Bead Sizes & Tips

When choosing beads for your project, not only should you think about bead sizes, but the hole sizes too. The hole size will determine what type of elastic or string you can use for your project. It is perfectly fine to mix beads with different hole sizes, but use the smallest size hole to choose your stringing material.

Types of Stringing Material
- for Stretch Bracelets, use elastic or stretch cord
- for Bracelets or Necklaces with clasps, use flexible beading wire
- to make key chains, use thicker cord such as cotton cord, hemp cord, or leather

Bracelet Design Tips
How many bead do you need? For example, if you use 6mm beads:
- To make a 7" bracelet, use about 30 beads
- To make an 18" necklace, use about 76 beads
- To make a 24" necklace, use about 102 beads

Bracelet Ideas
Popular bracelet designs include: name bracelets, concert & festival bracelets, charm bracelets and bracelet sets that can be worn together or individually.

*FREE PRINTABLE BEAD SIZE CHART - A full page bead size chart to compare bead and hole sizes, different bead shapes, and different cord sizes. Click here to request a copy