The basic bracelet beading suppliesthat are needed for your beginning projects will be our topic for discussion.
We'll start at the very beginning, keeping this simple and at a minimum.
Only a few supplies are needed to create a lot of different projects and a lot of different looks and allwe need for this project, at the bare minimum, are just 4 simple components.
It's true. We would not lie, just 4 simple components that make up the list for your basic bracelet beading supplies to create your first bracelet. These components that help you achieve such a look are called 'findings'.
As you will learn,findingsis a general term. Get use to hearing it and get use to saying it. Findings are the supplies that allow you to achieve a completed project. They are the secret sauce to making jewelry.
Some are the hidden treasures that gives your jewelry life...AND...there are a lot of findings to choose from. Findings are used to create the majority of all beaded projects.
We don't get too deep into this right now, it would take forever to cover the multitude of findings, you will learn them with each new project. We want to only introduce you to the essential basic bracelet beading supplies needed to make a basic bracelet happen.
So let's reiterate...we only need four very important findings to make our bracelet.
These basic bracelet beading supplies are:
- beading cord
- clasp
- crimp bead
- seed bead/4 mm bead
The diagram here shows how each is used.
What is not listed are your choice of the decorative beads. The amounts will vary based on the style you choose to create and of course the size of the beads. Make sure you have identified them before moving on...Got it?
Now, let's look at eachfinding much closer. Let's explore what each one is, exactly how they are used and the purpose for each one.
Each component, finding, is important and has a role to play in the bracelet.
The first on the list of basic bracelet beading supplies is the...
- Beading Cord is the strand, the thread, the wire, the string that the beads will be strung onto for bracelets, necklaces, anklets and so much more.
Different types of stringing materials may be soft flexible stringing wire, nylon cord, elastic, leather and a variety of threads i.e. silk, mono-filament or polyester..
These are all flexible materials that allow your jewelry to flow and move with your movement.
It will be important to familiarize yourself with your supplies and materials as you progress beyond the basics.Not all materials are created equal. You will have low end, high end and everything in between for quality of product.
As you progress you will learn the difference between all of these stringing materials shared here and other type materials not shared here.For now let's begin with a basic stringing cord that we start all beginnings with for your first project...flexible beading wire.
The particular brand we introduce and encourage you to use in the very beginning, is called 'Soft Flex Beading Wire'.
Beading Tip:
Our beading wire of choice for beginners...
'Soft Flex Beading Wire'.
It is a good quality product providing good results and provides a quality end product for all your jewelry projects.
Soft Flex Beading Wire, is in our opinion, a professional grade beading wire. This wire wears well, will last a long time and is relatively affordable for the quality you receive. You will hear us repeat this time and again.
As of this writing, a spool of beading wire is available in different lengths. Our favorite purchase is the 30' spool. This may run you approximately $10 to $15. You will use 12-inches of wire for one single strand bracelet, which allows approximately 30 bracelets for one spool. If you do the math, 30 bracelets divided by $15 equals .50 cents for a 12-inch cut...that is affordable quality.[please remember these are approximates only]
We introduce you to this specific brand in the beginning for one reason...remove the guess work and quickly you started.
The quality of flexible beading wires are not the same and we don't want these beginning steps frustrating you and creating a stumbling block to get you moving forward.
Once you are comfortable in your creating then you can decide for yourself which beading wire to use. There are several to choose from.
We coverSoft Flex Beading Wirein more depth in this information page to help you understand the quality behind this product.
It was a huge learning curve for us to figure this one out and with no one to show us in the beginning we felt paralyzed just deciding which brand to buy. We do not want that for you!
As you gain your bearings and become more familiar with your process, your materials, your style of beading, then we leave it to you to find the most suitable beading supplies for you.
We want to get you started...so for now we would encourage you to follow these recommendations to keep you moving forward through the beginning steps. If you would like to add this to your stash you can purchase your own spool of SoftFlex Beading Wire through this link. It will take you to Amazon directly. Happy Shopping
Next on the list of basic bracelet beading supplies is the clasp.
- A Claspis a type of finding incorporated into the design of jewelry that is intended to open and close the specific piece of jewelry vs. a slide-on style and the clasp is used to accomplish this concept.
Again there is variety[you'll hear us say that a lot!].Variety in style, design, colors and types of mechanism.
Here are a few examples.
In our tutorial we will use the'toggle clasp',shown in first picture. The second picture shows the toggle clasp at work.
There may be a variety in the choices of clasps, but there is not a variety in the purpose a clasp serves which is to hold the jewelry together while you are wearing it. I think you get the idea.
Our next finding on our basic bracelet beading supplies list...
- Crimp Beadis a pliable metal bead and is intended to be compressed to achieve it's purpose and serve it's function.
Crimp beads are the most important component to a bracelet or necklace.A crimp bead is'the'finding that holds it together.
- It's the glue [just in behavior] that keeps the beads from falling off the bead cord...
- It's what holds the clasp to the bead cord that's holding the beads all in place...
- It's the secret ingredient that keeps the entire piece of jewelry together...
It plays a very important role in jewelry making.Like all the categories of beading, there is variety.There are selections and choices in different metals, colors, styles and sizes as well aschoices in different functions of crimp beads.We will explore more about crimps as we move into other projects beyond the basics.
So how you doing? Still with me?The last topic on our list of supplies to discuss...
- Beadsare the eye candy of your jewelry projects.I want you to look more at these delicious treats.
Let's talk in more detail of thebasics of beads. We'll look at shapes and sizes of beads, hole sizes of beads, things you will need to look out for and even some fun, helpful bead charts.
Visit there now before moving on to any of the tutorials, which is coming up next.Count it as part of your basics to beading reading....basics to beads.
Just a Word...
If some of these words are new to you and you would like to read more then be sure to visit thebead terminology page, it's the jewelry jargon you will be using as you progress. It's there to help.
In Conclusion...
The selection of basic bracelet beading supplies or findings can seem rather endless and overwhelming at times. It's important to remember this is just the basics, for you, the beginner.
As you progress through and start moving beyond the basics, more findings will be introduced, discussed and examples provided for you. More projects are coming that will incorporate these basic bracelet beading supplies.
Keep this in stride and move at your pace. It can be a bit overwhelming but we want to assure you that you are doing good and we will get you there.
What to Do Next?
Now that we have covered the basic bracelet beading supplies, follow the next steps we have laid out for you to continue this process. Read on to continue to learn how simple this process is.
It's okay if you don't have your supplies yet. It will come together for you.
Tools
Tutorial
Jewelry Anatomy 101
Once you have all your materials then feel free to try your hand at your first beaded bracelet.We all had to start somewhere.See you on the next page.
FAQs
What supplies do you need to make a beaded bracelet? ›
Making beaded bracelets is another simple place to start. To make a flexible bracelet, you'll need beads, beading wire, crimp beads and a clasp. However, if you'd like to start with a simpler project, there are also special types of bracelet findings that are thick wire cuffs with threaded balls on the ends.
What supplies do I need to start beading? ›There are a few must-have tools and accessories you should buy before learning how to bead for beginners. Wire cutters, round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, beading cord, assorted clasps, a crimping tool, and crimp beads are part of a standard kit. Memory wire, a tape measure, and adhesive are also essential elements.
What are the 5 materials for bead making? ›In modern manufacturing, the most common bead materials are wood, plastic, glass, metal, and stone.
What do you use to string beads for a bracelet? ›Today, jewelry wire is the go-to material for most stringing projects. It is designed for stringing beads of all shapes and sizes. It is much stronger than typical stringing threads and cords. It is also fray-resistant, so designs with beads that have sharp edges, such as crystals and metal beads, will be more durable.
How many beads do you need to make a bracelet? ›| Bead Size | 7 inch Bracelet | 8 inch Bracelet |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 30 beads | 34 beads |
| 8mm | 22 beads | 25 beads |
| 10mm | 18 beads | 20 beads |
| 12mm | 15 beads | 17 beads |
The five main ways of working with beads are: Stringing, Wirework, Loom Work, and Off-Loom Bead Weaving, alongside Embroidery, Knitting and Crochet. All are suited to the beginner but you need to choose projects carefully.
What needle do you use for beading? ›Beading needles are very fine, with a narrow eye to enable it to fit through the centre of beads and sequins. They are usually long so that a number of beads can be threaded through at the same time. The sizes most commonly available are 10 to 15 but there is also an elusive and much sought after size 16 needle!
What fabric is used for beading? ›Luxurious beaded fabrics are embellished with bugles, beads, pearls, gems and other decorations. They are used for making eveningwear and special event dresses. The most common transparent fabrics for beading are tulle, lace and organza. Opaque beaded fabrics are jacquard, tweed & boucle.
What is the best bead stringing material? ›Silk is often preferred, because it also matches the pearl beads in quality and is easy to knot in between beads. On the other hand, certain beads have sharp edges. Hematite, for example, can fray or cut through certain types of beading string over time.
What size bead cord to use? ›0.30mm (0.012”) and 0.33mm (0.013”) wire is very thin and good for crystals, seed beads and beads with smaller holes. 0.38mm (0.015”) and 0.46mm (0.018”) wire is classified as small to medium in width and is a good general purpose size. Excellent for medium to heavy weight beads.
Is fishing line good for beading? ›
Power Pro is a fishing line that is also a great beading thread. When you examine a spool of Power Pro beading thread, you may notice the little picture of a fish on its label. It's there because the Power Pro thread used for beading is the same as the thread used for fishing.
What size string is best for beaded bracelets? ›The most common sizes you'll find are 0.5mm and 0.7mm, which are suitable for most smaller beads. Stretch floss is made up of multiple strands of stretchy material woven together.
What is the strongest thread for beading? ›The gel-spun, polyethylene braided thread is recognized as the strongest fiber, per diameter, ever created. The advanced technology used to make FireLine interknitted thread, makes it ultra-thin in diameter but three times stronger than regular monofilament.
What is the average bead size for bracelet? ›8mm size beads - This size is one of the best for bracelets because it creates a less bulky bracelet on the wrist, which can be heavy when working with gemstones. The ideal size for necklaces are 8mm, which create dramatic pieces without being too bulky and heavy.
How do you make a simple charm bracelet? ›- Step 1: Choose your beads and plan your color scheme. ...
- Step 2: Stack beads onto headpin to create charms. ...
- Step 3: Secure beads to headpin by twisting. ...
- Step 4: Attach jump ring to turn it into a charm. ...
- Step 5: Add charms to your bracelets or other jewelry making projects.
Bead Stringing Needles
Simply thread your fine beading thread trough the small loop hole at the end of the needle and then place the beads down the needle and push over the loop onto the thread.
Pull the thread all the way through the fabric until you come to the knot. Your thread will be after the 4th bead on one side of the bead thread. To tack down the beads, put your needle on the other side of the bead thread and pull all the way through the fabric.
Is beading a good hobby? ›If you are a person who wants to pick up a hobby but also wants something more out of it than just the enjoyment, then you should consider the art of beading and jewelry making. Beading and jewelry making is a very enjoyable and creative hobby that many will find therapeutic and fun.
What do you need to make a string bracelet? ›Gather Your Supplies. You don't need a lot to get started making fun friendship bracelets. All you need is some embroidery floss, and something to hold your bracelet still while you make the knots.