How to Make a Beaded Bracelet With Fishing Line

Consider colors and textures when choosing beads.

One of the simplest ways to make a beaded bracelet is by using fishing line. Fishing line for jewelry is the same nylon cord used for catching fish. It is durable and strong, and it is thin enough for most types of beads. Stringing beads onto a single fishing line is the most basic way to form a bracelet. Choose any type of beads you want for your project and consider the colors, textures and any patterns you wish to create with the beads.

Things You'll Need

• .25mm nylon fishing line
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Hand towel or bead board
• Ruler
• 2-part clasp
• 2 crimp tubes
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Cut off a 10-inch piece of .25mm nylon fishing line. Place a 1-inch piece of masking tape on one end of the fishing line to act as a bead-stopper. This prevents the beads from falling off while you are working.

2. Lay all the beads you want to use in a row on a hand towel. The towel keeps the beads together for your project. Invest in a bead board, which holds your beads and has measurements on it, if you want to make a lot of beaded jewelry.

3. String your beads onto your fishing line in the same order as your layout. Thread each bead onto the fishing line using the end opposite from the masking tape.

4. Measure your bracelet after you have strung all your beads to check the length for your wrist, using a ruler. String one part of your clasp onto the fishing line. Fold the cord back onto itself and attach a crimp tube onto both pieces of fishing line between the last bead and the clasp. Squeeze it shut with a pair of needle-nose pliers to secure the clasp into place. Trim the excess fishing line from the crimp tube with scissors.

5. Remove the masking tape from the other end of the line. Thread the other part of your clasp onto the line. Fold it back onto itself and attach a crimp tube. Squeeze it shut to secure it and trim off excess fishing line.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure your wrist before you finish your bracelet to make sure it fits.

• For added security, add two crimps instead of one.

• Use enough beads on your bracelet so the fishing line is completely hidden.