A beaded necklace is a classic piece of jewelry that is both affordable and versatile. There are so many different ways to make a beaded necklace, and all it takes is some seed beads, an awareness of color schemes, and a little bit of creativity. You don’t need any special skills or techniques to create your own personal design. Once you understand the essential steps involved in making your own bead necklaces, you’ll find it’s not as challenging as you first expected. Let us take you through the process with this detailed guide on how to make a beaded necklace!
How To Make A Beaded Necklace?
Step 1: Pick your beads
This is the most important part! You can’t make a necklace without beads, so find a type that you like. You can go for a certain color, or pick beads that represent something to you. Some bead types include glass, plastic, crystal, metal, and gemstones. When choosing beads, make sure you have enough to create your piece. A good amount to start with is 15-20 beads. You can always add more if you want a longer necklace.
Step 2: String your beads
If you are making a necklace, string your beads onto a thread or string. If you are making a bracelet, use a loom to string your beads. It’s helpful to have a diagram of what your necklace will look like, so you know where to place your beads. This will make it so much easier to follow your diagram and make sure you don’t mess up. Try to avoid knots when stringing beads. If you have to tie a knot, it’s best to use a square knot. When you’re finished, you can use a lighter to melt the ends of your thread to prevent fraying. Simply hold the thread or string at the end and run the lighter back and forth along the thread until it’s melted.
Step 3: Create a clasp or hook for your necklace
If you are making a necklace, this is optional. If you are making a bracelet, a clasp will be necessary. There are many types of clasps, so choose one that works best with the beads you are using. You can use a simple knot, a sliding knot, or a hook to finish off your necklace. If you are making a bracelet, you will need a hook-type clasp to finish the bracelet.
Step 4: Sew on your button and/or hook
For a necklace, you can sew on a button that’s the same color and/or design as your beads. If you want to go with a simple necklace, pick a button that matches your beads. If you are making a bracelet, you can sew on a hook for the other end of your clasp. Make sure to pick a strong and sturdy hook that can hold up your bracelet and whatever else you want to hang from it. If you are making a bracelet, a button can still be used. The button will double as a stopper for the hook. Simply sew the button to the back of the bracelet in the center. Then, sew the hook to the front of the bracelet to hold your other beads.
Step 5: Make a chain to connect the button and hook.
For a necklace, you can use a chain to connect your button and clasp. To make a chain, you’ll need to find the center of your necklace and then use a needle and thread to string beads. As you thread a bead onto the thread, pass the thread through the eye of the needle before pulling it through the bead. This will ensure the thread is secured so it doesn’t fall off the beads. For a bracelet, you can use a chain to connect your button and hook. To make a chain for a bracelet, string beads until you have a length that will fit around your wrist.
What you’ll need to make a beaded necklace
The first step in making a beaded necklace is to gather the tools you’ll need. You won’t need much, so it’s easy to put together an inexpensive kit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beads – First off, you’ll want to decide what type of bead you want to use. There are hundreds of different types of beads available to suit every style and taste. If you’re new to beading, we recommend choosing seed beads, which are small, round beads that are very easy to work with. When selecting beads, think about what color scheme you want to use.
- A bead threader – A bead threader is a simple tool that makes threading seed beads much easier. It’s basically a short length of stiff wire with a tiny hook at the end. If you don’t have a bead threader, you can also use a thin crochet hook, a bent paperclip, or a thin knitting needle.
- A beading needle – This is the traditional tool used to string beads. Beading needles are long and thin, with a large eye and a sharp point. They’re designed to pass through the beads’ holes easily. If you need to use a sewing needle, choose a size that’s suitable for the strand of beads that you’re using.
- Scissors – A small pair of scissors will come in handy for cutting your thread and threading your beads. If you’re making a choker or a children’s necklace, you may want to use a small, child-safe pair.
- A threader or a bead mat (optional): A threader is a small, diamond-shaped piece of stiff fabric with a row of grooves along each side. It helps to keep your beads in order while you’re stringing them and is especially useful when stringing large numbers of beads. You can also use a bead mat, which is a small mat or board with a grid of holes in it where you can rest your beads. This makes it easy to see your color scheme at a glance.
- A ruler – A clear ruler is a good investment if you plan to make many beaded jewelry pieces. The clear grid lines make it easy to estimate bead placement.
- A measuring tape – You’ll need this to measure the length of thread that you’ll need for each necklace.
- A thread spool holder or bobbin – A spool holder or bobbin is the best way to store your thread. It keeps it from tangling and keeps it from unwinding.
- A pair of tweezers – You’ll use these to position the beads while you’re stringing them.
- A thimble (optional) If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to use a thimble while stringing your beads. It’ll keep your fingers safe.
What Types Of Beaded Necklaces?
There are many different types of beaded necklaces that you can make. Your choice of necklace style will depend on your personal preference, the type of beads you choose, and the length of necklace you want to make. Here are some of the most common styles of beaded necklaces.
- Beaded choker – A choker is a short necklace that fits snugly around the base of the wearer’s neck. Chokers are suitable for both adult women and younger girls.
- Beaded cincher – A beaded cincher is a long, flexible beaded necklace worn around the lower torso or upper hips.
- Beaded collar – A beaded collar is a thick, single-strand necklace that sits closely around the wearer’s neck.
- Beaded collar necklace – A collar necklace is a two-strand necklace with the top strand being a thick collar piece.
- Beaded lariat – A lariat is a long necklace with a clasp at one end and a decorative clasp at the other end.
- Beaded suspender- A beaded suspender is a long necklace with decorative clasps at both ends.
- Beaded tassel – A beaded tassel is a long, single-strand necklace with decorative tips at both ends of the strand.
- Beaded choker necklace – A beaded choker necklace is a single-strand necklace that ends in a decorative bead at the wearer’s collarbone.
- Beaded choker – A beaded choker is a single-strand necklace with a decorative bead at the wearer’s collarbone and another decorative bead at the end of the necklace.
- Beaded choker wrap – A beaded choker wrap is a single-strand necklace that ends in a decorative bead at the wearer’s collarbone and has a decorative clasp at the opposite end.
- Beaded collar wrap – A beaded collar wrap is a two-strand necklace with decorative clasps at both ends. One strand sits closely around the wearer’s neck, and the second strand hangs loosely around the wearer’s chest.
- Beaded lariat necklace – A beaded lariat necklace is a two-strand necklace with a decorative bead at one end of each strand and decorative clasps at the other ends. – Beaded lariat wrap
- A beaded lariat wrap is a two-strand necklace with decorative clasps at both ends. One strand sits closely around the wearer’s neck, and the second strand hangs loosely around the wearer’s chest.
- Beaded suspender necklace – A beaded suspender necklace is a long necklace with decorative clasps at both ends.
- Beaded suspender wrap – A beaded suspender wrap is a long necklace with decorative clasps at both ends. One strand sits closely around the wearer’s neck, and the second strand hangs loosely around the wearer’s chest.
- Beaded tassel necklace – A beaded tassel necklace is a long, single-strand necklace with decorative tips at both ends of the strand.
- Beaded tassel wrap – A beaded tassel wrap is a long, single-strand necklace with decorative tips at both ends of the strand. One strand sits closely around the wearer’s neck, and the second strand hangs loosely around the wearer’s chest.
Conclusion
Make sure you have everything you need before you start stringing your beads. Once you’ve completed your beaded necklace or bracelet, you can wear it with just about anything. You can even wear it as a bracelet if you’ve made a shorter necklace. Beading is a fun hobby that almost anyone can do. It’s a great way to relieve stress and express yourself. You can use different beads to create pieces that are perfect for different occasions, like birthdays, weddings, and more!