 |
| Your choice
of stringing material is important in so many
ways. It can affect the look of your design
as well as its strength and structure. You
will choose your stringing material based
on how you would like to design and construct
your piece. Below is information about several
popular types of stringing materials. |
| |
|
 |
| Stringing
Materials |
Flexible Beading Wire
This is a flexible wire that is made
of stainless steel and coated with
nylon. The nylon coating can be clear,
revealing the natural gray color of
steel, or the nylon may be colored
to give you more options for your
designs. Most brands offer flexible
wire in steel gray, bright silver
(either sterling silver of silver
plated wire), gold, bronze and copper.
In addition, certain brands also offer
a non-metallic colors in all tones
such as blue, green, yellow, pink,
and purple.
|
|
|
More on Flexible
Beading Wire
Flexible beading
wire like Soft Flex or Flex Rite comes in different
thicknesses ranging from fine to medium, to
heavy. Medium is the most commonly used, as
it offers strength and compatibility with most
beads. Fine may be required when stringing gemstones
or pearls, which are beads that typically have
very small holes. Heavy wire can be used with
heavy beads such as large glass lampwork beads
or metal beads.
Using flexible beading
wire requires crimps and a crimp
tool in order
to fasten on clasps and jump rings. Bead Bee
provides detailed instructions on Using
a Crimp Tool. Note that crimp beads
are available in base metals, plated metals
or sterling silver and gold filled. The best
option for durability and aesthetics is sterling
silver or gold filled beads. Round base metal
crimps cannot be used with a crimp tool
Click
here for instructions on how to use crimp beads
Click
here for instructions on how to use crimp covers
Gossamer
Stretch Cord
This is a great option for creating one size
fits all bracelets. Stretch cord is often a
preferred choice of stringing material because
crimps and clasps are needed. All you need to
do is tie a knot to finish the bracelet. This
is a great option for young children who may
have trouble with small crimps and using a crimp
tool.
Monofilament
Is similar to fishing line, and actually, many
people do use fishing line. We recommend using
monofilament that is sold specifically for jewelry
making. Monofilament is most often a milky white
color and comes in several weights in varying
strengths. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
| |
 |
|
|
| |
| Tools
& Supplies |
 |
Learn the
basics about beading tools and supplies
and what they are used for. |
|
| |
| String
& Cord |
 |
With so many
options available, learn about basic stringing
materials and their uses. |
|
| |
| Clasps,
Findings & Beading Components |
 |
Learn about
clasps, jump rings, head pins and other findings. |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
