The Trailing Vine Lariat is a stitch sampler that combines old and new crochet cord stitches. I wrote it in steps rather than rows or rounds, because you’ll need no foundation chain, and sometimes you don’t even crochet into another stitch (it depends on the fancy stitch used). Crochet one ‘row’ and you’re done.

View more of my crochet jewelry patterns here.

Skill Level: Intermediate. If a stitch confuses you, just skip it! Better yet, substitute your own stitch.

This crochet jewelry pattern is written for two kinds of crocheters: organic freeform crochet style, and for pattern readers in the intermediate skill range. The stitches used are exotic, and familiar stitches can be substituted by less experienced crocheters.

I discovered new styling options as I wore Lariats made with different yarns. After wearing and testing them I created a section of tips and guidelines called “Lab Notes.” For those who wish to recreate the necklaces pictures as closely as possible, those details are included also.

After following this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to make your own freeform jewelry cords
• My favorite use of gem chip beads, and gem-encrusted silk yarns
• How to ‘upcycle’ old beaded necklaces and plain yarns into special gifts
• Step-by-step photos showing how to crochet clones knots and half-hitch stitches
• Metal-free lariat-style sliding ‘lasso’ clasp

Finished Dimensions
Aquamarine Lariat is a standard 46” {117 cm} long with a decorative sliding clasp. The silver and purple versions shown are 60” - 64” {152-163 cm} long, so that you can wind it around your neck twice. Length is easy to customize.

Lariats have a sliding clasp that is worn in front as the central accent. They offer several wearing options, including winding around the neck more than once, or leaving the ends unclasped, similar to wearing a “skinny scarf.” The sliding accent clasp of the Trailing Vines Lariat is a “flower basket.”

Yarns: please see my Lab Notes below on substituting yarns. Yarns used for projects pictured:
For Amethyst Lariat, Tilli Tomas Exotica (100% Silk spun with amethyst chips; 100 yd/91m per 3.5oz/100g): approximately one-half of a skein of dusty plum.

For Silver Lariat, Tilli Tomas Beaded Plié Atmosphere (100% Silk spun with large seed beads; 1.75 oz/50g, 140 yd/128m): less than one-half of a skein of color 3033.

For Reclaimed Aquamarine Lariat, Araucanía Ruca Multi (100% sugar cane, 3.5 oz/100g, 263 yd/241m), less than one-fourth of one skein of color #9. Also needed for this version: Size #20 mercerized cotton crochet thread in light blue for use as a beaded crochet-along thread. See Lab Notes, below.

Beads: If you aren’t using a pre-beaded yarn, use at least 160 beads that are no smaller than size “E” Beads (large seed beads, size 6/0 or 5/0). If you plan to make a longer lariat, you will need generally 10 more beads for every additional 3” {8 cm}. The abundant beads, and especially gem chips, add weight evenly. This increases the drape and blurs the distinction between skinny scarf and jewelry. Depending on the hole size of the beads, you may need to use a thin carry-along thread in a similar color. Please see Lab Notes.