How to Make a Bead Choker
Making a bead choker is an inexpensive and fun way to create a simple, stylish necklace that is versatile enough to be worn day and night. A choker is a short necklace that closely circles the neck, worn up above the collarbone. Once you master the basics, you'll be able to add flourishes such as bead fringe or multiple strands.
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Instructions
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1
Measure the circumference of your neck with a tape measure. Write down this measurement.
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2
Plan your design. Lay out your beads end-to-end in the order in which you'll string them.
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3
Cut a piece of wire that is 6 inches longer than the measurement you made in step 1. You will use this extra length to secure the clasp and crimp beads.
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4
Slide a crimp bead onto the nylon-coated wire (crimp beads are small metal beads that can be flattened to hold jewelry wire in place).
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5
Loop the wire through the ring at the base of the first half of the clasp, then bring the looped wire through the crimp bead.
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6
Pull the crimp bead toward the clasp, so a minimum of wire is visible between the bead and the clasp. Hold both ends of the wire tightly when you do this so the bead gets as close as possible to the clasp.
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7
Crimp the bead with the pliers. Make sure the bead rests between the long, thin blades of the pliers and press tightly. The bead will flatten, holding the clasp and the wire in place.
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8
Snip off any of the shorter wire that dangles below the crimp bead.
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9
String your beads in the order you've laid them out.
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10
Slide a crimp bead onto the wire after you have strung the last bead.
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11
Repeat steps 4 through 7.
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Tips & Warnings
Vary the amount of extra wire you cut based on how hard it is for you to attach the clasp and crimp beads. If you have difficulty working with the 3 inches of extra wire on each side, make your next choker with 4 inches of extra wire. All excess is snipped, so the finished product will appear the same.
Don't string beads for a symmetrical choker design without laying them out first. If you do this, you run the risk of having your center bead appear off to one side.
