Advice On Knotting Elastic Stretch Magic Thread - Kernowcraft

  • WINTER SALE
    • UP TO 50% OFF WINTER SALE
    • Gemstone & Beads Sale
    • Limited Edition Sale
    • Diamond Sale
    • Tools & Packaging Sale
    • Findings & Settings Sale
    • Threads & Wire Sale
    • 9ct Gold Components Sale
    • Crystal Sale
  • NEW IN
  • GEMSTONES
    • SHOP BY GEMSTONE
    • SHOP BY BIRTHSTONE
    • SHOP BY COLLECTION
    • The Festival Collection
    • The Cornish Coast Collection
    • The Spring/Summer Collection
    • The Chakra Crystal Collection
    • Inspired By Colour Of The Year 2025
    • The Love Collection
    • The Autumn Collection
    • The Starry Night Collection
    • CRYSTALS & ROUGH GEMS
    • All Crystals
    • CABOCHONS
    • All Cabochons
    • Faceted Top Cabochons
    • Undrilled Crystals
    • Crystal Beads
    • Bullet Cabochons
    • Crystal Points
    • LIMITED EDITION STONES
    • PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
    • FACETED STONES
    • GEMSTONE PENDANTS
    • READY TO WEAR JEWELLERY
    • Decorative Healing Crystals
    • GEMSTONE BEADS
    • All Gemstone Beads
    • Bead Packs
    • Half Drilled Gemstone Beads
    • Briolettes
    • Round Beads
    • Rondelle Beads
    • Faceted Beads
    • Pearl Beads
    • Large Holed Beads
  • BEADING
    • STRINGING MATERIALS
    • All Stringing Materials
    • Beading Wire
    • Metal Wire
    • Elastic Cord
    • Beading Chain
    • Leather Thonging
    • Cotton Cord
    • Hemp Cord
    • Silk & Synthetic Thread
    • SHOP BY STRINGING TYPE
    • Thin Wires & Threads
    • Thick Cords & Thonging
    • BEADING TOOLS
    • BEADS
    • All Gemstone Beads
    • Metal Beads
    • Bead Packs
    • SHOP BY POPULARITY
    • Briolettes
    • Round Beads
    • Rondelle Beads
    • Faceted Beads
    • Pearl Beads
    • Crystal Beads
    • Large Holed Beads
    • SHOP BY BEAD TYPE
    • Fully Drilled
    • Head Drilled
    • Top Drilled
    • Half Drilled
    • BEAD FINDINGS
    • All Findings
    • Head & Eye Pins
    • Earwires, Earstuds & Hoops
    • Bead & Bell Caps
    • Glue In Pegs
    • Cord Ends & End Caps
    • Clasps
    • Crimps
    • Jump Rings & Bails
    • Wire Guardians & Knot Covers
    • BEAD SETTINGS
    • Half Drilled Bead Settings
    • Links & Connectors
  • METALS
    • WIRE & SHEET
    • All Metal
    • Metal Wire
    • Metal Sheet
    • Metal Tube
    • Bezel Strip & Bearer Wire
    • SOLDER
    • METAL CLAY
    • All Metal Clay
    • Metal Clay Tools
    • Metal Clay Moulds
  • COMPONENTS
    • SETTINGS
    • All Settings
    • Cabochon Settings
    • Faceted Stone Settings
    • Bead Settings
    • SHOP BY SETTING DESIGN
    • Ring Settings
    • Pendant Settings
    • Bangle Settings
    • Link Settings
    • Cufflink Settings
    • Brooch Settings
    • SHOP BY SETTING TYPE
    • Bezel Cups & Loose Settings
    • Glue-In Settings
    • Gallery Wire Settings
    • Snaptite Settings
    • Backset Settings
    • Wraptite Settings
    • Claw Settings
    • FINDINGS
    • All Findings
    • Earwires, Earstuds & Hoops
    • Head & Eye Pins
    • Jump Rings & Bails
    • Clasps
    • Cord Ends & End Caps
    • Crimps
    • Bead & Bell Caps
    • Links & Connectors
    • Glue In Pegs
    • Keyrings
    • SHOP FINDINGS BY DESIGN
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces & Bracelets
    • Brooches
    • CHAIN
    • All Chain
    • Finished Necklets & Bracelets
    • Loose Chain
    • Charm Bracelets
    • Safety Chain
    • Rosary Chain
    • Beading Chain
    • CHARMS
    • All Charms
    • Pendant Charms
    • Charm Connectors
    • Charm Beads
  • TOOLS & SUPPLIES
    • JEWELLERY TOOLS & SUPPLIES
    • All Tools
    • Glue
    • Jewellery Pliers
    • Jewellery Hammers
    • Sawing & Cutting Tools
    • Metal Forming Tools
    • Gas Torches
    • Ring Sizers
    • Filing, Sanding & Polishing
    • Soldering Tools & Supplies
    • Drill Bits & Multi Tool Accessories
    • Tumblers & Barrelling Machines
    • Stone Setting Tools
    • Cleaning & Tarnish Prevention
    • Protective Equipment
    • Magnifiers
    • SHOP BY TECHNIQUE
    • Metalsmithing
    • Plating, Patina & Protection
    • Beading
    • Metal Clay
    • JEWELLERY MAKING BOOKS
    • PACKAGING & STORAGE
    • READY TO WEAR JEWELLERY
    • Wirework
    • BEGINNERS' BUNDLES
    • BOOKS
  • KITS
    • JEWELLERY MAKING KITS
    • SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
    • MAKE THE LOOK
    • TOOL KITS
    • BEGINNER'S BUNDLES
    • EASY JEWELLERY IDEAS FOR BEGINNERS
  • GIFT VOUCHERS
  • SIGN IN
  • LEARN & BE INSPIRED

WINTER SALE - UP TO 50% OFF!

Kernowcraft Search £0.00 TIPS & TUTORIALS
  • WINTER SALE
    • UP TO 50% OFF WINTER SALE
    • Gemstone & Beads Sale
    • Limited Edition Sale
    • Diamond Sale
    • Tools & Packaging Sale
    • Findings & Settings Sale
    • Threads & Wire Sale
    • 9ct Gold Components Sale
    • Crystal Sale
    • WINTER SALE
  • NEW IN
  • GEMSTONES
    • SHOP BY GEMSTONE
    • SHOP BY BIRTHSTONE
    • SHOP BY COLLECTION
    • The Festival Collection
    • The Cornish Coast Collection
    • The Spring/Summer Collection
    • The Chakra Crystal Collection
    • Inspired By Colour Of The Year 2025
    • The Love Collection
    • The Autumn Collection
    • The Starry Night Collection
    • CABOCHONS
    • All Cabochons
    • Faceted Top Cabochons
    • Bullet Cabochons
    • LIMITED EDITION STONES
    • PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
    • FACETED STONES
    • GEMSTONE PENDANTS
    • READY TO WEAR JEWELLERY
    • CRYSTALS & ROUGH GEMS
    • All Crystals
    • Undrilled Crystals
    • Crystal Beads
    • Crystal Points
    • Decorative Healing Crystals
    • GEMSTONE BEADS
    • All Gemstone Beads
    • Bead Packs
    • Half Drilled Gemstone Beads
    • Briolettes
    • Round Beads
    • Rondelle Beads
    • Faceted Beads
    • Pearl Beads
    • Large Holed Beads
  • BEADING
    • STRINGING MATERIALS
    • All Stringing Materials
    • Beading Wire
    • Metal Wire
    • Elastic Cord
    • Beading Chain
    • Leather Thonging
    • Cotton Cord
    • Hemp Cord
    • Silk & Synthetic Thread
    • SHOP BY STRINGING TYPE
    • Thin Wires & Threads
    • Thick Cords & Thonging
    • BEADING TOOLS
    • BEADS
    • All Gemstone Beads
    • Metal Beads
    • Bead Packs
    • SHOP BY POPULARITY
    • Briolettes
    • Round Beads
    • Rondelle Beads
    • Faceted Beads
    • Pearl Beads
    • Crystal Beads
    • Large Holed Beads
    • SHOP BY BEAD TYPE
    • Fully Drilled
    • Head Drilled
    • Top Drilled
    • Half Drilled
    • BEAD FINDINGS
    • All Findings
    • Head & Eye Pins
    • Earwires, Earstuds & Hoops
    • Bead & Bell Caps
    • Glue In Pegs
    • Cord Ends & End Caps
    • Clasps
    • Crimps
    • Jump Rings & Bails
    • Wire Guardians & Knot Covers
    • BEAD SETTINGS
    • Half Drilled Bead Settings
    • Links & Connectors
    • Pliers Pack
  • METALS
    • WIRE & SHEET
    • All Metal
    • Metal Wire
    • Metal Sheet
    • Metal Tube
    • Bezel Strip & Bearer Wire
    • SOLDER
    • METAL CLAY
    • All Metal Clay
    • Metal Clay Tools
    • Metal Clay Moulds
    • Bezel cups
    • Metal Clay Tutorials & Advice
  • COMPONENTS
    • SETTINGS
    • All Settings
    • Cabochon Settings
    • Faceted Stone Settings
    • Bead Settings
    • SHOP BY SETTING DESIGN
    • Ring Settings
    • Pendant Settings
    • Bangle Settings
    • Link Settings
    • Cufflink Settings
    • Brooch Settings
    • SHOP BY SETTING TYPE
    • Bezel Cups & Loose Settings
    • Glue-In Settings
    • Gallery Wire Settings
    • Snaptite Settings
    • Backset Settings
    • Wraptite Settings
    • Claw Settings
    • FINDINGS
    • All Findings
    • Earwires, Earstuds & Hoops
    • Head & Eye Pins
    • Jump Rings & Bails
    • Clasps
    • Cord Ends & End Caps
    • Crimps
    • Bead & Bell Caps
    • Links & Connectors
    • Glue In Pegs
    • Keyrings
    • SHOP FINDINGS BY DESIGN
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces & Bracelets
    • Brooches
    • CHAIN
    • All Chain
    • Finished Necklets & Bracelets
    • Loose Chain
    • Charm Bracelets
    • Safety Chain
    • Rosary Chain
    • Beading Chain
    • CHARMS
    • All Charms
    • Pendant Charms
    • Charm Connectors
    • Charm Beads
  • TOOLS & SUPPLIES
    • JEWELLERY TOOLS & SUPPLIES
    • All Tools
    • Glue
    • Jewellery Pliers
    • Jewellery Hammers
    • Sawing & Cutting Tools
    • Metal Forming Tools
    • Gas Torches
    • Ring Sizers
    • Filing, Sanding & Polishing
    • Soldering Tools & Supplies
    • Drill Bits & Multi Tool Accessories
    • Stone Setting Tools
    • Tumblers & Barrelling Machines
    • Cleaning & Tarnish Prevention
    • Protective Equipment
    • Magnifiers
    • SHOP BY TECHNIQUE
    • Metalsmithing
    • Plating, Patina & Protection
    • Beading
    • Metal Clay
    • Wirework
    • JEWELLERY MAKING BOOKS
    • PACKAGING & STORAGE
    • READY TO WEAR JEWELLERY
    • BEGINNERS' BUNDLES
    • Tool Kits
  • KITS
    • JEWELLERY MAKING KITS
    • SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
    • MAKE THE LOOK
    • TOOL KITS
    • BEGINNER'S BUNDLES
    • EASY JEWELLERY IDEAS FOR BEGINNERS
    • JEWELLERY MAKING KITS
    • SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
  • GIFT VOUCHERS
£0.00
  1. Home
  2. Jewellery Making Tutorials
  3. Beading & Threading Tutorials & Advice
  4. Advice On Knotting Elastic Stretch Magic Thread
Advice On Knotting Elastic Stretch Magic Thread stretch magic thread

Stretch magic is a fantastic, clear, strong and stretchy elastic thread. It won't crack or harden over time and is ideal for beaded bracelets and necklets without the need for a clasp.

It is important to knot this thread well to avoid the risk of slipping or the knot coming undone and ruining all of your hard beading work! Here we provide pictured step-by-step instructions for a simple overhand knot (or a double overhand knot) recommended by the manufacturers to ensure your design is secure.

Recommended Supplies For This Project

  • Clear stretch magic
  • Your choice of beads (ensure the hole size will fit the elastic) - we've used our green aventurine round beads
  • G S Hypo cement glue
  • Side cutters or scissors

Watch Our Tutorial Below

Follow Step By Step Photos On How To Knot Elastic Thread

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 1

Pre-stretch your Stretch Magic to help loosen it up. Thread your beads on to suit your design.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 2

Cross the strands over.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 3

Fold one end of the Stretch Magic under the other to create a simple, loose overhand knot - do not pull tight yet.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 4

Cross the strands again.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 5

Repeat step three and folding one end of the Stretch Magic under the other to double up your overhand knot.

At this point you can do as many overhand knots as you like - if your design is heavy it might be worth doing a few more - however be aware of how big the knot is going to look once your design is finished.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 6

Pull the knots tight together.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Really tight! Try changing the direction of your pull to ensure it is extra secure.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Your knot should have no gaps between the strands.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 7

For extra security you can add a dab of glue. Whilst the knots should not work loose - there is a risk after lot's of wear - the glue will ensure the knot does not work loose.

Ensure you allow the glue enough time to dry before wearing your jewellery design.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Step 8

Use side cutters or scissors to trim off any excess Stretch Magic thread.

how to knot stretch magic thread

Finished!

Your knot is now finished and secure, you can now wear your new beautiful handmade bracelet.

aventurine beads

Featuring our pretty aventurine beads but you can choose any beads you like

This knot should be secure and not slip. Alternatively you could crimp the stretch magic, but if you are doing this, be careful not to squeeze the crimps too tight or it could damage or cut into the Stretch Magic - we would recommend sticking with a trusty knot!

Elastic Thread Troubleshooting

When making elastic jewellery for the first time, you may find that your designs are not holding or perhaps the elastic snaps. Follow our troubleshooting tips below to make sure you have secure jewellery designs every time!

Use good quality elastic cord made for jewellery making

There are many elastic cords available for many crafts, Stretch Magic is a popular choice among jewellers and one which offers high strength and durability for your designs.

Stretch the cord before using

Always pre-stretch your elastic cord to prepare and loosen the cord before you start stringing your beads, this means your design will stay the same size and won't stretch and distort.

You're probably not pulling tight enough!

If you're finding that your jewellery designs are coming apart and the knots are not holding, you're probably not pulling your knots tight enough and in all directions! Keep practising your knots and pull as tight as possible to secure your knots.

Use G S Hypo Cement Glue on your knots and don't use Super Glue

Cement glue is our recommended glue for jewellery making for precision application. It has a fine nozzle, making it easy to apply for intricate work and for using small amounts of glue to be applied such as on your elastic knots to add strength. Avoid using super glue as this goes brittle over time and is thought to corrode the elastic over time.

Store your elastic thread in a cool, dry place

Storing your elastic cord where it is exposed to sunlight and warmth can damage the strength of your cord and cause it to go soft and likely snap when tieing your knot. Try to always keep your jewellery making tools and supplies in a cool dry place.

If using crimps, avoid crimping too hard

The beauty of elastic cord is that there really is no need for using crimps and other findings which could potentially cut and damage the elastic! A simple knot does the job but if you choose to use crimps do not crimp too hard.

Take care when wearing your elastic bracelets

Always roll the bracelet onto your wrist rather than stretching and remember to keep your bracelets away from chemicals, oils, perfumes and sunlight as this can deteriorate the elastic over time.

Shop Tools & Supplies With Kernowcraft

Clear Stretch Magic

Clear Stretch Magic, available in 2 diameters

beads

Explore our wide range of gemstone beads

G S Hypo Cement Glue

G S Hypo Cement Glue For Securing Your Knots

Side Cutters

Side cutters for cutting and trimming

In need of some inspiration? Check out these kits

pearl and peridot bracelet.jpg

Featuring our peridot, pearl and sterling silver beads

SHOP KIT

pearl and charm elastic bracelet

Featuring our rice shaped pearls & sterling silver shell charm

SHOP KIT

The products used in this project are suggestions to inspire you. Products used were compatible at the time of making but do be aware that stocks can vary, so do use your own judgement as to the compatibility of each item when making.

Also in this section:

  • Macrame Bead Bracelet Tutorial
  • Your Guide To Bead Stringing Materials For Jewellery Making
  • The Essential Tools For Beading
  • Beading: How To Start Jewellery Making With Lyndsey
  • Answering Commonly Asked Beading Questions
  • Types Of Beads For Jewellery Making
  • The Difference Between Half Drilled, Top Drilled And Head Drilled Beads
  • How To Use Top Drilled Beads
  • Jewellery Making With Half Drilled Beads
  • What Are Briolette Beads & How To Use Them
  • Stringing Beads With Small Holes
  • How To Make Your Bead Holes Bigger With A Bead Reamer
  • Types Of Clasps For Jewellery Making
  • 8 Reasons You Need A Bead Board
  • How To Make A Sliding Knot
  • Advice On Knotting Elastic Stretch Magic Thread
  • How To Use Flex-Rite Jewellery Wire
  • How To Use Crimps
  • How To Make A Silkon Thread Briolette Necklace
  • How To Use Beading Chain
  • 4 Ways To Use Gemstone Donuts
  • 4 Gemstone Chip Bead Project Ideas
  • How To Use End Caps For Jewellery Making
  • How To Make Earwires With Gemstone Beads
  • How To Make A Memory Wire Bracelet
  • How To Make Gemstone Bead Earrings
  • How To Make A Bead Bar Necklace
  • How To Make Beaded Bracelet With Flex-Rite Wire & Wire Guardians
  • DIY Gemstone Friendship Bracelets
  • How To Make A Beaded Bracelet With Knot Covers
  • How To Make Polymer Clay Earrings
  • How To Make Felt Jewellery
  • DIY Mini Tassels & Jewellery Projects

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

You can learn more and find inspiration by visiting our Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Kits and YouTube Channel. Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us in your designs on Instagram & Facebook, we would love to see!

What Our Customers Say...

Rhiannon Piper The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well. Catherine Warwick Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you! Hayley Meredith I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft.  I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none! Vivienne Sadler Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website! Jaquie It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows. Lydia Farrow Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality. April Luescher Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want? Denise Mountain Pike I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much. Marshal Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result. Catriona Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.  Claire Hall Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares! Daniel Coe The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place. Mihaela Ciubotaru I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy. Kim Thomson I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students. Janice Scragg Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star! Eve The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back! Frank Wilson It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths! Joel Martin Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas! Helen Bowles I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you. Jenny Kirkwood Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life? Christine Wood Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much. Julia Schofield I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too. Helen Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you! Deborah Roberts-Barter I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away! Maggi Henman I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery. Frank Wilson I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working. Lenna Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much. Lynn Carson I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described. Gloria Williams I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops! George Inglis Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again. Lauren Jodie Piercy Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content. Jill Hammersely I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning. Dorota Todd I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future. A I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you! Claire I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them. Sarah Tiley Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Enjoy Free UK Delivery!

Newsletter promo image

Subscribe to our newsletter for free UK delivery on your first order, plus jewellery tips, inspiration, product updates & exclusive offers!

Sign up Error: Sorry. Something went wrong. Success:: Thank you for subscribing. Please check your inbox for your discount code.

Basket

What would you like to do?

Continue Clear Basket

Tag » How To Tie Beaded Bracelet