Jewellery making tips

How to create your first necklace

Step 1. Determine the finished length of your necklace. Add 6in (15cm) and cut a piece of beading line to that length.

Step 2. Decide the design of your necklace and string it from the middle outwards until you reach the desired length.

Step 3. On one end, string a small bead, a crimp bead and a clasp. Do the same on the other end and check the fit, removing or adding any beads if necessary. Crimp the crimp beads and trim the excess line.

Beading Tips

Crimping

Thread a crimp bead on one end of a length of flexible beading line. Then thread one end of the clasp. Bring the line back through the crimp, leaving 3in (7.6cm) tail. Slide the crimp close to the clasp leaving a small space. Crush the crimp hard using flat nosed pliers.

Common jewellery measurements