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STRINGING AND KNOTTING

Stringing beads is the easiest way to make a necklace / bracelet.

Before you start, ask yourself: "how long do I want it to be ?"

A long necklace should hang no lower than your waist, otherwise it will get in your way.
A medium size necklace is usually around 50cm to 70cm.
A choker style necklace is around 35cm to 46cm.
 

Add about 8cm on each side of the necklace to allow for knotting. To calculate the total number of beads you need to make a necklace, count how many beads will fit into 1 inch / 2.5 cm. Then multiply this by the length required. The size and weight of the beads you select determines which thread to use. Consider the following points:

1) Is the thread visible ?
2) Is the thread strong enough to support the beads ?
3) Will the thread fit through the holes of the beads ?

It is always useful to design your jewelry before you embark on a project. Lay out your beads on a beading board & have fun adding & changing your beads before you string them.

When making a long necklace with a central point of interest, work from the center; keeping both sides of the design symmetrical. The advantage of working from the center is that the length can be adjusted by adding or deducting beads at each end. This saves you the time of starting all over again.

There are many types of strings & threads to select to make your jewelry. Nylon line & Tiger tail support most designs. They are strong & are both almost invisible to the eye & can be used without a needle. Tiger tail is made from fine strands of steel cables in a plastic coating & is therefore very strong. Make a loop with the tiger tail and secure it with a crimp bead. How you knot & finish your necklace depends on the length you select. If it is long enough to go through your head, simply knot the 2 ends together. Add a blob of superglue to secure the knot and hide it inside the bead. For shorter necklaces, secure it with calotte crimp / crimp bead. Link it with clasp with the help of jump ring.