How to Attach an Extender Chain to a Beaded Necklace
Extender chains increase the length of a necklace or a bracelet. They work with most lobster claw, hook-and-eye or spring ring clasps. Extender chains have links large enough for a clasp to connect to any link in the chain, giving the wearer the option of adjusting the length of her jewelry piece. You can attach an extender chain to a beaded necklace with a few tools and a simple loop technique.
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Things You'll Need
- Soft monofilament line
- Lobster claw clasp
- Scissors
- Beads
- Headpin
- Round nose pliers
- Pre-made extender chain
Instructions
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1
Unroll a section of soft monofilament line from the spool, but do not cut it. Thread beads onto the line to the desired length of your necklace.
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2
Thread the clip section of your lobster claw clasp onto the end of the strand. Reinsert the line around the clasp and back through all of the beads in your strand. The line is still on the spool. You can increase the slack as needed by pulling the line through the beads. Leave 4 inches of line loose at the end of the beaded strand.
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3
Insert the headpin to the last bead on your necklace so that the wire extends from the end of the bead toward the monofilament spool. A headpin is a jewelry component that usually is used to make earrings; it is shaped like a straight pin, but it's longer and more malleable. A jewelry headpin has a flat end that fits flush against the bead and wire that fits through the bead and extends from the other end.
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4
Cut the monofilament from the spool, leaving 4 inches of tail from the last bead to the cut. Tie a double overhand knot tightly around the headpin at the base of the bead. Feed the excess line back down through the beads. Soft monofilament line knots easily and generally holds well, but it's a good idea to add a bit of jeweler's glue to the knot for added security.
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5
Bend the headpin wire at a 90-degree angle at the base of the bead on top of the knot. Bend the wire away from the hole in the bead. Holding the wire above the bend with your round nose pliers, twist your wrist to make a partial loop in the wire.
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6
Thread the last link of the extender chain over the partial loop. Close the loop.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are making a beaded necklace with wire, you dol not need a headpin. Just make a loop in the wire after you add the last bead, and attach the extender chain.
