What Is Beading Elastic?

Bracelets made with beading elastic

Beading elastic--also known as "stretchy cord"--is a craft material that enables beading enthusiasts to make more complex pieces without years of practice. The elasticity of the cord eliminates the need for clasps on snug-fitting bracelets or necklaces. This allows the crafter to concentrate on the aesthetics of the design and not the problems of assembly.

Function

Beading elastic includes the many types of stretchy material that crafters use to string beads. Typically, the crafter strings the beads on the beading elastic, then stretches the elastic to knot the two ends together. The result is a beaded loop where the beads are pulled together due to the elasticity of the stringing material. A simple example would be a child's beaded bracelet that could be stretched to fit over the hand, unlike a bracelet stung on wire, which would require a clasp.

Types

Beading elastic comes in several types. Each type is usually available in multiple colors. The popular latex-free floss elastic stretch cord features fibers that maintain their elastic memory longer than others. It has a reputation for knotting well. The standard 0.5 mm diameter cord is available in multiple colors, including metallics. The latex-free characteristic is an important factor for people with latex allergies.

Bracelet Cord

Bracelet cord is another type of beading elastic. Bracelet cord is heavier and more general purpose than latex-free floss and is designed to absorb the tugs and pulls of bracelets or the weight of heavier beads. Bracelet cord is popular with slip-on bracelets and chokers, especially multistrand designs. The standard size is 1.0 mm and it is also available in multiple colors, including metallics.

Design Considerations

There are several design and marketing considerations when you intend to use beading elastic. Beading elastic will lose some of its elasticity over time. That means you need to allow for that elongation in your design. Because of the surface texture of beading elastic, most manufacturers suggest using a "surgeon's knot" for best results with the product. If you are selling your designs, and you use a latex-free material, make sure your descriptive tags point out this feature to your customers.

Negatives

A beaded piece of jewelry constructed with beading elastic, such as a stretch necklace, gets a certain amount of stress each time it is worn. Each wearing will weaken the material, and at some point it can break. Most crafters do not like to use expensive beads with beading elastic for this reason. Also, perspiration and the UV rays of the sun have a degrading effect on some less-expensive beading elastic. This should be a consideration for pieces designed to be worn daily or at the beach.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology: Allergic Contact Rashes
• Bead and Button Magazine: Surgeon's Knot

Resources

• Fire Mountain Gems: Thread and Cord