CHOOSING THE CORRECT STRINGING MATERIALS FOR JEWELRY MAKING
When you make the decision to create your own jewelry, choosing which beads and findings to use is the fun part, but there is more to creating that perfect necklace than just selecting some gorgeous beads.
You still must decide what material to use on to which you will string these fantastic beads and findings.
Selecting the correct type of Stringing Materials for your jewelry projects is the most important decision you will make when creating your own pieces.
You will need to take into consideration the type of jewelry you will be making: necklace? bracelet? earrings?
You will want to consider the overall look and style you plan to create with your design.
Finally, you must be certain your choice for stringing material is a good fit for the type and size of beads you will be using.
To help you with this most important decision, we have put together a list of some of the most popular stringing materials.
We hope you find this helpful and it gives you some inspiration to try new materials and techniques!
Most of the threads and materials featured below are available to purchase on our website.
SHOP STRINGING MATERIALS WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
BEADING WIRE
TIGER TAIL
The most popular stringing material is bead stringing wire, more commonly known as Tiger Tail.
It is constructed from several fine strands of braided stainless steel that are coated with a layer of colored nylon.
Its strength and nylon coating make it an excellent choice for stringing beads with sharp or rough edges, such as certain glass or gemstone beads, that could otherwise fray weaker threads.
Tiger Tail beading wire is commonly available in metallic-like colors, such as gold, silver, and copper, but are also available in assorted colors, which can include bright, solid colors like black, white, red, green, blue, and purple.
The choice of wire color depends on your project.
If the wire will be visible, you can choose a color that complements or contrasts with your beads.
Tiger Tail is sized according to the number of strands it has, the higher the number, the more flexible the wire will be.
You will need to consider the diameter of the holes in your beads as well, as Tiger Tail varies by diameter, with the smaller wire used for lightweight beads like small pearls or seed beads, you will need a larger diameter wire for bigger beads.
Tiger Tail beading wire can tend to kink, and, once there is a kink in place, it is almost impossible to straighten out completely.
Unlike regular wire, Tiger Tail cannot be knotted securely, instead, you must use a Crimp Bead and Crimping Pliers to create a secure, professional finish.
SHOP TIGER TAIL BEADING WIRE WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
COPPER WIRE
Copper Wire is a malleable, craft-grade wire, often with a protective coating, that is primarily used for making jewelry and other decorative crafts.
It is valued by crafters for its warm color, workability, and affordability.
Copper jewelry wire comes in several forms to suit different crafting needs.
Coated: Many copper wires are coated with an enamel finish and a tarnish-resistant layer to keep them bright and prevent oxidation.
This finish comes in a wide range of colors, from natural copper to silver and gold plating.
Bare: This is pure, uncoated copper wire that will naturally darken and develop a vintage patina over time.
Crafters who want to intentionally create an antique finish often choose bare copper.
USES FOR COPPER WIRE
Wire Wrapping: One of the most popular uses is wrapping the wire around Beads, Gemstones, or other components to create elaborate pendants, rings, and earrings.
Bead Stringing: Thinner gauges can be used to string beads for necklaces and bracelets.
Coated varieties prevent the wire from tarnishing and staining lighter-colored beads.
Craft Projects: Copper wire can be incorporated into many other crafts, such as mixed-media art, miniature sculptures, resin art, and even decorative home items.
Forming Links And Findings: It can be used to create your own jump rings, clasps, and other jewelry findings.
SHOP COPPER JEWELRY WIRE WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
ALUMINUM WIRE
Aluminum Wire is a highly versatile material renowned for its softness, flexibility, and lightweight properties, rendering it an ideal choice for a diverse array of crafting and jewelry-making applications.
Its malleability allows for effortless bending and shaping, either manually or with rudimentary tools, thereby facilitating intricate designs and precision crafting.
Unlike more rigid metals, aluminum wire can be seamlessly coiled, wrapped, and manipulated into various forms, making it perfectly suited for both delicate and robust creations.
The wire's exceptional lightness makes it particularly well-suited for crafting items such as earrings and pendants, where weight is a critical consideration.
Craft-grade aluminum wire typically undergoes an anodization process, resulting in a durable, vibrant, and tarnish-resistant finish that effectively prevents fading and corrosion over time.
This material is available in a vast spectrum of metallic and vibrant hues, thereby enabling the creation of colorful and innovative designs.
Aluminum wire is offered in a range of thicknesses, or gauges, with lower numbers denoting thicker wires, allowing artisans to select the optimal thickness for their specific project, whether it involves intricate, delicate work or more substantial, structural pieces.
The applications of aluminum wire are diverse and multifaceted, encompassing wide spectrum of uses, such as:
- Jewelry Making: Creating wire-wrapped jewelry, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
- Beading: Stringing beads to make jewelry and other decorative items.
- Crafting And Sculpture: Building armatures for clay figures, creating wire sculptures, and making wire trees.
- Decorations: Making festive ornaments, such as for holidays.
- Floral Arrangements: Used by florists for supporting and shaping arrangements.
- Mixed-Media Art: Incorporating wire into various art and craft projects.
SHOP ALUMINUM WIRE WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
Read The Blog Post: Your Guide To Choosing Wire For Jewelry Making Here for more information on the other types of jewelry making wire that can be used.
MEMORY WIRE
Memory Wire is a durable, hardened steel wire that retains its coiled shape, making it an ideal base for creating rings, bracelets, and necklaces without a clasp.
The wire's spring-like quality makes it easy to add beads and findings, and its firm shape keeps them securely in place.
This is a great material that makes it so easy for creating single or multi-loop eye-catching
It can stay on your wrist or neck without a clasp, and is great for combining with your favorite Gemstone Beads and Metal Beads.
It's also really easy to finish the ends, you could simply glue on beads on the end or your choice of half drilled beads.
Or alternatively, you can use Round Nose Pliers to create a loop at the end of the wire to act as a stopper, which you can also use to dangle Charms from!
Use specialized Wire Cutter Pliers to cut the desired length from the coil.
NOT Regular jewelry cutters as they will be damaged by the hardened steel.
Remember to wear your eye protection when cutting memory wire.
SHOP MEMORY WIRE WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
Read The Blog: How To Use Memory Wire In Jewelry Making Here to learn more about this material.
BEADING THREADS
SPECIALIZED BEADING THREADS
Specialized Beading Threads are robust and durable threads designed for intricate beading projects, such as bead weaving and embroidery, that involve small seed beads.
These threads are engineered to resist fraying, abrasion, and stretching, ensuring the structural integrity of the project even when the needle is passed through beads multiple times.
The choice of thread ultimately depends on the technique and personal preference, with popular options including Miyuki, S-Lon, and FGB.
Miyuki Beading Thread is a premium, pre-waxed nylon thread Made in Japan, and known for its strength, durability, and smooth finish.
Its monocord construction, made from bonded nylon filaments, makes it flat and resistant to abrasion, reducing tangles and fraying.
The pre-waxed coating keeps the thread filaments together, and its exceptional strength provides clean, consistent tension for beadwork.
Miyuki thread is available in a wide range of colors and has a uniform thickness, ensuring even spacing between beads and a professional finish.
It is especially well-suited for fine and intricate beadwork, including off-loom bead weaving, loom work, and delicate projects involving small-hole beads like Miyuki Delicas.
Common techniques and projects include peyote stitch, brick stitch, ladder stitch, and seed bead jewelry.
S-Lon, or Superlon, is a durable, versatile nylon thread used for various beadwork and jewelry-making techniques.
Its bonded or slightly waxed finish gives it a smooth texture and helps prevent fraying, tangling, and stretching.
S-Lon is available in various colors and thicknesses to suit different projects and bead sizes.
Its low stretch ensures consistent tension in beadwork designs, and its smooth finish makes it easy to work with.
S-Lon can be cut with regular scissors, and its ends can be secured with a thread burner.
FGB Beading Thread is a high-quality, coated polyester thread made in Japan, specifically designed for seed bead embroidery and weaving.
FGB stands for "Fancy Glass Beads," a brand that also produces beads.
The brand is known for its Japanese craftsmanship, which contributes to its premium quality.
Its surface treatment or wax coating gives the thread a smooth texture, preventing tangling, fraying, and stretching.
FGB thread is often available in a very fine 0.1mm diameter, allowing it to pass through tiny bead holes multiple times.
FGB thread is available in both polyester and nylon, and is known for its strength and flexibility.
When selecting a thread, consider factors such as thread thickness, technique, and color.
Match the thread thickness to the bead hole size, and choose a thread that suits your technique, whether it's delicate weaving or structural pieces.
Thread color can be chosen to blend with the beads or provide a contrasting design element, offering flexibility and creative freedom.
SHOP SPECIALIZED BEADING THREADS WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
ELASTIC THREAD - CRYSTAL TEC
Elastic Thread, also referred to as "Crystal Tec" or "Crystal String," is a highly flexible and stretchable cord that enables the creation of jewelry pieces without the need for findings, thereby streamlining the design process.
This versatile threading material is specifically designed for beading applications, where its strength, flexibility, and stretchiness facilitate the crafting of intricate jewelry items, such as bracelets and necklaces, by effortlessly stringing beads onto it.
Elastic thread is typically manufactured from durable materials like spandex, rubber, or polyester, which provide the necessary flexibility and resilience for various bead types and project complexities.
Securing the elastic thread is typically achieved through the use of strong knots, which can be further reinforced with a knot-hiding bead or a dab of Glue to ensure a durable hold.
Elastic thread is particularly well-suited for informal jewelry designs and is especially useful when creating children's jewelry, owing to its ease of use and safety.
It is available in various thicknesses and colors, making it an ideal choice for a range of beading projects.
Elastic thread is a popular choice among jewelry makers, particularly for affordable beaded designs that require minimal skill, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.
Clear-colored elastic thread is particularly well-suited for crafting stretch bracelets, and its affordability and ease of use make it an attractive option for children to engage in jewelry making under adult supervision.
To ensure the security and durability of the design, it is recommended to opt for the thickest thread compatible with the chosen beads.
TIPS FOR USE:
Choose The Right Thickness: Select a cord thick enough to fit through the hole of your chosen beads.
Pre-Stretch: Gently stretch the elastic before you start to remove any initial slack, preventing future loosening.
Avoid Stress: When putting on or taking off bracelets, roll them on and off instead of stretching them to preserve the cord's integrity.
Maintain It: Keep the elastic away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, or creams, as these can degrade the cord over time.
SHOP ELASTIC THREAD WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
BEADING CORDS
SATIN NYLON CORD
Satin Nylon Cord, also referred to as "Rattail Cord" or "Chinese Knotting Cord" is a robust and versatile synthetic beading cord characterized by its smooth, glossy, and silk-like finish, rendering it an ideal choice for a multitude of beading and craft applications.
This cord is particularly well-suited for bead stringing, knotting techniques, and macrame projects, owing to its exceptional strength and durability.
The satin nylon cord can be utilized for a diverse range of techniques, including stringing beads with large holes, macrame, and Chinese knotting, making it a popular choice among crafters and jewelry makers.
Available in a wide array of colors and thicknesses, nylon beading cord is a highly versatile option that boasts colorfast, washable, and durable properties, thereby ensuring its suitability for various jewelry and craft projects.
Its ability to hold knots securely and withstand heat treatment at the ends to prevent fraying further enhances its utility.
This cord is particularly suited for projects that involve knotting, owing to its slippery texture, and its shiny, lustrous finish effectively mimics the luxurious appearance of silk.
As a strong and durable synthetic fiber, nylon exhibits resistance to fraying, wear, and tear, while its uniform diameter and color provide a consistent and reliable material for crafting.
Furthermore, nylon's water-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for items that may be exposed to moisture, thereby expanding its range of applications.
Its durability and versatility make it best suited for creating a variety of jewelry pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, Kumihimo, and macrame projects.
SHOP SATIN NYLON CORD WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
WAXED COTTON CORD
Waxed Cotton Cord is a durable and versatile material, comprising a cotton core coated with a thin layer of wax, such as beeswax or synthetic wax, which enhances its strength, water resistance, and smooth finish, rendering it an ideal choice for beading and macrame applications.
The wax coating serves to stiffen the cord, prevent fraying, and enable secure knot holding, thereby facilitating intricate knotting techniques and adjustable closures.
As a cost-effective alternative to materials like leather cord, waxed cotton cord offers a multitude of benefits, including secure knot holding, durability, and strength.
The wax coating provides grip, preventing knots from slipping, while the strengthened cotton fibers render the cord resistant to wear, tear, and abrasion, thereby extending the lifespan of jewelry creations.
Additionally, the wax layer offers protection against moisture, although not rendering the cord fully waterproof, it helps prevent water damage and facilitates easy cleaning.
The wax also seals the ends of the cord, preventing unraveling and creating a clean, professional finish.
Machine-made waxed cotton cord ensures consistency in size and color, boasting a uniform diameter and hue throughout the spool, making it a reliable choice for crafters.
As a vegan alternative to leather, waxed cotton cord is a popular choice for various beading applications, including the creation of bracelets and necklaces, macrame and knotting projects, and stringing Large Hole Beads.
Its natural aesthetic pairs well with rustic and bohemian designs, complementing materials like Shell, Wood & Nut Beads, and Gemstone Beads, and is suitable for crafting both simple and elaborate pieces.
The variety of available thicknesses and colors makes it a versatile option for beaders, and its plant-based composition appeals to those seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
SHOP WAXED COTTON CORD WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
WAXED POLYESTER CORD
Waxed Polyester Cord is a robust and reliable stringing material, comprised of polyester fibers coated with a light layer of wax, which imbues it with exceptional durability and resistance to stretching.
The synergy between the strong synthetic material and the smooth wax finish renders it an excellent choice for various jewelry-making applications, including beading and macramé.
This cord's durability and strength are notable, as polyester's natural resistance to stretching is further enhanced by the wax coatings' protection against fraying and abrasion, making it suitable for projects subject to frequent wear.
The lightly waxed surface provides excellent grip and prevents fraying, simplifying the braiding and knotting process, while adding a subtle sheen to your finished jewelry.
The wax coating also provides water resistance, ensuring the cord and finished jewelry can withstand moisture.
Additionally, the slightly tacky wax finish enables secure knot holding, allowing knots to be tied tightly without slipping.
Waxed polyester cord is colorfast, retaining its vibrant hue over time, and is washable, making it a low-maintenance option.
The ability to seal the ends seamlessly with heat further enhances its utility.
Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, waxed polyester cord is versatile and suitable for various applications, including macramé, stringing Large Hole Beads, creating adjustable closures, and bead weaving.
Its strength, water resistance, and uniformity make it an attractive alternative to leather cord.
SHOP WAXED POLYESTER CORD WITH BEADED CREATIONS HERE
FAUX SUEDE CORD
Faux Suede Cord, also referred to as "Faux Leather" or "Velvet Cord", is a versatile and durable material utilized in beading, jewelry making, and various crafts.
Typically crafted from microfiber, this synthetic cord boasts a soft, pliable texture and a velvety finish, rendering it comfortable to wear and providing a rustic, soft aesthetic to projects.
Faux suede cord is renowned for its strength and durability, resisting fraying and breakage, while its smooth finish resists fading.
As a cruelty-free alternative to genuine suede leather, faux suede cord is a popular choice for jewelry and craft projects, offering a wide range of colors and widths to suit diverse needs.
This cord can be easily crimped with standard findings without breaking or tearing and is washable, with no discernible odor.
This cord is an excellent substitute for leather or suede in jewelry designs and can be mixed with other materials like Chain, Waxed Cotton Cord, or Nylon Cord to create stunning multi-strand necklaces.
Its versatility extends to various applications, including jewelry making, beading, and crafting, such as creating wrap bracelets, chokers, earrings, and decorative tassels.
The cord is suitable for braiding, bead stringing, and making decorative accessories like shoe laces and zipper pulls.
Available in various widths, thicknesses, and colors, including solid and studded designs, faux suede cord is a reliable and stylish material for crafters and jewelry makers.
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LEATHER CORD
Leather Cord is a robust and versatile stringing material, prized for its strength, flexibility, and durability, making it an ideal choice for crafting handmade jewelry pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories.
Available in a range of types, sizes, and finishes, leather cord can add a rustic, natural, or modern aesthetic to jewelry designs, depending on the desired look.
The various types of leather cord include round, flat, and braided, each offering unique characteristics and applications.
Round leather cord is a popular choice for stringing large-hole beads and creating elegant necklaces and bracelets, while flat leather cord provides a contemporary look and can be used with specialized findings.
Braided leather cord adds texture and visual interest to designs, making it suitable for a variety of jewelry pieces.
Finishing techniques for leather cord projects include using Cord Ends and Glue-In Clasps, Sliding Knots, Crimps, and Wire Wrapping, allowing for a range of polished and rustic finishes.
Read The Blog Post How To Make A Sliding Knot Here
Leather cord is particularly well-suited for stringing larger, bulkier beads and pendants, and can be used to create a variety of jewelry designs, from delicate to bold.