Bead Stringing and Beaded Necklaces With Flat Elastic Cord

Flat elastic cord is a soft and stretchy material commonly used in arts & crafts, sewing, jewelry making and clothing. It's also a great choice for tightening and gripping fabric projects.

Bead Stringing with Elastic Cord
Flat elastic is a great bead stringing material for beginner jewelry makers or for those who like to make bracelets that are lightweight and easy to wear. You only need a few supplies to get started, including stretch cord, beads, glue and scissors or cutters.


The only thing you need to remember is that stretch cord is not as durable as bead string wire and it can tear if you use abrasive beads, such as turquoise or glass. It can also be challenging to thread with large beads and gemstones on it.

How to Pre-Stretch the Cord
Once you have all your beads drilled and ready to go, pre-stretch the cord before you start stringing. This is a simple step that can prevent the elastic from stretching out as you work and makes your bracelet more likely to last longer.

Using the Cord for Beaded Necklaces
Most people who design with stretch cord focus on bracelets and finger rings, but a beaded necklace can look just as interesting. The elasticity of stretch cord is an ideal way to create an elegant drape for smooth round beads and gemstones.

This cord is thicker and has a larger diameter than most other types of elastic, making it a good choice for larger bead sizes. It's also easier to knot securely than many other types of elastic, and a surgeon's knot with an extra half loop is a popular technique for keeping the cord tied tightly.