How to Make Different Seed Bead Necklaces

You can make a large variety of necklace designs with seed beads

Seed beads are the smallest version of beads available. The commonly available seed beads range in size from 11 to 8 millimeters. Typically, the smaller the bead is, the higher the size number. Size 8 seed beads are the largest. There are many methods of creating seed bead necklaces, ranging from simple stringing to crocheting. Seed beads are also available in a large variety of colors.

Things You'll Need

• Beading wire
• Side-cutting pliers
• Bead tips
• Black seed beads
• Pendant with large hook
• Masking tape
• Round-nose pliers
• Transparent seed beads
• Transparent 4mm beads
• Beading needle
• Cotton perle thread
• Crochet pin

Instructions

Simple seed bead necklace

1. Cut three strands of beading wire, measuring 20 inches each. Hold them together at one end and tie them into a knot.

2. Open a bead tip. Slide the loose ends of the strands through the narrow hole inside the bead tip. Use a pair of flat-nose pliers to close the bead tip to hide the knot.

3. String the black seed beads onto one strand of bead wire. Leave about 2 inches free at the end of the wire. Tape the end to the table to secure the beads. Repeat this step for the remaining strands.

4. Open the second bead tip. Feed the ends of the strands into the bead tip through the back so that the back of the bead tip faces the last bead on each strand.

5. Pull the cords out on the other side of the bead tip. Hold them together and tie a knot. Cut off the excess wire with side-cutting pliers and close the bead tip.

6. Use a pair of round-nose pliers to open the hook on the bid tip slightly then connect one half of the clasp. Close the hook. Repeat this step for the other bead tip.

7. Slide a pendant with a large opening onto the necklace to complete it.

Floating necklace

1. Cut a length of monofilament wire that is at least 4 inches longer than the length you want for your necklace. For instance, if you want a necklace that is 18 inches long then cut a cord that is at least 22 inches long.

2. Thread a bead about 2 inches from one end of the thread. Tie an overhand knot with the thread on both sides of the bead so that the bead is trapped in place.

3. Open a bead tip and pass the longer part of the thread through the hole. Close the bead tip with flat-nose pliers.

4. String 10 transparent seed beads and one transparent 4mm bead. Repeat this pattern until you are about 2 inches away from the other end of the thread. You should end the pattern with 10 seed beads.

5. Pass the end of the thread through the back of the second open bead tip. String a seed bead and a beading needle onto the thread. The bead should be snug against the bead tip. Pass the needle through the opposite end of the bead then tie a knot to keep it in place.

6. Open the hook of one bid tip and attach one half of a clasp. Repeat this step with the bead tip at the other end of the necklace.

Crochet a Bead Necklace

1. Thread a beading needle onto the cotton perle thread. String the seed beads onto the thread. Remove the needle.

2. Tie a small loop at the end of the thread. This loop should be just big enough to fit the head of the crochet pin.

3. Make 6 chain stitches. To make a chain stitch, pass the head of the crochet pin through the loop and catch the loose thread. Pull enough of the thread through the loop on the pin to form a new loop. The new loop should be about the same size as the first.

4. Slide a seed bead to rest against the head of the crochet pin. Make another chain stitch. The seed bead should be trapped in the new loop.

5. Repeat step 4 until the seed bead chain is long enough to fold into a multistrand necklace.
   Cut the thread and tie a knot.

6. Determine the length you want for your necklace and fold the seed bead chain into several strands for this length. For instance, fold a 51-inch bead chain into three strands if you want a necklace measuring 17 inches.

7. Cut 7 inches of wire. Gather one folded end of the bead chain and wrap it tightly with the wire, leaving about 3 inches free.

8. Pass the loose wire up through the wide end of a cone. Use flat-nose pliers to bend the wire to a 90-degree angle. Hold the angled part of the wire with round-nose pliers and twist to form a loop. Wrap the excess wire under the loop twice.

9. Hold a jump ring with the flat-nose pliers then use another pair of flat-nose pliers to pull one end of the ring open. Place the wire loop from the necklace and one half of the clasp onto the ring. Pull the end of the jump ring back to the original position.

10. Repeat steps 7 to step 9 for the other end of the necklace.