How to Tie Beads

Tie off the ends of bead work to keep from losing your beads.

Stringing beads on a necklace or bracelet is an enjoyable craft for people of all ages, but tying the ends can be difficult. Large, lumpy-looking knots may take away from the beauty of your handicraft so tying it properly is important. A nice knot will not only keep your beads from sliding off but also add aesthetic appeal to your jewelry piece or handicraft. Try a couple of different tying methods to find the one that looks best for your project.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic string
• Beads
• Leather cord
• Glue
• Barrel clamp
• Scissors

Instructions

Basic Bead Knot

1. Cut a section of plastic thread from the roll. Lay the string or strand in front of you horizontally. Grasp the right end of the strand.

2. Pull the string up over the first two fingers of your left hand, about 3 inches from the end of the strand.

3. Use the fingers of your right hand to guide the end of the string around the fingers to make a circle, and then finish by pulling the string through the circle.

4. Pull the left end and the right end of the string closing the loop. After you have finished adding your beads, dab some adhesive glue on the knot and slide a barrel clamp over it. Trim the excess thread away. Do this for both ends, and then connect your bead strand.

5. 

   A basic knot

   Make a double knot by knotting twice in the same spot.

Slip Knots

1. Cut a section from the leather cord. Lay the ends of the cord on top of one another, allowing about 4 inches of overlap to give the wearer plenty of room for adjustment.

2. Grasp the right side of the cord combination about 1 inch from the end.

3. Make a basic, or overhand, knot by tying the right side to the left.

4. Tie the last inch of the left side of the cord to the right, just as you did on the other side. There should be an inch or two distance between the two knots.

5. 

   Slip knots adjust by sliding them back and forth.

   Move the knots back and forth to adjust the strand of beads to whatever length you like.

References

• BobthePleo: Tips for Stringing Beads
• Land of Odds: Tying a Slip Knot in Leather