Basic Bead Stringing For Beginners
Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
by Susan Thompson
Basic bead stringing is just what it says, simply putting beads on a "string". Beads may be strung on thread, rope, or wire. You have just got to work out what the best material is for your project. There are plenty of different string-like materials to choose from. Here are a few of the options:
o Natural Threads, like cotton or silk, are easy to knot and offer great flexibility, but they have to be knotted between each bead, and they fray easily. They are often used to string pearls and soft gemstones.
o Leather Cord is a strong, natural material that can be easily knotted and platted to add an organic look to a piece of jewellery. It is thicker than standard stringing materials.
o Satin Cord is a smooth stringing material available in 3 sizes : bugtail (smallest diameter), mousetail, and rattail (largest diameter).
o Natural Fiber Cords (such as yarn, ribbon, or rick-rack) are usually used to add inventive interest and a mixed-media feel to a chunk of jewelry.
o Elastic Thread, like Stretch Wizardry , is stretchy and flexible, but it needs a dab of glue to secure knots. It's often used to make designs without clasps. Great for fast projects.
o Nylon Thread, like Fireline and Nymo, was originally developed as fishing line and is robust, inexpensive, clear, but rather rigid, good for stringing seed beads.
o Tigertail and other Coated Wires, like Beadalon, are made up of thin steel wires covered by a nylon sheath. They're one of the most well liked basic bead stringing mediums. Available in a variety of diameters ( .010"-dia. to .036-dia.), they also come in a range of qualities (7-strand to 49-strand ). They are your strongest bead stringing option but a little inflexible.
o Metal Wire (can be base or valuable metal ) should be used for stiff projects just because movement could cause wire to break.
o Memory Wire is a springy wire that holds its shape. It works completely for chokers and bracelets.
Just pick the basic bead stringing material that best seems to suit your project after considering appearance, capability to hold a knot, size, strength, flexibility, and durability. You're bound to create a successful design!
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Do you want to learn more about how I do it? Get more information here: How To String Beads
You can also find everything you need for beading projects. Click here: Bead Supplies
Susan Thompson writes full time in the crafting industry and loves stringing beads.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Susan,Great information for crafters of any age. I don't bead myself but I learned from the article.Mark
Thanks, Mark. I appreciate your comments.
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