Inspired by traditional folk art of spiral straw weaving from her native Belarus, Olga Buraya-Kefelian has experimented with viscose raffia to translate this unique texture into wearable jewelry. These accessible pieces can adorn an everyday outfit or add spark to a celebration with a pearlescent version. Wearing them alone or combined for extra length using matching magnetic closures, opens up a lot of styling possibilities.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Length: 16.5 (19.5, 21.5, 27.5)“ / 42 (49.5, 54.5, 70) cm.
Diameter: 10 (12, 14, 16) mm

Note! Each length can be made in any of the given diameters and vice versa.

MATERIALS
Yarn: Raffia by Ispie (100% viscose, 273 yds / 250 m – 110–120 g).

Black Sample
1 roll in the colourway “Black Pearl”, shown in 10 mm diameter and 27.5” / 70 cm length.

Blue Sample
1 roll in the colourway “Mediterranean”, shown in 12 mm diameter and 19.5” / 49.5 cm length.

Silver Sample
1 roll in the colourway “Starry Night”, shown in 14 mm diameter and 21.5” / 54.5 cm length.

Tan Sample
1 roll in the colourway “Kraft”, shown in 16 mm diameter and 16.5” / 42 cm length.

Or approx. 30–45 yds / 28–41 m of any other raffia yarn in similar weight and properties.

Alternative yarn suggestions are for example Hank Pack Raffia by Ispie, Ra-Ra Raffia by Wool and the Gang or Eco Andaria by Hamanaka.

Hook: U.S. D-3 / 3 mm.

Notions: Sew-on lobster or magnetic clasp, tapestry needle, sewing needle, matching sewing thread.

GAUGE
14 sts x 20 rows to 4” / 10 cm on U.S. D-3 / 3 mm hook in Single Crochet Patt worked in the rnd, after steaming.

NOTES
The necklace begins with a foundation chain to determine preferred diameter, which is then joined to be worked in the round. It is continued to be worked in the round to form a tube using single crochet patterning inserted into the second leg on the WS of the sc. As you work, you will be traveling counter-clockwise, and your crochet hook will be inserted from inside of the “tube” towards the outside. The travel patterning will attribute to the spiral textural look. Once desired length is achieved, both ends of the tube are sealed when attaching a closure clasp of your choice.

If you are using a viscose raffia yarn, please note that it benefits from pre-steaming and allowing it time to dry prior to working with it, this step helps ensure even and full stitches.