I saw some of these ‘swinky’ things in an accessories shop a few weeks ago, and thought they looked pretty, and easy to make yourself. They consist of two combs joined by elasticated strands of beads which cross over each other, and are worn by sliding the combs in your hair so that the elasticated part stretches across your ponytail, bun, or chignon, holding it in place. I’ve just made a very basic one today, but you could mix different types of beads, weave the strands into ribbons (using the same weave used to make bead rings), or embellish the combs as well, to make something really special.
You’ll need:
- two plain combs
- beading elastic
- fine wire
- beads
- wire cutters and scissors
- a beading needle may make things easier, but is not essential
Begin by making 4-6 loops or ribbons of beads (depending on the width of your combs), around 10cm long, by stringing the beads onto bead elastic and tying firmly. Hook the loops onto the teeth of the comb.
Cut a piece of wire, and twist it to attach it to the first tooth of the comb. Add 3 or 4 beads, and wrap the wire round the comb in between the next pair of teeth. Add more beads and wrap again, continuing along the whole length of the comb, and wrapping so that the elasticated strands are attached to the comb. When you reach the end, wrap again, then tuck the loose end under several of the wraps and trim off.
Now to attach the second comb. I’ll number the attachment positions from top to bottom – 1, 2, 3, 4. Take the top strand, and hook it onto the teeth of the second comb at position three. The second strand is then hooked on at position 4.
Take the third strand over the second and under the first, before hooking it to the second comb at position one at the very top of the comb. Finally, the fourth strand goes under the second and over the first, and is hooked on in position 2.
Wrap the second comb with wire and beads in the same way as the first to finish.
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That’s so pretty Abigail! Thanks so much, I’ll be linking.
Didn’t they use to have something similar selling on TV? I remember they were selling for an outrageous price, and they weren’t as cute.
Anna M.´s last [type] ..1- 2- 3…
Yeah – they are about $12-20 each in the shop where I saw them, and I think ‘swinky’ is the brand name.
Thank you! I’ve wanted some, but the prices were just too high. I was thinking of trying to make one myself, but was unsure. Now with your tutorial, I just might try. Thanks again!
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I made on of these for my long hair. I did not like the metal combs used in the commercially made sets. I also have some made in Africa that I bought at the state fair. They are fairly simple to make; I used heavier plastic combs and larger beads. If you can drill holes in the combs, there is less chance of the bead lengths tangling.