From Beads To Beautiful: How To Make A Beaded Necklace

I’m always looking for new projects to try, so I was excited when a friend asked me if I’d like to make a bead necklace. After all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to craft something beautiful and unique.

So read on for all the tips and tricks of the trade from my experience in making this necklace and then go out and make your own!

How to make elegant necklace with beads. Crystal beads

Takeaways
Beaded necklaces are a great way to express your personal style and creativity.
To make a beaded necklace, you’ll need to choose the right beads and stringing materials, as well as the right tools and techniques for your design.
There are many different types of beads available, including glass, plastic, and natural materials, such as gemstones and pearls.
Some common stringing materials include beading thread, wire, and cord, and the best option for your necklace will depend on factors such as bead size and weight, and overall style.
To finish your beaded necklace, tie a knot or crimp bead at the ends of your stringing material, or add a clasp or jump ring to create a closure.
Be sure to take breaks when making beaded necklaces to avoid eye strain and hand fatigue.
With the right materials and techniques, you can create unique and beautiful beaded necklaces that reflect your personal style and creativity.

What You’ll Need

In order to make your own beaded necklace, you’ll need the following:

Beads. You can use any kind of beads you like, but here are some tips:

o If you’re using a type of bead that’s not round, make sure it has a hole big enough to fit onto the cord (the string)

o Look at the hole in each bead before threading it onto the cord—you don’t want any beads to come loose along the way!

Cord. This will act as your necklace chain. To ensure that your necklace is long enough for all of its components, measure around your neck with a tape measure and add about six inches (15 centimeters) so there’s room for adjustment later on. Cut two pieces from this length; one should be shorter than the other by about an inch (2 cm).

Clasp/hook closure (optional). This can be anything from nothing at all to something fancy made out of metal or plastic; just keep in mind how heavy everything else is before choosing one option over another!

Also note that if using multiple rows of beads at once on each end means more weight than should go into one clasp/hook closure then consider using two pieces instead – they’re easier than adding them later when they might slip off anyway under pressure due to sweatiness during hot days etc..

Beading is a great way to create unique and personalized pieces of jewelry without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you’ll love these 10 easy DIY jewelry projects that are perfect for any occasion.

Collect Your Beads And Supplies

When it comes to making a beaded necklace, there are two things you’ll need: beads and supplies.

You can source these from craft stores or online retailers. For example, I bought my beading loom and thread on Amazon for about $12:

Beads (or pendants, charms, etc.)
Loom tool/needles
Looming thread—look for a size that’s slightly bigger than the holes in your beads; I used size 12 cotton embroidery floss but found that 14-16 is more common

Beads	Description
Glass Beads	Made of glass, come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Popular glass bead brands include Miyuki and Toho.
Seed Beads	Small, cylindrical beads often used for embroidery or bead weaving. Popular seed bead brands include Preciosa and CzechMates.
Gemstone Beads	Made from natural materials, such as stones and minerals. Come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Popular gemstone bead brands include Dakota Stones and Fire Mountain Gems.
Wood Beads	Made from all-natural wood materials. Great for earthy, bohemian looks. Popular wood bead brands include Bead Landing and Artbeads.
Metal Beads	Come in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes, including gold, silver and antique. Popular metal bead brands include TierraCast and Nunn Design.

Supplies	Description
Beading Thread	A strong, durable thread used to string beads together. Popular beading thread brands include Fireline and Wildfire.
Beading Wire	A flexible wire used for beading. Comes in various thicknesses and finishes. Popular beading wire brands include Beadalon and Soft Flex.
Crimping Pliers	Used to secure crimp beads onto beading wire or thread. Popular crimping plier brands include Beadalon and Xuron.
Beading Needles	Thin, flexible needles used for bead weaving and embroidery. Come in various sizes and lengths. Popular beading needle brands include Beadalon and The Beadsmith.
Pliers and Cutters	Used for opening and closing jump rings, creating loops, cutting wire and more. Popular plier and cutter brands include Lindstrom and Wubbers.

Collecting Your Beads and Supplies

This table highlights some popular types of beads and supplies you might need when making a beaded necklace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jewelry maker, collecting the right materials is key to creating a beautiful and unique necklace.

From glass and seed beads to gemstones and wood, there are many options to choose from. And, with the right supplies, such as beading thread, wire, and crimping pliers, you’ll be able to create a secure and beautiful finished product.

Remember The Design Basics

As you work on your necklace, it’s important to remember a few basic principles of design.

Use a pattern: Putting together a beaded necklace seems like it should be an intuitive process, but if you start with nothing but beads and string, you’ll find yourself with a lot of loose ends by the end of the project. Using something like this pattern will help keep everything organized and give your project an elegant feel.

Make sure you have enough beads: You may want to get creative with color combinations or unusual shapes, but don’t forget that if your beadwork is falling short in some areas (say for instance around the clasp), then those gaps could cause problems later on in terms of durability and wearability and no one wants their jewelry breaking!

Better safe than sorry when it comes down to things like this so always make sure there’s enough room on either side where necessary so nobody gets their fingers stuck while trying them on later down line…

Making a beaded bracelet is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your jewelry collection. If you’ve never made one before, check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a beaded bracelet for beginners and get started today.

Pick Your Favorite Clasp

Now, it’s time to pick your favorite clasp.

There are lots of different types of clasps out there. You can buy them in stores or make them yourself out of jewelry supplies. Some common choices include:

Metal clasps – These range from simple lobster-claw hooks to fancy lobster-claw and magnetic clasps.

Silk cord – This is a versatile material that can be used for everything from necklaces to bracelets, but it does tend to snag on the beads if you don’t use something under the knotting thread (like nylon floss).

Plastic clasps – These work well with lightweight beadwork because they’re easy to open and close without damaging anything else on your piece (like stringing wire).

Beaded clasps – Often made by gluing together two halves of a shell or clam together at one end using hot glue so that they look like one continuous piece when attached together again later!

Choose The Best Cord

Cord is the string used to make a necklace. It can be made of many different materials, including leather, cotton and silk. Cord comes in many different thicknesses, including thin, medium and thick.

The most common cord used for beadwork is size 10 beading thread which has a 0.8mm diameter (this is also known as 80 weight).

This type of cord is very strong and durable but it does have limitations as to how large you can make your pendant before it becomes too heavy or bulky.

We recommend using a size 16 crochet thread when working on necklaces with small beads or if you want something that will not stretch too much when worn around the neck!

Bead weaving is a popular jewelry-making technique that involves using a needle and thread to sew beads together. If you’re interested in trying it out, be sure to read our guide on Bead Weaving 101 to learn the basics and get started on your first project.

Consider A Beading Pattern

A bead pattern is a series of beads that are strung together to form a design on your necklace. The most common bead patterns are peyote stitch, brick stitch and right angle weave.

Peyote stitch: In this type of beadwork there are no knots at the ends of rows; you will connect your thread to the previous row by twisting it around itself or through one of its stitches.

Brick stitch (aka brick lace): This type of beading uses 3 beads per row as opposed to 2 in peyote stitch. It is used for very thick strands and makes an attractive pattern when viewed from either side of the strand because there are usually 4 rows per inch instead of just two like in peyote stitching

Right Angle Weave (Rigid Square): This type is worked sideways so each row wraps around to meet its neighbor at right angles creating squares with sides made up entirely out from straight lines; thus their name “right angle weave”.

Schedule In Bead Work Time

You can’t just make your necklace whenever you feel like it. Bead work is a craft that requires attention to details and a schedule.

You’ll need to set aside some time each day, or even week, to work on your piece. This is especially important because beadwork involves so many different steps and materials (even if you only use one type of bead).

You’ll also need to have the right tools and supplies on hand before you start working on your necklaces.

Make sure that all the tools are clean and ready for use; if they’re not clean or stored properly, then they won’t work as well as they should when it comes time for them to be used in making something beautiful!

It’s also important that there are no missing pieces in any step of the process; make sure everything is there before beginning so nothing goes wrong later down the line!

With so many different types of beads to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which ones to use for your next project. That’s why we’ve created a guide on the different types of beads and how to use them to help you select the right beads for your jewelry-making needs.

Find A Soft Surface To Work On

Now you’re ready to start work! It’s important to have a soft surface to lay your beads on so that they don’t break. You can use a soft towel or pillow, rolled up newspapers or magazines, or even a table covered in cloth.

Plan Your Necklace Length At Outset

When it comes to length, you’ll want to consider two factors: how long you’d like your necklace to be and how easily you can wear it.

A necklace that’s too long will end up getting tangled in your clothing or pulled down by gravity. One that’s too short might not fall properly at the right spot on your neckline.

So, what’s the ideal length? That depends on personal preference and purpose, but we recommend making sure any beadwork creation has enough slack so that it doesn’t hang too low on anyone’s shoulders especially if they’re wearing high-waisted pants (or dresses).

Necklace Length	Description
Choker	14 inches or less. Sits close to the neck and is ideal for showcasing a pendant or layered with longer necklaces.
Princess	16-18 inches. A classic length that sits at the collarbone. Ideal for most necklines and great for layering with shorter or longer necklaces.
Matinee	20-24 inches. A longer length that sits just above the bust. Great for high necklines or for layering with shorter necklaces.
Opera	28-36 inches. A very long length that sits at the breastbone or lower. Can be worn as a single strand or doubled up for a layered look.
Rope	36 inches or longer. A very long length that can be worn as a single strand, doubled or tripled up for a layered look, or knotted for added interest.

Plan Your Necklace Length At Outset

This table illustrates the different necklace lengths available and their respective descriptions. Planning your necklace length at the outset is important, as it affects both how your necklace will look and how comfortable it will be to wear.

Consider factors such as your body type, neck size, and the neckline of your outfit when choosing a necklace length. With the right length, your necklace will be both stylish and comfortable to wear.

Go Easy On The Glue

I’ve tried many different kinds of glue, but my favorite is E6000. It’s strong enough to hold the beads in place, dries quickly and doesn’t leave any residue on them.

I also like it because it comes in a gel form that allows you to work with small amounts at a time which means less waste if you’re not happy with how something turns out.

If you use this kind of glue for your project, make sure that it’s safe for your beads! There are some glues out there that will stain or discolor certain materials over time (like shell or stone). If you’re unsure about whether or not one will work for your project just check the label before using it!

Making handmade jewelry is a great way to express your creativity and showcase your unique style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to make handmade jewelry for tips, techniques, and inspiration to help you get started.

Skip The Knots (For An Elegant Look)

First, take your cord and measure it against the length of your necklace. You want it to be long enough that there’s no chance you can pull out any beads or charms without taking off the necklace.

If you have a clasp on your necklace, add about 1/4 inch extra so that the clasp has room to open up and close securely. If you don’t have a clasp on your necklace, then just make sure that the ends are even and don’t overlap each other when they come together at the top (this will make it hard for both ends to fit into each other).

Now take one end of your wire cord in each hand and twist them together until they form an initial knot (this looks similar to a square knot).

Next, continue twisting these two strands around each other until they form another initial knot but this time with four strands instead of two!

Repeat these steps until all four strands have been wrapped around one another at least once more than their original length; this means if there were five original twists in one direction before making an “X-shaped” pattern out from there…then now there should be six total twists plus one additional loop being made before returning back down again.

Try Out Some Finishing Touches. Your New Necklace Is Now Complete!

Now that you’ve got your necklace, you may want to add a few finishing touches. These include:

A hangtag or label. This can be just a small piece of paper identifying the product’s name and materials. It can also include information on how to care for the item, who made it and when it was made, where it was sold and by whom, etc.

A safety tag or warranty card (if applicable). This will list any potential hazards associated with using the product along with instructions on how best to avoid them if possible—for example, “Do not use near water” or “Do not leave child unattended while wearing.”

If there are any special warnings about using your new jewelry as part of an activity such as swimming or scuba diving (or even showering!), these should be included here as well!

Finishing Touch	Description
Clasp	A metal fastener that attaches the ends of a necklace or bracelet together. Popular clasp brands include Lobster Claw, Toggle, and Spring Ring.
Pendant	A decorative piece that hangs from the necklace chain. Pendants can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wire, and beads.
Charms	Small decorative pieces that can be attached to a necklace chain or bracelet. Popular charm brands include Pandora and Alex and Ani.
Crimp Bead	A small metal bead used to secure the ends of a beading wire or thread. Crimp beads can be flattened with crimp pliers to create a secure closure.
Spacer Beads	Small beads used to separate larger beads and add visual interest to a necklace. Popular spacer bead brands include TierraCast and Beadalon.

Try Out Some Finishing Touches. Your New Necklace Is Now Complete!

This table highlights some popular finishing touches that you can add to your necklace to complete the look. From adding a clasp to attaching a pendant or charm, there are many ways to customize your necklace and make it uniquely yours. Try incorporating some of these finishing touches into your next necklace project to add a touch of personal style.

Conclusion

Now that you have the skills to make your own bead necklace, what will you do? You can go all out with a long, luxurious and beautiful piece of jewelry or keep it simple with just a few beads and a clasp. Either way is great because you will be proud of this piece for years to come!

FAQs

What tools do I need to make a beaded necklace?

To make a beaded necklace, you’ll need a few essential tools, including pliers, wire cutters, beading needles, and beading thread or wire.

How do I choose the right beads for my necklace?

When selecting beads for your necklace, consider factors such as color, size, material, and shape. Choose beads that complement each other and the overall style of your necklace.

What type of stringing material should I use for my necklace?

The best type of stringing material for your necklace depends on factors such as bead size and weight, desired drape, and overall style. Common options include beading thread, beading wire, and cord.

How do I finish my beaded necklace?

To finish your beaded necklace, tie a knot or crimp bead at the ends of your stringing material to secure your beads in place. You can also add a clasp or jump ring to create a closure.

What are some tips for making a beaded necklace?

Some tips for making a beaded necklace include selecting quality beads and stringing materials, planning your design before you begin, taking breaks to avoid eye strain and hand fatigue, and experimenting with different textures and shapes.

Hellen James

Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.