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The variation of bead hole sizes can create a number of problems for a bead jewelry maker. When beads are too large, it becomes difficult to tie knots big enough to keep them in place, or they may even be big enough to slip over the top of small beads. They may also sit at an odd angle if you string them on stiff wire. When beads are too small, on the other hand, it is difficult to string them. You can only place very small beads on very fine cord or wire, and even then, you may need the help of a thin-gauge needle.
Therefore, make sure that the cord and wire you buy is compatible with the beads you want to use, and keep a supply of beading needles on hand. When working with wrapped or wound cord, keep the end neatly trimmed so that frayed edges won't prevent the cord from entering the bead.
When creating jewelry that combines large and small beads, make a large bead's hole smaller by inserting a small amount of air-dry pottery clay into the center, then bore a new, smaller hole through the clay before it dries hard. There is, however, no reliable method for making larger holes in beads, since most beads are made of rigid material and will break if you attempt to bore the holes bigger. -
The choice of cord for beading projects depends not only on the size of the beads, but upon the design of the jewelry. Some cord, such as hemp and leather or faux leather, is designed to be a visible part of the finished piece, making it good for pieces with visible knot effects or weaving. Other cord, however, is meant to be thin and strong but should be covered with beads, such as thin, waxed cord or clear plastic cord.
Waxed leather and plastic cords are often designed to be easy to string without any need for a beading needle, but you may still need one with very small beads (such as seed beads) and a very fine length of cord. When making knots to hold beads in place, it is a good idea to practice the art of tying a knot in exactly the spot on the cord where you want the know. To do this, pull slowly as you pull the knot tight and hold one end of the tail tightly while you slide the other into place. This is also helpful for times when you need to tie a second knot on top of a first in order to make it larger. -
Like cord, wire is made of many different materials, some of which are designed to be visible. Thicker gauge wires, especially those made of copper, gold, sterling silver, or those that are colored, are meant to be an attractive feature of the design. Thinner, dull wires are meant to be covered with beads or used in bead weaving projects. Most craft wires are highly flexible, with the exception of memory wire, which is quite brittle, thick and designed for projects where the wire is meant to keep its shape, like rings, bracelets or long, straight earrings.
If you want to make jewelry with wire and beads, purchase a good set of jewelry pliers, including a set of needle-nosed pliers without teeth (to avoid scarring the wire) and a set of wire snips. Pay attention to the size of the wire. You won't need a beading needle to string beads on wire, but you may find that some wires are too thick for some beads.
