Ask the Experts Wire Gauge Q&A

What gauge wire should I buy to string beads with a 0.4-1mm hole?

For beads with a 0.4mm hole size, like tiny seed beads, pearls and crystals, use 26- to 28-gauge wire (around 0.32mm to 0.41mm diameter). It will be thin enough to pass through very small holes but is still workable.

For beads with a 0.6mm to 0.8mm hole size, like many glass beads, gemstone beads and TILA® beads, use 24- to 26-gauge wire (around 0.40mm to 0.51mm diameter). This wire is still flexible but is stronger for stringing.

For beads with a 0.8mm to 1mm hole size, like spacers, rounds and other large beads, use 22- to 24-gauge wire (around 0.51mm to 0.61mm diameter). This wire gauge will have a good balance of strength and bead support.

- Elaine