How to Make Stretch Jewelry
With the wide range of stringing materials lining the shelves of craft stores, it can be hard to select which to use for your jewelry projects. For beginning beaders, elastic cord is easy to string, size and finish, and is typically cheaper than other stringing materials such as chain and wire. Whether you are making a necklace or bracelet for yourself or someone else, stringing your beads on a stretchy material eliminates the need for a clasp as finished pieces will be one-size-fits-all.
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Things You'll Need
- Elastic cord
- Beading needle
- Assorted beads
- 2 crimp tubes
- Crimping pliers
- Jewelry glue
Instructions
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String your beads onto the elastic cord with a beading needle. Choose lightweight beads that will not over stretch the cord with wear. If you are stringing beads of different colors and sizes, set them out in a pattern ahead of time. String beads until the strand reaches your desired length.
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2
Cut the cord from the spool, leaving a 3 inch tail at either end of the bracelet or necklace. String a crimp tube onto both sides of the bracelet.
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3
Cross the 2 elastic cord ends over each other and bring one end up through the loop to tie a half-hitch knot. Pull the knot tight and lightly coat the knot with jewelry glue to prevent slipping. Hold the knot tight for 60 seconds as the glue sets.
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4
Thread the elastic cord tails back through the beads on your necklace or bracelet to hide them and further secure the knot. Use your beading needle if you are having trouble getting the elastic back through the beads. Let the glue dry for 24 hours before wearing your new piece of jewelry.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with complementary colors when designing the layout of your bracelet or necklace.
Bracelets made with stretchy elastic can also be worn as anklets.
Beads are a choking hazard for young children.
Do not use regular crimp beads in finishing your piece as they are more likely to cut into the elastic.
