Stringing Material Cheat Sheet

Beading Wire

Beading wire is metal wire with a nylon coating. You get the best of both worlds—strong like wire, but gentle on beads with a beautiful drape. Ideal for beads that may cut through wire that’s less tough—things with sharp edges, crystal beads, gemstones, pearls and more, including everyday wear. Beading wire is abrasion-resistant, holds its shape and has low stretch. Use crimp beads to finish beading wire.

Ideal uses include:

• Stringing beads, including crystal beads and gemstones with sharp edges
• Stringing pearls
• Designs intended for everyday wear
• Multi-strand designs
• Heavy beads like gemstones, glass and metal
• “Floating” bead designs
• Custom, smooth drape

The following chart highlights four brands of beading wire.

For more information about beading wire, visit:

• “Know Your Beading Wire”
• “The Many Uses of Accu-Flex®”
• “Accu-Flex® Professional-Quality Beading Wire Review”
• “Accu-Flex® Beading Wire” video introduction
• “Independent Lab Report” review of three brands of beading wire

Beading Thread

Beading thread is usually a synthetic material like polyester or nylon, woven or bonded together for durability. It is extremely flexible and can string beads through multiple times. Beading thread may stretch slightly, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your project.

Synthetic beading thread is best for:

• Seed bead work, including loom work and bead embroidery
• Projects needed multiple thread passes
• Fine detail work
• Lightweight beads

Polyester beading thread is strong and durable. Some brands are water- and UV-resistant, enhancing their longevity. It is deal for projects that require tight beading and for beads that have sharp edges like crystals and gemstones. It may be too stiff or too thick for some designs requiring a soft drape. Nylon beading thread has that soft drape but can be prone to stretching and fraying. It is ideal for intricate designs, loomwork, bead weaving and bead embroidery. The following charts detail some brands of polyester and nylon beading thread, including the pros and cons.

For more information, read:

• Types and Sizes of Beading Thread and Stringing Material
• Know Your Beading Thread

Beading thread is also available in silk and linen—natural materials that allow for easy knotting and a smooth, beautiful drape. Linen thread is a renewable stringing material made from the flax plant. Silk thread comes in a range of sizes, including significantly thicker diameters, allowing you the option of working with larger beads and string.

For more information see:

• Purely Silk Thread product spotlight video
• Purely Silk Number of Yards Per Spool chart

Cord

Cord is thicker than thread, and by consequence, usually more durable. It can be made from a broad variety of materials, including cotton, nylon, leather, satin, hemp, elastic and more. Much of the time, cord is used as an intentional part of the design. For beginners just learning beading, using cord can be an advantage because of its thickness, durability and ease of use.

In general, cord works best for:

• Macramé
• Knotting designs
• Chunky jewelry styles
• Bracelets
• Large-hole beads

Nylon beading cord is strong, durable and resistant to stretching and fraying. Its smooth surface makes it easy to string and knot. It won’t take on water like cotton or hemp cord, so it can be used for beachwear and activewear accessories. It’s ideal for bracelets, heavy beads, everyday pieces and more. Satin beading cord is available in a broad range of colors. It has a softer drape than nylon cord as well as a silky, smooth finish. It is not as strong or durable as nylon cord, and its silky surface may cause knots to slip.

Nylon cord is best for:

• Stringing beads
• Knotting
• Bead crochet
• Kumihimo
• Macramé
• Floating Jewelry Styles

Satin cord is best for:

• Knotted friendship bracelets
• Kumihimo
• Knot-template projects
• Beading

Leather Cord is soft, flexible and comfortable to wear. It has a natural, organic feel that works well with boho and rustic styles. Over time, it develops a desirable patina. It is strong, durable, flexible and easy to knot. Leather, however, is not waterproof and may be irritating to sensitive skin. It is generally higher priced than other options and is unsuitable for customers who prefer not to wear animal products.

Elastic Cord is a great choice for beginning beaders. It’s easy to string and knot, budget friendly and versatile. Elastic beaded designs are comfortable, lightweight and easy to wear. Over time, however, it can lose elasticity. Beads with sharp edges may cut through the elastic. It can be sensitive to sun and chemicals.

Tips:

• No crimps or crimp covers should be used on elastic cord.
• Elastic cord should be pre-stretched.
• Using a square knot or surgeon’s knot is recommended.
• For extra security, add a dab of adhesive like Vigor® Super Glue or E6000® Jewelry and Craft Adhesive to the knot.

Elastic Cord Resources

• Powercord® Elastic Cord product showcase video
• Watch the Stretchy Cord Bracelet tutorial to create a design using elastic cord.
• Learn How to Finish Elastic and Powercord® Jewelry video tutorial

With a clear understanding of wire, thread, and cord, you’re all set to dive in and start creating. Gather your favorite beads, pick the best stringing material and let your imagination guide you. Your next beautiful piece is waiting—have fun bringing it to life!