How to String Beads Tutorial
Beginner Jewelry Beading Instructions

Learn how to make beaded jewelry by learning how to string beads. Use step by step illustrated jewelry beading instructions for stringing beads into a necklace.

Bead Stringing Basics

String a bead necklace in sponge coral rondelle beads and sterling silver accent beads for an everyday look.

Stringing beads is one of the most basic beading techniques used to make handcrafted beaded jewelry.

How to String Beads Overview

A lot of us first learn how to bead using the jewelry making or beading technique called crimping.

Crimping is how we finish the ends of the necklace or bracelet to hold together to wear it.

The most common crimping method uses beading wire and crimp beads. You simply...

• String beads onto beading wire
• String a crimp tube bead onto each end of the beading wire
• String a split ring onto each end of the beading wire
• Use split ring pliers to attach a lobster claw clasp onto one of the split rings
• Crimp the crimp beads using crimping pliers

Not to worry. Each step is explained below step by step with pictures!

Stringing Beads
Jewelry Beading for Beginners

You'll learn not only the how, but the why of stringing beads. So, the next time that you want to string beads you can create your own bead jewelry design.

Though optional, using a beading board aids in measuring and planning a beaded necklace design.

If you didn't already, please review an Introduction on How to Make a Beaded Necklace. It reviews the basic steps to making a beaded necklace design. You'll learn how to string beads more quickly if you do.

Let's Learn How to String Beads!

Beading Tutorial Category: Bead Stringing Tutorials

Skill Level: Beginning Beading

Finished Length of Necklace: 19" (48.3 cm), including a 1" (2.5 cm) clasp

Jewelry Making Supplies to Buy

Special Note:

In this beginner bead stringing project, I have used three different sizes of beads to make this beaded necklace.

You can simply use one size of beads. That way you will only have to buy one 16" strand of beads.

1 - 16" strand of 10mm beads 8 - 10mm beads (Optional) 6 - 6mm beads (Optional) 2 - crimp tube beads 2 - split rings 2 - crimp covers (Optional) 1 - lobster claw clasp 24" .019 diameter flexible beading wire 1 - Beading Board (Optional)

Here's an overview of flexible beading wire used to string beads.

Close Up of Jewelry Findings

Here's an explanation and pictures of other jewelry findings used to make jewelry.

Jewelry Making Tools to Buy

• Crimping pliers
• Wire cutters
• Round nose pliers (Optional)

Here's an explanation and pictures of jewelry pliers used in bead stringing projects.

How to String Beads Like a Pro...

Jewelry Beading Instructions for Stringing Beads

Step One	Layout Design
	Layout your beads in an eye pleasing design. Center your design at the center, or zero, on the beading board. The numbers on the bead board are guides for length and bead placement. My beads end at the number 9. My necklace without the clasp will be 18' long. Try one or two different bead arrangements before deciding on one.

Step Two	String Beads
	String the beads one by one onto the flexible beading wire. The 6mm beads are strung onto the flexible beading first and last to form the back of the necklace. This slight graduation of the beads allows room for your fingers to better work the figure 8 lobster claw clasp. Continue to string the beads until you've strung all the beads.

Step Three	Check Design
	After stringing the beads, check your beaded necklace design to see if you've strung the beads in the design that you wanted. Make any necessary adjustments. You're learning how to string beads!

Step Four	Prepare Clasp
	A split ring and the figure 8 lobster claw make up the clasp. Using the split ring pliers, open a split spring and slide it onto the lobster claw clasp. Though it's not necessary to add the split ring, I like to add it because it also gives the opening mechanism on the lobster claw clasp a litter extra room to work.

	Attach One Half of Clasp
	On one end of the strand of beads, string a crimp bead and half of the clasp onto the flexible beading wire.

	Draw Beads Against Clasp
	Thread the end of the flexible beading wire back through the crimp bead and a few sponge coral beads. Pull on the wire to draw the beads next to the clasp. Note: Do not crimp the clasp yet. We'll check the fit in step 5. We'll secure the clasp in step 6.

Tip	Clasp Help
	If you find it difficult to draw the beads against the clasp with just your fingers, try this. Place the tip of the round nose pliers between the split ring and the crimp tube bead and pull on the end of the flexible beading wire.

	Attach Second Half of Clasp
	You're halfway to knowing how to string beads! Repeat Step Four on the second end of the necklace. The second split ring is the second half of the clasp.

Step 6:

Crimp each crimp bead using crimping pliers, also known as...

The Crimping Process

I call Steps 6 - 8 the Crimping Process. You'll do three things...

1. Crimp each crimp bead using crimping pliers
2. Trim the excess wire
3. Add a crimp cover over the crimped crimp bead (optional)

Step 6	Crimp the Clasp
	Secure the clasp on one end of the necklace. Place the crimp tube into the notch closest to the pliers' handle. Try to ensure that the wires are separated, one wire on each side of the notch. Squeeze the pliers shut.

	Place the crimp tube into the notch closest to the pliers' tip.

	Squeeze the pliers shut.

Step 7	Trim Wire
	Trim the excess flexible beading wire.

Step 8	Add a Crimp Cover
	Place (or press) the folded crimp bead into the crimp cover. You may have to place the crimp cover, opening face up, onto a flat work surface and really press or work the crimped crimp bead into the crimp cover.

	Place the covered crimp bead in the notch closest to the crimping pliers' tip and gently squeeze the pliers. You're almost there! You're getting the hang of how to string beads!

Step 9	Ensure a Natural Drape
	Before you secure the second half of the clasp, arrange the beads in a semi circle to simulate how it would fit on your neck. Do this versus securing the clasp with the beads in a straight line. This ensures that when the necklace is finished, the beads are not too tight fitting and will drape more naturally. Secure Second Half of Clasp Repeat Steps 6 - 8 on the other end of the necklace.

You're done!	Beautiful!
	Congratulations, you know how to string a bead necklace! I know you were successful and now have a beautiful beaded necklace.

I hope you found this How to String Beads Tutorial easy to follow.

There were a lot of steps. Over time, you'll find short cuts as you develop your own way of stringing beads.

Now, would you like to find out how to make your necklace look more like designer jewelry? Yes? Here's how...

Beading Tip to Make Designer Beaded Jewelry

Add a jewelry extender! Jewelry extenders are not only functional, but add a designer touch to handmade jewelry.

Here, make your own necklace extender and begin to make designer handmade jewelry!

Keep making beaded jewelry!

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