FLAT RATE SHIPPING NOW AVAILABLE!
Reference: How To Use Stringing Materials
There are a lot of stringing materials out there. How do you know which beading thread, cord or wire to use for your jewelry-making projects? Learn what the best stringing supplies are made with and their intended uses to help ensure you're getting the best beading thread, cord or wire. Even if you're familiar with a lot of jewelry stringing materials, you may find a new brand to try and find it works better than your current choice. You can check out our selection of stringing material here.
| BEADING USE | STRINGING MATERIAL |
| Beads with smooth drill holes (amber, coral, etc.) | Silk thread, Polyester or Nylon |
| Beads with abrasive drill holes | FireLine thread, Polyester or Nylon |
| Beads that are metal, large or have large drill holes | FireLine thread* or Beading Wire |
| Pearls | Silk thread |
| Ropes or Woven Necklaces | Nylon |
| *This is a smooth woven type of wire that is flexible, but will resist cutting or breaking, and is used to string heavy crystal and metal beads. The sharp edges and heavy weight of these types of beads will cut regular threading cord. | |
Thread
Beading thread tends to be pliable and soft, great for knotting, looming and working with seed beads. Note, some beading threads will not rigid enough to bead with along, and require a beading needle for easy and efficient beading.
.jpg) |
Silk thread is perfect for stringing pearls and other beads. This material is available in thicker diameters than most silk thread, allowing you the option of working with larger bead holes. The drape and softness of this beading thread allows for stringing, knotting and Kumihimo braiding techniques to be used. |
.jpg) |
Glossy and robust, nylon thread has extra-strong fibers with special stretch tension. When the thread is pulled it will expand, but then return to its original size when released, which is great for precision knotting projects. Nylon is an ideal beading thread for hard, tough materials that could cause softer cords, such as silk, to be worn down. Nylon is also available in a myriad of color and size choices to accommodate design schemes. |
 |
FireLine thread, designed for stringing and weaving projects, is recognized as the strongest fiber per diameter ever created. The advanced technology used to create FireLine provides an ultra-thin diameter that is three times stronger than regular monofilament. FireLine thread is also UV protected, so it won't deteriorate because of exposure to sunlight. This thread does not stretch or tangle, threads effortlessly and resists abrasion from beads that have sharp or rough edges. This material is great for use when weaving Swarovski® crystals, seed beads and gemstone beads. |
Cord
Jewelry-making cord tends to be thicker than thread, often used as a design element itself in braiding, lacing, knotting and other applications.
 |
Elastic Stretch Cord The major advantage of no-fray, latex-free elastic stretch cord is that it returns to its original shape after stretching, making it perfect for chokers, stretch bracelets or anklets. Clear and colorful options as well as a variety of sizes meet all your designing needs. This stretchy cord knots easily to terminate strands. |
.jpg) |
Elastic Stretch Floss Elastic stretch floss is a 25% polyester, 75% rubber blend that keeps its memory longer than most. Elastic floss cord knots superbly and can be used for lightweight jewelry and craft applications. Finishing with a surgeon's knot is recommended. |
.jpg) |
Monofilament Nylon Create floating necklaces with the reliable strength and flexible drape of clear monofilament cord. The versatile cord knots easily and is a favorite for not only beading projects, but also wind chimes and suncatchers. |
 |
Waxed Cotton This tightly woven round cord made of biodegradable cotton contains a light wax treatment for a soft, flexible drape and to make bead stringing easier. Waxed cotton cord is often used as an alternative to leather cord and is available in multiple sizes and colors. The biodegradable cord is perfect for men's and androgynous designs as well as kumihimo, braiding and other jewelry-making techniques. |
 |
Leather Leather cord is available in natural and dyed or coated hues and various shapes including round and flat versions. Often used in men's and unisex designs, leather is a rugged material, but is still flexible and smooth. |
Wire
Wire is a stringing material made from metal that is often used for wire-wrapping, creating coils, weaving, making findings and more.
 |
Beading Wire is strong, flexible, kink-resistant and easy to knot and crimp. This wire utilizes an advanced wire-bundling technology, resulting in increased strength and durability while still maintaining flexibility for a nice drape. Choose your metal material, diameter, color and flexibility to fit your needs. |
 |
Craft Wire Craft wire was specifically designed for wire-wrapping projects. Colorful varieties are electroplated, then coated multiple times with an enamel coating and finished with a shiny protective lacquer. This ensures the colored wire remains flexible and durable. Traditional metal tones include natural copper, raw brass and silver, all with an anti-tarnish coating. |
.jpg) |
Aluminum Wire This is an incredibly soft wire that can be manipulated without the use of tools. Available in a rainbow of colors as well as traditional metal tones, the wire is also available in a variety of shapes, gauges and textures. A large benefit of aluminum is its ability to resist tarnish. Great for wire-wrapping and embellishment, aluminum is too light to support heavy designs. |
 |
Precious Metal Wire Precious metal jewelry-making wire includes gold-filled, sterling silver. These traditionally sought-after metals have a bright gleam and are often used for wire-wrapping, chain making and more. |
 |
Memory Wire This strong wire is rigid, pre-coiled and easy to use for creating single- or multi-loop jewelry designs with beads, charms or other embellishment. Made from stainless steel, carbon steel and high carbon steel, memory wire jewelry is a favorite jewelry-making wire for its adjustability and ability to retain its shape. Sold in ring, bracelet or necklace sizes. Available in round and flat varieties; finish ends with a loop or matching shape memory wire ends. |