How to Apply a Clasp to a Cord Necklace
Making a necklace with beading cord is a simple process if you have the right tools and materials. Beading cords come in a variety of materials such as leather, suede or rattail. Each cord has a specific thickness which will influence the opening sizes of the beads you select as well as the size of the crimping ends used to apply the clasp.
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Things You'll Need
- Beading cord
- 2 crimping ends
- Chain nose pliers
- Beads
- Jump rings
- Round nose pliers
- Clasp
Instructions
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1
Cut a length of beading cord equal to the desired length of your necklace. The thickness of your cording will dictate the size of your crimping end. For example, if your leather cording is 3mm thick, you will need 3mm crimping ends.
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2
Position the crimping end chamber over one end of the cording. Crimping ends have a closed loop on one end where you can apply the clasp for your necklace
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3
Position your chain nose pliers over the chamber of the crimping end. Press down firmly to attach the crimping end onto the cord necklace.
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4
Thread your beads or pendant onto the beading cord. If you are using thick cording, make sure to select beads with sufficiently large openings. Wooden beads, lampwork beads and other handmade beads often have larger openings, and there are manufactured beads made specifically with large openings.
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5
Attach the remaining crimping end onto the open end of your beading cord.
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6
Open a jump ring with your round nose pliers. Jump rings are small metal rings with a slit cut through one part of the circle. You only need to open the ring wide enough to slide over the end of your clasp and the closed loop on the crimping end.
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7
Slide the open jump ring over the closed loop on the crimping end. Slide the loop on the end of one section of your clasp over the jump ring. Close the jump ring.
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8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to apply the remaining end of the clasp to the other end of your cord necklace.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also select a coil clasp for leather or other soft fabric cords. The coil fits over the end of the cord. Press down on the end of the coil with pliers to secure the clasp in place.
