Stringing Guide
Part 2: How Many Beads and How Long
Okay, now you understand how to pick your threads. But how many are you going to need and how long should
your project be? Every project will be different, beads have variations, and people come in different shapes and
sizes. Here are some starting points, but remember to be flexible based on who will be wearing your designs.
your project be? Every project will be different, beads have variations, and people come in different shapes and
sizes. Here are some starting points, but remember to be flexible based on who will be wearing your designs.
Standard Lengths:
While standard measurements can be very helpful, don't forget the most useful measuring tool to have is a
person! Try your design on, or test it on a friend or family member to get a better idea of how your design should
hang, or to see how it would look different lengths.
Also remember to add the length of your clasp into your total measurements. Most clasps will add at least an inch.
It's often a good idea to make your designs adjustable, especially if you are making them for unknown subjects or
trying to sell to a wide audience. The easiest way to make a necklace adjustable is to add a small length of chain
instead of using a soldered ring, that is large enough for your clasp to latch to.
person! Try your design on, or test it on a friend or family member to get a better idea of how your design should
hang, or to see how it would look different lengths.
Also remember to add the length of your clasp into your total measurements. Most clasps will add at least an inch.
It's often a good idea to make your designs adjustable, especially if you are making them for unknown subjects or
trying to sell to a wide audience. The easiest way to make a necklace adjustable is to add a small length of chain
instead of using a soldered ring, that is large enough for your clasp to latch to.
| Anklet |
9"-11" |
|
| Bracelet |
7"-8" |
|
| Necklace |
||
| Choker (worn tight and high on the neck) |
14"-15" |
|
| Choker (hangs in the dip of the throat) |
16" |
|
| Princess |
18" |
|
| Matinee |
24" |
|
| Opera |
32" |
|
| Rope |
48" |
How Many Beads Will I Need?
Below are the approximate numbers of beads that you will need. The figures are
rounded up to the nearest bead. We recommend that you get a few extra beads
just in case. You can always make matching earrings! Don't forget to include the
length of your clasp when calculating your finished piece!
This is purely a guide, and results will vary with your beads. If you find yourself too short on beads, with no way of
finding a match, get creative. Wire wrap the last few beads instead of stringing them, add in a couple of very
different beads, or add some chain to the back.
rounded up to the nearest bead. We recommend that you get a few extra beads
just in case. You can always make matching earrings! Don't forget to include the
length of your clasp when calculating your finished piece!
This is purely a guide, and results will vary with your beads. If you find yourself too short on beads, with no way of
finding a match, get creative. Wire wrap the last few beads instead of stringing them, add in a couple of very
different beads, or add some chain to the back.
| Finished length of jewelry |
3mm beads |
4mm beads |
5mm beads |
6mm beads |
8mm beads |
10mm beads |
12mm beads |
13mm beads |
16mm beads |
| 1" |
9 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| 7" |
60 |
45 |
36 |
30 |
23 |
18 |
15 |
13 |
11 |
| 16" |
136 |
102 |
82 |
68 |
50 |
41 |
34 |
29 |
26 |
| 24" |
204 |
153 |
122 |
101 |
77 |
61 |
51 |
44 |
38 |
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