The Basics - Stringing Materials

I used to get really confused when it came to choosing the right stringing material for my necklaces and bracelets. There are quite a few options out there and several things to consider when making your choice. Are you working with seed beads or does your design call for big beads? Are you using glass beads, crystals or other components with sharp edges? Are the beads heavy? And it goes on. So, here are the types of threads and available and the recommended uses. Happy beading!

Threads
When doing beadwork, it’s best to use thread that has been specially created for the purpose. Regular sewing thread is not durable enough for jewelry pieces and is not thin enough to go through tiny beads. Beading thread is very thin yet very strong. Some are even thin enough to pass through a tiny seed bead several times. You can use beading thread for stringing, loom work, and off-loom weaving. You’ll find that there are several brands to choose from. Regardless of the brand you prefer, choose your thread based on the type of work you will be doing and the size of beads you will be working with.

Kevlar – This is the strongest thread available.

Nymo – The most popular brand of nylon thread. The four available sizes range from the incredibly fine OO to D, which is still fine but thicker.

Silk – This thread is used more often for pearls but you can also use it for other types of beads. It frays easily so you will need to coat it in beeswax before you begin your work.

Silkon – This synthetic nylon thread is very strong. The sizes are light, medium and heavy.

Wire

Beading wire is tough but flexible enough for stringing beads. Use it when you want your jewelry pieces to be stiffer, less fluid. Also use beading wire instead of thread if your beads have sharp or rough edges. Such beads will cut through thread over time.

Beading wire consists of several strands twisted together. The more strands used, the less the wire will kink. Use crimp beads to tightly secure the wire ends when you finish a jewelry piece.

The most popular beading wires are tigertail and beadalon. They come in varying widths but the most popular size appears to be 0.46mm. Use thicker wire for heavy beads.

Cords
Elastic cords – This is very good for bracelets without clasps but you can use it for anything you wish. For instance, I just got some elastic cord to use in a hair accessory I’m making. I used regular thread for it at first, but the hair stick I got for it is a bit too big for the holes. I’ll let you know how this turns out, look out for pictures!

Leather/imitation leather cord – I’ve seen elegant but simple necklaces made with leather cord. Most of them were just a nice pendants strung on a leather cord that was tied at the ends or finished with a clasp.

Rayon cord – There’s so much you can do with this, it doesn’t have to be limited to stringing beads. Rayon cords come in many colors.

Satin – This comes in many colors too.

Twisted satin cord – The twisted satin cord is made of two satin cords twisted together. It comes in 3mm and 5mm sizes.
Bola Cord – I’ve seen this used more often in cowboy-style neckties.

Hemp cord – Hemp jewelry is in.

Other stringing materials
Fireline – This is used for fishing lines but the size 6 is perfect for beadwork and is very strong. The only drawback is that it kinks easily. When this happens, the fireline cannot be straightened and this will show in your jewelry pieces.

Ribbon – You can make very elegant jewelry with colorful and unusual ribbons.

We’ve covered tools, findings, and stringing material so far. Our next stop is beads!