About Stringing

Flexible Wire

Flexible beading wire is available in different thicknesses, brands, quality and colours. All consist of very fine wires twisted together and covered with a smooth nylon coating. It is easy to use requiring no needle or super glue & only the use of a crimp.

Flexible wire comes in different strand quantities- for example 7, 19, 21 and 49. This refers to the number of wires entwined to compromise the diameter. The more strands, the more pliable the wire and the less likely it is that the wire will kink. The fine threads of wire are twisted together & covered in a thin layer of nylon.

• Tiger tail: 42x7. The most economical wire. Available in colours.
• Soft Touch: A revolutionary wire- knottable, kink resistant & re-usable. The wire is softer, stronger & more flexible than tiger tail.

Rigid Wire

This is often confused as a basic stringing wire.

If you use this to string your beads they will not have the fluidity or motion more flexible wire gives. It is available in many thicknesses (18 – 32 gauges).

Rigid wire can be bent, coiled, twisted and manipulated to form different shapes and link beads together. Wire is available in different gauges, hardness, shape, finish and colour. The thinner the wire, the higher the gauge numbers. We stock a German plated non-tarnish wire which is half hard. This means the wire has been treated by annealing or heating, making it strong whilst preventing brittleness.

Do not be tempted to purchase copper alloy from the hardware. It is cheaper which makes it attractive initially but it is a dead soft wire, which offers no resistance when working with it.

SWG or Standard Wire Gauge. (SWG* standard wire gauge is used in USA)

Memory Wire

A thin tempered stainless steel wire. It is rigid & retains its shape. It is Quick & Easy to use. Simply loop the end of the wire using round nose pliers, thread all beads onto it & secure the end by forming a loop.

You do not need to use a clasp.

Tip: use industrial strength pliers to cut this wire.

Cords & Leather

Use an array of fibres including thread and leather, especially knotting randomly. It is a great way to add texture

• Waxed Cord: A cheaper substitute to leather. Avail in .8mm
• Leather Thonging: Round 1.5mm. Gives an Ethnic appearance to your jewellery. Use to string beads with large holes.
• Elastic: Stretchy Bracelets. Simply secure with a double knot.

Threads & Needles

• Big Eye Needle: 5.4cm long with a 3.5cm eye. Stringing size 11/0 on thread for crochet, knitting or strung necklaces. They are not recommended for bead weaving.
• Fine Metal Needle: Use Size 10 for Bead Embroidery or Weaving.

Threads

• Nymo Thread: “D”. (USA Sizing) Use in Bead Weaving, Loom work & Embroidery. It is a multi strand industrial polyester thread, slightly waxed & twisted.
• 100% Silk Cord. Natural silk is the traditional stringing material used by beaders for centuries. Your designs will drape naturally. Avail in .7mm (thread size 6) in a range of colours on a card of 2 mtrs with a needle attached.

Tip: Thread Thickness

The thickness of the thread needs to be matched to the bead holes to avoid loose beads rubbing against it, which will cause the thread to fray and eventually snap.

A double strand of a thinner thread is more than secure than 1 thicker thread.

Chain

Chains are not just for bracelets or necklaces. Use chain lengths to add texture or make tassles. We stock a range of steel and brass base chains in belcher, curb and cable styles. Also avail are pre made chains secured with a bolt ring (16”, 18” and 24”) and our best selling fob chain bracelet. It makes a perfect base for a charm bracelet.