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.

Beginner Jewelry Making Instructions
Bead Stringing Basics

String a simple bead necklace. Here, I used sponge coral rondelle shaped 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 finishes the ends of a necklace or bracelet to hold it 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 the end of the beading wire

• Use split ring pliers to attach a lobster claw clasp onto a split ring

• String that split ring (or jump ring) onto the end of the beading wire

• Pass the beading wire back through the crimp bead and a few more of the beads

• Using crimping pliers, crimp the crimp bead

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 beaded necklace 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

Special Note:

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

You can simply use one size of beads. That way you will only have to buy one 16" (40.6 cm) strand of beads.

Jewelry Making Supplies to Buy

• one strand of beads, 15 or 16" (38.1 or 40.6 cm) in length (I used 10mm beads)
• 2 crimp tube beads
• 2 split rings
• 1 lobster claw clasp
• 24" (61 cm) .019 diameter flexible beading wire (sold by the spool)
• eight 10mm size beads (Optional)
• six 6mm size beads (Optional)
• two crimp covers (Optional)
• one Beading Board (Optional)

Here's information on 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

• Round nose pliers (Optional for this project, but very helpful)
• Crimping pliers
• Wire cutters

Here is an explanation and pictures of jewelry pliers used in bead jewelry projects.

Jewelry Making for Beginners
How to String Beads

Jewelry Beading Instructions for Stringing Beads

Layout Design

1. 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 mark. My necklace without the clasp will be 18' long.

Try one or two different bead arrangements before deciding on one.

String Beads

2. 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 grasp and work the lobster claw clasp.

Continue to string the beads until you've strung all the beads.

Check Design

3. After stringing the beads, check your beaded necklace design to see if you have strung the beads in the design that you wanted.

Make any necessary adjustments.

You're learning how to string beads!

Prepare Clasp

4. A split ring and the lobster claw make up the clasp.

Using the split ring pliers, open a split spring and slide it onto the lobster claw clasp.

Note: It is not necessary to add the split ring (you could string the beading wire directly through the loop on the lobster claw).

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

5. On one end of the strand of beads, string a crimp bead and half of the clasp (split ring and lobster claw) onto the flexible beading wire.

Draw Beads Against Clasp

6. Thread the end of the flexible beading wire back through the crimp bead and a few sponge coral beads, making a loop to hold the split ring and lobster claw.

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 9. We'll secure the clasp in Step 10.

How to String Beads Instructions Continued

Clasp Help

7. If you find it difficult to draw the beads against the clasp with just your fingers, try this.

Beading Tip: Place the tip of the round nose pliers between the split ring and the crimp tube bead. Pull the end of the flexible beading wire, drawing the beads against one another.

Attach Second Half of Clasp

8. Repeat Steps 5 - 7 on the second end of the necklace.

The second split ring is the second half of the clasp.

You're halfway to knowing how to string beads!

Check Fit

9. There's no picture for this specific task. Before we crimp or secure the crimp beads, we need to see how (and if) the necklace will fit on our neck.

Gently pick up your necklace by both ends and go to a mirror.

Facing the mirror, clasp the necklace around your neck. See where and how it rests against your neck.

Is it long or short enough? If not, you'll need to do Step 6 in reverse (pull the beading wire back through or out of the beads). Add more or remove some beads and then redo Step 6.

When you're satisfied with the length and fit move onto Step 10.

How to String Beads Instructions Continued

The Crimping Process

10. Crimp each crimp bead using crimping pliers, also known as the Crimping Process: Steps 10 - 15. This secures the clasp onto the end of the necklace.

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)

Crimp the Clasp

Pick up your crimping pliers, place the crimp tube of one necklace end 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.

11. Next, place the crimp tube into the notch closest to the pliers' tip.

12. Squeeze the pliers shut, folding the crimp tube bead in half onto itself.

Trim Excess Wire

13. Now, using the wire cutters, trim the excess flexible beading wire.

Add a Crimp Cover

14. This step is optional, but adds a finished look to beaded jewelry.

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.

Close the Crimp Cover

15. Now, take the crimping pliers and place the covered crimp bead in the notch closest to the crimping pliers' tip. Gently squeeze the pliers shut to close the crimp cover.

Hang in there, you're almost finished. You're getting the hang of how to string beads!

Ensure a Natural Drape

16. 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

17. Repeat Steps 10 - 15 on the other end of the necklace.

From Strand of Beads to Beaded Necklace...Beautiful!

Congratulations! You did it. Now you know how to string a bead necklace!

Follow these easy beginner jewelry making instructions and you will be successful in making a beautiful beaded necklace too. Yours to wear proudly!

Beginner Jewelry Making

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

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

You will also try stringing different sizes and types of beads. See how this graduated strand of beads presents a more classic look.

The possibilities are endless!

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 Like Beaded Jewelry

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

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

Keep making beaded jewelry!

Return from How to String Beads to How to Make Beaded Jewelry page