How to Use Bead Caps in Multi-Stranded Jewelry

Bead caps are often used to add interest and texture to any bead. They can be purchased in a variety of sizes so that they will fit over the ends of any size bead. They are made in a variety of materials, though are most commonly found made of metals, and come in a wide selection of styles. Adding bead caps can greatly but subtly enhance the look of any piece that you want to make.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clasp
• Threading Material
• Assorted Beads
• Bead Caps

1. Gather all your materials. This includes the clasp, beading wire or thread, all the beads and the bead caps that you want to use in your piece.

2. Decide on how you want the piece to sit. You can have multi-stranded pieces work in a variety of ways. The individual strands can all be the same length, they can each get gradually bigger and flow downward from shortest to longest, or they can each be drastically different lengths and have a more random, unique look. Sketching what you want your piece to look like will help in this part.

3. Measure out and cut your lengths of beading material and attach them to one end of your clasp. If you want a piece that has a graduated look, keep the wire or thread neat to avoid having the strands wrapped around themselves by attaching the longest length first and then adding the shorter lengths above it on the clasp.

4. Decide how you want to string your beads. You can go with a variety of options that will change the look of your piece. First, you can go with a random placement of the beads or decide on a pattern. If you want to go with a pattern, play with your beads until you have a repeatable pattern that has the look that you want.

5. Add the bead caps to the beads that you want to add more detail to. Bead caps come in a variety of sizes, metals, and styles. They can change the look of any piece that you are making drastically. Although it is best to get a general idea of what you want for the look of your piece, adding the bead caps secondary will help you hone and tweak the look that you want.

6. Start stringing you beads and bead caps once you decided on the placement of everything. It is best to string one full strand, attach that strand to the other end of the clasp and then begin on another strand. For the easiest results, begin with either the longest strand or the one that will be on the lowest level of your piece.

7. Trim the ends of your threading material once you have all your strands beaded and attached to the clasp. Your piece is now completed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're unsure how long a strand should be, take a piece of scrap threading material that is twice as long as you actually need and use it to determine where you want a particular strand to hit on yourself. Mark the edges of the thread and measure the length to determine the correct length for that strand.
• If you're using beading wire, always remember to use clamp beads to secure the ends of your strands and clamp the beads firmly. If you're using beading thread, tied the knots firmly and add a dab of super glue to the knots to ensure that they do not become unraveled with time.