How To Use Beading Wire For Stringing Beads Into Jewelry - Beadage

Beading wire is a very versatile, durable, and strong material to use for stringing beads to make jewelry. Learning how to use beading wire will add a valuable skill to your jewelry-making toolbox!

Materials

Beading Wire A thin wire or cable made from braiding several strands of thin steel wire together and then coating them with nylon. It is stiff so it does not require a needle to use. Brands of beading wire include Accu-flex, Beadalon, and Soft Flex. Beading wire is extremely strong and durable, although it is prone to kinking. Beading wire cannot be tied in a knot like thread, so jewelry must be finished using crimp beads.Crimp Beads Crimp beads are small metal beads that you squish (crimp) onto beading wire to make the beads stay where you want them, or connect beading wire to a jump ring or clasp. They can be corrugated or smooth.Findings A broad term for components used to make a collection of beads into jewelry. This includes clasps, headpins, jump rings, bead tips, crimp beads, and more. Usually these are metal, but they can also be made of wood, stone, or other materials.

Tools

Crimping Pliers Specialized pliers for squishing crimp beads. Recommended for those who plan to use crimp beads often.Wire Cutters A tool used to cut metal wire or beading wire. Diagonal wire cutters should cut flush. Be sure to buy yours at a craft or bead shop: hardware store cutters and pliers are usually too large and imprecise for jewelry making.Bead Tray A felted tray that lets you organize your work in progress and lay out your bead design. Some trays have integrated storage.

Make a Simple Beaded Necklace

1

Plan the Design

The first step in making a necklace with beading wire is to figure out what you want your necklace will look like. Laying out all your beads beforehand makes the stringing beads a cinch. A beading board is quite useful for jewelry design.

Note: If you want your necklace to be symmetrical but are not sure how many beads to use, modify the instructions below. String the middle bead first and string outward on both ends to make sure each side is the same. While you are adding beads, you may want to tape the end you are not working on so the beads don’t fall off. You also may want to add another few inches to the length of wire you cut to be on the safe side.

2

Cut the Wire

Cut a piece of beading wire that is the length of the finished piece plus 5 inches (about 20 inches total for a short necklace).

3

Add the Clasp

Slide a crimp bead and one part of the clasp onto the beading wire. Slide the beading wire back through the crimp bead, pull it tight, and then flatten the crimp bead so it stays. Trim the excess wire.

4

String the Beads

Add the beads of the necklace in the order you laid out in your design.

5

Attach Second Half of Clasp

Attach the second half of the clasp, or a jump ring if you’ve used a hook-style clasp. The process is the same as the first half–just be careful to pull the wire snug so you don’t have slack in the necklace. Voila!

Jewelry Ideas

Now that you know how to use beading wire, it’s time to start stringing beads together into beautiful creations that you love! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Three Strand Floating Illusion Necklace Project

Indigo Mood Bracelet Project

Variable Strand Necklace Project

Double-Stranded Necklace Project

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