Jewellery Making Guide: Ways to Make Beaded Chains

25th Jun 2020

Jewellery Making Guide: Ways to Make Beaded Chains.

Making your own jewellery can be fun and can stimulate creativity.You have the freedom to craft something unique that reflects your style and preference, and you get to tap into your creative side.

If you are hesitant on designing your first beaded chain because you think that the process is long and complicated, don’t! You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make a bead chain.Read on to find out some helpful ways on how to make a beautiful, beaded chain.

Stay in Line

When you want to make a beaded chain in the quickest way possible, you have to know the process. Sure, making a wire-wrapped bead chain is fun and satisfying, but following the process makes crafting DIY jewellery quick and less complicated.

In making bead chains, you must create beads, and link them with wire-wrapped loops. When you have learned and mastered this basic technique, you can make the process run smoothly and quickly, with less time spent on switching tools.

When you complete a chain, you can use it to create bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or tassels. You can also use the chain as a component in a design, such as a hand chain bracelet.

Follow the Steps in Making Bead Chain

The key to creating a successful beaded chain is to repeat each step of the process several times before moving on to the next step. With an assembly line process, you will be able to get the most of using the same tool and process. You will also save more time than you ordinarily would. You will not waste time looking for and switching tools and materials.

To make a bead chain in this strategic way, you must first cut all the wire. Then, make the open wire loops. Create the first wrap and add the beads. Make the second loops and connect the components. Lastly, close the loops.

Cut the Wire for Each Bead Link

To cut the wire for each link, you must know how much wire is needed for use in each link. Before making the first link, cut a piece of wire that is longer than what you need. After making the wire wrapped link, trim the excess wire on either side.

Take note that you can't actually cut the amount of wire you need. The extra length will account for variation in the size of the beads and loops. You will also need a little extra to grab onto and make your wraps. Since this wire can be joined and flattened by pliers, it is ideal to plan to trim a little on every wrap.

For every wire bead link, cut 1.5 inches of wire. Before doing so, make sure that the wire is the right length to make links. Once you have made adjustments and found the right size, simply line up a piece cut to the right size with the wire on the spool. Then, cut, line up, and cut again, and line up again, until you achieve your desired length.

Create the Loop for Each Bead Link

Once you have cut the wire for each bead link, you need to go on making the loop for each link. A quick and effective method to make a bead chain is by using the right tool. As such, you can finish as many links as possible before putting down certain tools and moving on to others.

In making loops for all bead links, you must use round nose pliers.

Wrap the Loop for Each Bead Link

In wrapping the loop for each bead link, you will have to use one pair of pliers. The first one will hold the eye of the loop, while the other one will grasp the wire end and wrap it around the neck.

For this step, it is ideal to use flat-nose pliers, chain nose pliers, or bent nose pliers. Generally, it is best to use pliers with smooth jaws to ensure that the wire does not get married while you are holding and wrapping it.

Repeat the process until you have wrapped the loops for all links.

Make Another Loop

Add a bead and make another loop above it by using your round nose pliers. Make sure to leave the loop open so you can connect them to other chain links. Repeat the process with all links.

Join the Links, Close the Loop, and Trim the Wire Tail

In this important step of the process, slide the open link into a closed link. Then, wrap the second loop. You may add all the links, and then close them or add them one at a time, depending on your choice. If it’s your first time to use this method, it is best to do them one at a time. But if you have made several bead chains,you’ll find connect all links and making the wraps easier than the other one.

The final step is to trim the wire tails. While you can trim the tails after making each wrap, it is advisable to wait so your second wire wrap will not end up a little short. You can compensate by adjusting the first wrap if you haven't trimmed the tail of the first wrap yet, allowing you to have your loops snugged close to the bead and preventing the beads to slide around on any extra wire.

Enjoy the Fruit of Your Labour!

When you follow these steps, you will surely make your DIY bead chain successfully.Once you have familiarised and practised these basics and you have them down, you will instantly know how to make other pieces of jewellery you see in stores!

Jewellery making is a great pastime activity. But if you do not have the time, you can always purchase as many bead chains as you want from reliable suppliers.

At Aussie Chains Direct, we offer an array of bead chains supply to cater to the needs of our clients in the country and the entire Asia Pacific. Contact us at your convenience and we’ll respond to your needs right away!