your style and make any outfit pop. You can change the look of necklaces, bracelets, rings, or any other jewelry by changing up the beads you use!
You should experiment with different types of beading materials when making accessories like this Mala-style necklace.
How to care for a Mala necklace
So, it’s important to clean your mala necklace regularly to avoid any buildup of oils or bacteria that could lead to skin irritation.
When you’re not using your Malas just hang them on a necklace organizer so they don’t get tangled up with other jewelry.
How to wear a mala necklace
So, Malas are versatile necklaces that can be worn with many outfits, from casual to classy. They come in various colors and sizes; find one that matches the color of your shirt or blouse for a chic look.
For a formal look, wear a gold or silver tassel necklace with a business suit. Match the color of your Mala to the color of your bag and shoes, such as a black blouse with black shoes and red tassels, or have beaded tassels in different colors on one necklace.
For an everyday look, a Mala necklace can be worn with jeans and a casual blouse. Choose a necklace with different colors of tassels to give the outfit some excitement and flair.
Mala necklaces have medium-length chains and can be worn in any way (necklace styles). For an everyday look, wear it simply around your neck with the tassels dangling in front. Mix and match this necklace with other jewelry you have, like a ring or earrings.
How to make a mala necklace
- First, add the golden leaf charms to the top of the tassel.
- String on the golden pearl.
- Turn the wire to make an eye at the top.
- The tussle is now ready to string.
- Take a long length of fishing wire.
- String it on the tussle.
- Add 1 blue bead on the right side of the tussle.
- Add 1 blue bead on the left side.
- Now add 6 light blue beads on each side.
- Then add 12 blue beads on each side.
- Next, add 30 dark blue beads on each side.
- Insert the wire into the hole of the lobster clasp.
- Tie a knot.
- Close the lobster clasp.
- Insert the wire into the other hole.
- Tie a knot.
- Close the lobster clasp.
- Your tussle mala is ready to wear.
Finally, you can check out the video for the full tutorial.
More jewelry projects
How to Make a Mala Necklace
Making a mala necklace is easy and it's fun. Check out this DIY jewelry-making tutorial and learn how to make a Mala Necklace to wear today.
Materials
- Golden pearl bead
- Silk Tussle (or tassel)
- Fish wire
- Gold leaf charms
- Lobster Clasp
- Dark Blue Glass Beads
- Light Blue Glass Beads
- Glue Glass Beads
Tools
- Jewelry Making Pliers
Instructions
- First, add the golden leaf charms to the top of the tassel.
- String on the golden pearl.
- Turn the wire to make an eye at the top.
- The tussle is now ready to string.
- Take a long length of fishing wire.
- String it on the tussle.
- Add 1 blue bead on the right side of the tussle.
- Add 1 blue bead on the left side.
- Now add 6 light blue beads on each side.
- Then add 12 blue beads on each side.
- Next, add 30 dark blue beads on each side.
- Insert the wire into the hole of the lobster clasp.
- Tie a knot.
- Close the lobster clasp.
- Insert the wire into the other hole.
- Tie a knot.
- Close the lobster clasp.
- Your tussle mala is ready to wear.
Recommended Products
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Jewelry Pliers, Shynek 3pcs Jewelry Making Pliers Tools with Needle Nose Pliers/Chain Nose Pliers, Round Nose Pliers and Wire Cutter for Jewelry Repair, Wire Wrapping, Crafts, Jewelry Making Supplies
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.