I Totally Made This! DIY Crocheted Nursing Necklace

8.15.2013


About a month ago, I received an email from a friend of mine who recently had a baby. She asked if I would be interested in seeing if I could make her a nursing necklace. In case you didn't know (because I had no idea before she emailed me), a nursing necklace is a long, chunky necklace made with wood beads and cotton yarn. (It can be made with plastic or other materials too, but the wooden ones are what my friend wanted.) 

The point is for the baby to have something to play with while he or she is nursing. The colors and shapes are good for stimulation, and it's sturdy enough for the baby to suck or pull on without breaking. Also, you can just hand-wash the necklace in warm water if it gets goopy from baby drool.

I did some research via the Googles and am super freaking proud of myself of figuring out how to make one of these necklaces! I used this website as the template to crochet around the wooden beads, and I found the wooden beads at Hobby Lobby for about $2.00 each. (I think for a packet of 5.)

I don't even have a baby, and I kind of want one.
A necklace, not a baby.
Just to clarify.

Although I do want a baby at some point, so forget everything I just said.

You can customize the necklace basically any way you want with different colors, sizes of beads, and even crocheted flowers or leaves, although that's a little too advanced for me right now. I'm not planning on opening up a shop any time soon, but I do think this would make a creative, homemade baby shower gift. 

Too bad I don't have any pregnant friends right now.
HA. That was obviously a joke. I'm pretty sure all my friends are pregnant right now.

So what do you think? Would anyone be interested in me doing a necklace giveaway? Whoever wins could pick the colors and bead arrangement. I just thought of that right now as I was typing, but it might be fun if enough people were interested.

Have you heard of or seen a necklace like this before? 
Natalie M said...

Super cute! So talented, I don't think I could ever make one of those.

Laura Morgan said...

Ahh! Yay! I need to send you a pic of Ava playing with it. She loves it. You're so crafty.

Jordon said...

This is so great! You are VERY talented and a patient lady to make this!

Allison said...

I have not ever heard of a nursing necklace before but it sounds like a great idea. Good job. It turned out amazing!!

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of this before, but I love it! Beautiful!

Tiffani P said...

1) I'd love a necklace giveaway! We could totally use this for PJ! 2) great job - I want to crochet more 3) I had not heard of these like this before, but it is super cute!

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

I've never heard of this, but it seems brilliant! Also, a perfect baby shower gift!

Tamara said...

I've heard of teething necklaces, but never this! You did a great job, it's super cute and practical - exactly what every mom wants! I think doing a giveaway is a great idea!

Anonymous said...

I'll pass on the giveaway... being 100% baby-free and all. But you did a great job! As a crochet novice I can't imagine making something so tiny & not losing my mind. So congrats on your superior mental & emotional stamina in the face of such a project. haha ~Lauren

Jena Roach said...

Wahoo! Cute! :) Isn't DIYing fun??

Christina @ The Murrayed Life said...

I'd be interested in the giveaway!! Looks great for nursing. I hadn't heard of these before!

Ashley @TheCreamToMyCoffee said...

I'm seriously so impressed, Amanda! I love the necklace and your crochet skills as awesome. I have never heard of this kind of necklace but that's probably because I don't have babies :) I think it's a really cool idea though and I agree that they would make great gifts!

Anonymous said...

Yes, giveaway. However, YES also on you just naming a price, me sending you a check, and voila... I have an awesome piece of jewelry. (I have this weird thing about only wearing jewelry either made locally by an artist at the farmer's market, or by people I know. Yes, I'm a jewelry snob but it's for a good cause!)

LeAnna said...

I think it turned out wonderfee, as I've stated before, and you need to make me one. I need to find you some yarn in the colors I want. Amen.

Unknown said...

I love this necklace!! Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Unknown said...

So cute!! Good job! I have a "mommy" necklace I call it that HG chews on all the time. It doesn't have the crochet balls (which are adorable by the way) but its non-toxic and can be washed etc. and she can't break it or swallow a bead or eat paint etc. Anyhow, great idea!

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