Stringing Mediums for Beads

Now, what do you string all those beads onto? With all the new technology available today there are almost as many types of stringing material as there are beads and findings. In my article Struggling with String, I discuss all the different types in great detail, but for bead stringing, I suggest starting off with some nylon thread that comes on a card and has an attached needle with it. If you are using average sized beads from 4 to 6mm, get size number 4 in whatever color you want. Another material you will want to take a look at is beading wire. There are numerous manufacturers of this product and while they each differ a little, they are all basically a type of metal wire that is coated. Some of the manufacturers who make this include Soft-Flex, Beadalon, and Accuflex. Get a small roll that is in the middle as far as thickness, like around .014 or .015mm. Most bead vendors also sell stringing material as well.

Wow, I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface here! However, this should help you at least get started making beautiful beaded jewelry.