How to String Beads – Learn How to Do it the Right Way

Almost every beading project you create involves stringing beads onto either thread, cord, or wire. The precise method you use depends on your stringing material.

Stringing with Cord or Wire

To string with cord or wire, follow these steps:

1. Finish one end of the thread: Thread a connector, finishing, or other finding at one end of the cord or wire. If you don’t plan to use a finding, just tie a knot to secure the beads you’re stringing.
2. String beads and findings: In the order or pattern you planned out before starting, string the beads and findings onto the cord or thread without using a needle.
3. Finish the other end: When you’ve strung beads onto the cord to your desired length, attach a finding or make a knot in the other end of the cord or wire.
4. Attach additional findings: Depending on the project, you may need to attach more findings to finish.

Stringing with Thread

Working with thread isn’t much different from working with cord or wire, though there’s one key exception: you’ll have to use a beading needle to pull the thread through the beads. If you’re working with Nymo, you may also want to coat the thread by running it across a block of beeswax.

Threading a Beading Needle

Most beaders use standard beading needles, which are very slender and can be difficult to thread. If you have trouble threading your beading needle, try these tips:

• Move the needle: Rather than try to push the thread through the needle, hold the thread steady and move the eye of the needle toward it.
• Flatten the thread: Flatten the edge of the thread with your teeth or a pair of flat- or round-nose pliers.
• Use a needle threader: A needle threader is a small tool with a tiny loop of wire filament. Slip the loop of filament through the eye of the needle, lower the end of the thread through the filament loop, then pull the filament back out through the eye, threading the needle in the process.
  

Knotting Between Beads

When stringing expensive beads such as pearls, it’s a good idea to knot between each bead. Doing so will help:

• Make your project more secure: If the thread breaks, the beads remain in place.
• Prevent abrasion: Each knot creates a bit of space to stop beads from rubbing against each other.

How to Knot Between Beads

1. Finish one end of the thread (with a knot, crimp bead, or other finding). String the first bead, pushing it until it’s flush against the knot. Then tie a loose knot.

2. Insert a beading awl (or a long pin if you don’t have a beading awl) through the knot.

3. Holding the thread with one hand, use the other hand to push the knot and awl toward the first bead until they’re both right up against the bead.

4. Remove the awl and tighten the knot, keeping the knot close to the bead.

5. Repeat this knotting technique between beads as often as desired.