How to Make Magnetic Jewelry

Choosing the beads is one of the most enjoyable parts of learning how to make magnetic jewelry.

Magnetic jewelry is very versatile. A short necklace can be wrapped around your wrist a few times to become a bracelet, and a long necklace can be worn in dozens of different ways, much like a scarf. Making magnetic jewelry is fairly easy once you learn how to tie off the end without leaving any gaps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Magnetic beads
• Gemstone, glass or other beads
• Beading thread with attached needle or tiger tail (flexible beading wire)
• Jewelry glue or clear nail polish
• Small towel or washcloth
• Bead knotting tool or large corsage pin
• Beading scissors or nail clippers
• Beading board (optional)
• Crimp beads (optional)
• Crimping tool (optional)

1. Choose a length for your magnetic jewelry bead strand. If you plan to wear your magnetic jewelry as a necklace, bracelet and anklet, choose a shorter strand, but if you want to wear it in different lengths and patterns as a necklace, make a long strand. Many long strands of magnetic jewelry are very long, from 36 to 48 inches, but you can make yours any length you want.

2. Lay out a design. Using both the magnetic beads and the other beads you chose to make your magnetic jewelry, lay out a pattern on a beading board or small towel. Be careful not to let the magnetic beads get too close to each other or they will move together and mess up your pattern. You can be as creative as you want with your pattern, but try to place a magnetic bead at least every four to six inches.

3. String the beads. Tie a knot at the end of the beading thread or wire. You may want to use a crimp bead over or right next to the knot to hide it. Place a very small dab of jewelry glue or clear nail polish on the knot. Slide the beads, using the pattern or design you created in Step 2, on to the thread.

4. Tie off the end. Thread the crimp bead if you are using one. Make a loose knot at the end of the strand and gently push the beads together so that there are no gaps between them. Place the bead knotting tool or large pin in the center of the knot. Work the knot down, without tightening it, so that the tool or pin is flush against the last bead. Slowly pull the knot tight, keeping the tool or pin flush against the last bead. Before pulling the tool or pin out, make sure there are no gaps between the beads or between the knot and the last bead, then gently pull the tool or pin out while tightening the knot. Place a very small dab of jewelry glue or nail polish on the knot. After the glue or polish has dried, use beading scissors or nail clippers to cut off the loose ends as close to the knot as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use light fishing line to make this type of magnetic jewelry. It is a popular choice, but remember that it can easily become bent or kinked and you will eventually need to restring your beads.

• Don't pull the thread too tight before tying the last knot. You don't want gaps, but you don't want the beads so tight that the strand kinks or is stiff.

Resources

• Fire Mountain Gems Beading Knots Tutorial