Ask the Experts Stringing Q&A

I only use FireLine for my wrapped bracelets (chan-lu style) but I find it breaking quite often when I’m making sure tension is correct and all glass beads or semi-precious stones are in place and ready to tie off the project as I’m completing the bracelet. Please help. This is maddening.

For this sort of beaded bracelet with gemstone or glass beads, we suggest heavier beading wire such as Accuflex^® professional-quality beading wire, Acculon^® or Beadalon^®. FireLine^® is a wonderful product but is usually used or finer beads like seed beads. Gemstone and larger glass beads can have naturally rough edges that can really test FireLine. Sturdier beading wire will work much better and be much more durable. We suggest trying 19- or 49-strand 0.012- or 0.014-inch diameter beading wire.

- Elaine