How to Bead Necklace Patterns

Create necklace patterns using different types or colors of beads.

Make custom patterned and beaded necklaces at home, rather than opting for the mass-produced, and often over-priced, necklaces available in the accessory aisle of your favorite clothing boutique or department store. Homemade necklaces are completely customizable and allow you to create your own patterns with your favorite types of beads. Make your own necklaces to match certain outfits, or make a neutral piece to wear anytime.

Things You'll Need

• Beading tray (available at craft stores)
• Beads
• Measuring tape
• Elastic cord

Instructions

1. Lay your beading tray on a flat surface and place a few types of beads onto the tray in the necklace groove. Look over which types of beads look best together and decide on two or more types, sizes or colors of beads to incorporate in your pattern. Remove the rest from the tray.

2. Line your beads up in the necklace groove and decide which beads you want to sit next to each other. When using only two types of beads, alternate between the two of them. For patterns of three or more types of beads, place them in a series. For example red, blue, white and repeat. Also consider using one color more than the others. For example, blue, blue, red, white and repeat.

3. Line all of your beads, in the order of the pattern you chose, on the necklace groove of the tray. Wrap a measuring tape around your neck and decide how long the necklace will need to be. Place enough beads in your pattern to fit that measurement.

4. Cut a length of elastic cord that will thread through all of the beads and then leave about an inch of extra cord.

5. Poke the cord through the holes in the beads, in the same order you have them lined up on the tray. Tie the two ends of the cord together in a simple knot once all of the beads are strung onto the cord.