You'll need:
Here you have a picture of the final product. It's a simple yet sophisticated choker, which requires a little sewing skill. Many different kinds of fabrics can be used to create a different style. And ornamentation is completely optional. The choker can be pretty in itself.
First off, you need to measure your neck. You can do this with a measuring tape, or if you haven't got such, use a piece of string, and then measure the string with a normal ruler. :)
My neck was 34,5 cm.
Now you take your piece of fabric, and draw a square. I wanted my choker to be 5 cm broad, so I gave it 7 cm (you must always remember your seam allowance). Then I wanted to put buttons as closure, so I need some extra fabric to make it possible. I added 4 cm plus 2 cm seam allowance. So the square will be 40,5 x 7 cm inclusive seam allowance. Now cut out.
Ah, yes. You need to cut it in the main fabric (that you want shown) and in the linen fabric as well. Make sure they are the exact same size - it makes it easier.
Then you take your ruffle fabric (the thin one) and cut an 8 cm broad piece. You might as well cut it the whole length, then you won't be short of fabric. The you fold it, so you have a 4 cm broad piece.
As you can see on the picture, I folded it and ironed it before cutting it - you can do that as well.
Now you should have 2 identical pieces in the main fabric and in cotton linen and a long piece of folded fabric for the ruffles.
Take the long piece for the ruffles, and ruffle it. I've used a ruffler-foot for my sewing machine to do it, which makes it easier, but if you haven't got one, you can ruffle it "manually". See this tutorial if you haven't tried it before.
Now you should have these elements: a long piece of ruffled fabric, and two pieces of the choker - in main fabric and in cotton linen.
Now you want you ruffle to be be 38,5 cm long. (the 40,5 cm like the choker, but without the seam allowance) So cut it about 39,5 cm, and you'll be able to fasten the other side and still have 38,5 cm.
Here's to show you, that you want to have seam allowance in both sides of the choker.
To avoid getting the ruffle "sewn in" the sides, please fold them like on the picture, and put your cotton linen on top (right side against right side). Put pins in, so they stay in place.
Now you sew 'support-stitches'. It means you sew on the right side, on the cotton linen, and sew the seam allowance to the bottom. I can't explain it better, but I hope what you know what I mean when you see the picture.
Before sewing on the other side (in the same way), you should iron the seam allowance on the cotton linen. Then it'll be easier to sew the pieces together, rather than if they're not 'fitted' together. It's not necessary with the main fabric, because of the ruffles.
Now you should have sewn the other side as well, and you can put pins all around the sides.
And the choker is done. Now you can wear it. you can put stuff on to make it more extravagant as well.
And I've made a couple of them now. One with another closure and some ornamentation. :)
