Making your own jewelry can be fun for a variety of reasons: you can not only unleash your creativity, but also have the opportunity to create something truly unique and reflect your personality. Plus, making your own beaded necklace is super easy to do. Read this article for helpful tricks on how to make a beautiful beaded necklace.
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Part 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Prepare your beading materials and equipment
Make sure you have all of the following materials ready: beads, necklace string, wire cutters, crimp bead holders, super glue, and hooks to complete your necklace.
- The best options for string necklaces are beading wire and beading thread.
- All of these materials can be easily obtained at any craft store near you.
Step 2. Decide on the style of your necklace
When considering which necklace style you want to make, think about factors such as length. If you prefer a shorter necklace, you may want to consider getting a collar or choker. But if you like a longer necklace, you may want to make a lariat (or longer, usually chest-length).
- You can also make necklaces according to the style and length that you like. These are just a few simple suggestions to give you some initial inspiration.
- Keep in mind that the final length of the beaded necklace also includes the beads you use and the necklace clamp you choose.
Step 3. Determine the length of the necklace
The collar necklace is the shortest option, and only has an overall length of about 33 cm. The choker is slightly longer, which is between 35 to 40 cm. While the lariat necklace is the longest, which is about 115 cm more. As described above, you can also define your own necklace length and style.
Step 4. Measure your neck, and then determine the length of the necklace
Take your measuring tape and wrap it around your neck in front of the mirror. Try making big and small circles to see which one you like. This will give you an idea of how the necklace will look around your neck.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Necklace Design and Arrangement
Step 1. Arrange your beads on a flat surface, such as a table
Play with the beads until you find a design that you like best. Try different color variations, maybe even with a few layers of laces. You may want to make a choker that goes around your neck several times, or maybe just one long loop.
Step 2. Lay your bead board on a flat surface
A beading board is a tool that can greatly assist the process of threading beads into a string, and quickly beautify your designs. You can use it to measure the length of the necklace, while keeping the beads in place. If you plan to make necklaces on a regular basis, or even just occasionally, you might want to prepare a bead board for use.
- Place the beads in your chosen design at zero, and measure the length of your necklace using the numbers and the line along the sides.
- Use the grooves on the board to arrange the arrangement of the beads.
- Inserts on the board are used for placing beads and other decorations.
Step 3. Cut the string of beads to the length you specify, plus 15 cm
For example, if you want to make a choker, cut the string to a length of 49 cm (33 cm plus 16 cm).
Step 4. Prepare 2 crimp beads, 1 necklace clip, and the beads you want for your necklace
The next steps will give you tips on how to arrange the beads correctly.
Part 3 of 3: Making Beaded Necklaces
Step 1. Insert one bead into the string
Then insert a crimping bead into it, and then thread one more bead about 2.5 cm down. Remember this is not the time to get your designs on the string. This initial step is required to lock your necklace.
Step 2. Place one end of the clamp (necklace ring) after the crimping bead
Then make a loop with the rope.
Step 3. Thread the end of the string through the necklace clamp
Then insert the bead-crimp combination, and use pliers/tweezers to lock the bead in position.
- If you're using a beading string, you may need to apply a little superglue to one end to make sure the bead and crimp stay in place.
- This will protect the rope from rubbing against the end of the crimp bead, which can eventually cause it to break.
Step 4. Transfer the necklace design into the string
Once you are happy with your design, carefully transfer the designs from the board to the rope one by one. Make sure to leave a 7-inch (5-10 cm) rope at the end.
Thread the beads with string until none of them remain on your board
Step 5. Use necklace clasps and a bead-crimp bead combination
Try to press the remaining string into the bead hole under the crimping bead.
Be careful not to pull the rope too tightly. Leave a little space on the necklace 2-4 mm long. This space is needed for the beads to move and spin, so they don't rub against each other or with the string too often. If the straps are too tight, your necklace will become stiff, so your design will appear slanted instead of slightly coiled like a necklace should
Step 6. Attach the crimp bead to the end of the second necklace, and cut the string with pliers
It is not recommended that you cut the wire too close to the crimp bead. The remaining 2.5 cm of wire hidden in the beading holes is enough to protect your necklace from breaking.
