Crimp Beads and Crimp Tubes

These come in various sizes with the most common being No. 2.  When you buy a reel of Beadalon wire, there will be a picture on the reel that shows you which size crimp bead or crimp tube you should use.  Crimp beads/tubes are added at the end of your string of beads.  Crimp beads/tubes both do exactly the same job, it is purely a personal preference as to which 1 you use. 

Wire Guardians

These are shaped like a little horseshoe.  After you add a crimp bead at the end of your string of beads, you then thread the wire up through 1 side of the wire guardian and then down through the other side.  You then thread the wire back down through the crimp bead/tube that you have added. Once you have done this, you then need to use a pair of Flat Nose Pliers to “squash” the crimp bead/tube. This then ensures that your beads are securely in place.

 You then repeat the process of adding a crimp bead/tube and a wire guardian to the other end of your string of beads.  Once you have done this, you are then in a position to attach your clasp.

Jump Rings

A jump ring is used to attach your string of beads to your clasp.

I always use my flat nose pliers when I am opening a jump ring – trust me, it saves breaking your nails!!  When you open the jump ring, be sure to open it pushing/pulling the ring away from you.  Never try to open the jump ring by pulling it from left to right – doing this usually means that it is almost impossible to close the jump ring securely. If the jump ring isn’t securely closed, it means your necklace could very easily fall apart.

Once you have opened your jump ring, attach 1 side of your necklace (using the wire guardian) and also add 1 part of your clasp.  You can then close the jump ring.  Repeat the process with the other side and you will now have a completed necklace.

Clasps 

There is a great variety of clasps that you can use to finish off your jewellery.  Most people start off using either a Lobster Clasp or a Toggle Clasp. 

A lobster clasp, sometimes referred to as a “traditional” clasp has a lever to open it.  A toggle clasp is usually a round circle with a t-shaped bar.  Attach the round circle to 1 end of your jewellery using the jump ring and attach the t-shaped bar to the jump ring on the other end.  To close the clasp, thread the t-shaped bar through the circle.

I prefer using toggle clasps as they are much easier to do up yourself.

Please see our Clasp Guide Blog for more detailed information about the variety of clasps that are available

Thread

Here is a variety of thread available but the most popular are – Nymo, KO thread and Fireline.

Nymo thread is the cheapest of the 3 however, you will need to use something like Thread Heaven to “condition” your thread.  Whenever you use a new piece of thread, be sure to run it through your fingers first (this is relevant to all types of thread.)  This takes out any stretch.  To use Thread Heaven, run your thread over the surface.  This will help to prevent splitting and knots.

KO thread is a pre-conditioned thread made in Japan.  Again, it is essential to run the thread through your fingers before you start to use it.  KO thread comes in a great variety of colours and has become more popular than Nymo thread as it doesn’t split or knot anywhere near as much.

Fireline is the preferred thread of many seed beaders.  It comes in different weights.  Generally speaking the 4lb thread is a good choice but it you are using larger beads then you may want to choose the 6lb.  Again, experience will help you to make decisions as to which is the best for you to use.

Needles

There are many types of needles.  Please see our Needles Blog for a more in depth description of the needles that are available.

For those of you who are just beginning to think about creating jewellery using seed beads then there are 2 sizes of needles that you will probably want to choose from.

Size 10 needles are great for beading using beads as small as a Size 11 Delica or Seed bead.  If you are using Size 15 Delica or Seed beads then you will need to use a Size 12 needle.  This is slightly finer and enables you to make several passes through the beads.