A Few Thoughts on Multi-Strand Beading Wires
When Judy Larson began making jewelry as a teen, tiger tail was the go-to for stringing beads-a far cry from the durable, flexible beading wires available today.
In this article, she shares hard-earned insight on choosing the right wire, why more strands matter, and how to get better results (and fewer kinks) in your designs.
In this article, she shares hard-earned insight on choosing the right wire, why more strands matter, and how to get better results (and fewer kinks) in your designs.
Why 49-Strand Wire Is Worth the Upgrade
When you're just starting out, it might be tempting to reach for cheaper 7- or 19-strand beading wire-but 49-strand wire is the better choice. It's not only stronger, but also far more resistant to kinks.
The higher the strand count, the more flexible the wire. That flexibility means a necklace made with 49-strand wire will drape more naturally and stay smooth, while lower-strand wires, like 7-strand, are more likely to hold creases after being stored.
If you already have 7- or 19-strand wire in your stash, consider saving it for practice pieces or letting kids experiment with it on beginner-friendly projects.
My Go-To Wire Drawer Setup
Designing with beads means making lots of little choices-so having a variety of wire types, thicknesses, and colors on hand takes the guesswork out of finding the right fit.
For each new project, aim to buy spools with at least 25-30 feet of wire. Before long, your stash will be stocked with everything you need for any design that comes to mind.
A peek into my stringing drawer: I keep 7-strand and a couple of 19-strand wires up front for the grandkids' garden bead projects. Behind those are my go-to 49-strand wires in .018" and .019" for most designs, plus finer .012" and .014" wires for stringing pearls.
At the very back is 20 lb Berkley Fireline, with black and clear stretch cords (in .8mm and 1mm) tucked in front.
Beading wire is usually stainless steel, plated for corrosion resistance it's often color-coated to match metal findings, with a nylon layer added for protection against water, skin oils, and wear.
Standard Soft Flex Wire (.019") from WireJewelry.com comes in Satin Silver, Copper, and Antique Brass ideal for most bead stringing projects.
Standard Soft Flex Wire (.019") from WireJewelry.com comes in Satin Silver, Copper, and Antique Brass ideal for most bead stringing projects.
Premium Satin Silver is a slightly brighter silver beading wire which is available in four thicknesses: .010", .014", .019", and .024"
Sometimes, a true gold or silver wire is needed. Years ago, I invested in 30-foot spools of silver- and gold-plated wire the color difference, especially compared to antique brass, is noticeable.
I haven't used it often, but the silver-plated wire really enhances certain projects i just ran out, or I'd have included a photo to show the color difference.
I haven't used it often, but the silver-plated wire really enhances certain projects i just ran out, or I'd have included a photo to show the color difference.
That's where plated wires really shine. When I recently transformed a three-strand pearl and aquamarine bracelet into a necklace, I used bright silver-plated wire to prevent dark lines from showing through the lighter beads.
The satin silver also paired beautifully with the antiqued silver beads and clasp in the center strand.
Antique brass wire could've worked with the gold-filled beads, but its slightly darker tone would have looked out of place-so I went with gold-plated wire instead.
Once again, the choice paid off. The clear, faceted citrine beads took on a warmer, golden glow thanks to the gold wire running through them.
The satin silver also paired beautifully with the antiqued silver beads and clasp in the center strand.
Antique brass wire could've worked with the gold-filled beads, but its slightly darker tone would have looked out of place-so I went with gold-plated wire instead.
Once again, the choice paid off. The clear, faceted citrine beads took on a warmer, golden glow thanks to the gold wire running through them.
Pro Tip: We all have our favorite bead stringing medium have an extra spool or two on hand so you don't get frustrated when you run out in the middle of a project.
Materials
Beading Wire - Choose from our selection
Beading supplies - check out our variety of beading supplies
Beads - Full selection of beads in variety of sizes, shapes and materials
Selection of findings - Bead caps, crimp beads and clasps in different metals
3 Strand Micro Cable Stainless Steel Wire 30 Foot - .012 Gauge
H12-6
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.18
- Gold Club Price: $2.38
7 Strand Micro Cable Stainless Steel Wire - .018 Gauge- 30 ft
H12-7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $3.66
- Gold Club Price: $2.74
Soft Flex Beading Wire, Metallic Antique Brass, .019 Inch, 30 Feet
BDC-419.60
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.50
- Gold Club Price: $12.38
Soft Flex Beading Wire, Metallic Copper, .019 Inch, 30 Feet
BDC-419.50
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.50
- Gold Club Price: $12.38
Soft Flex Beading Wire--Medium--.019
BDC-419.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.50
- Gold Club Price: $11.63
2 x 2mm Gold Filled Tube Crimp Beads - Pack of 100
J6-100
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $42.95
- Gold Club Price: $32.21
Tools
4-1/2 Inch Magical Crimping Pliers for Bead forming - Pack of 1
G16-36
- G16-36
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $19.95
- Gold Club Price: $14.96
20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat
MAT-620.00
- MAT-620.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.95
- Gold Club Price: $11.21
Memory Wire Cutters - Pack of 1
G2-36
- G2-36
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $10.38
- Gold Club Price: $7.78
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $170.72
- Gold Club Price: $128.04
Wire Wrapping/Beading Work Station
G16-43
- G16-43
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $87.97
- Gold Club Price: $65.98
10 Compartment Clear Plastic Organizer Case
G20-22
- G20-22
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $4.97
- Gold Club Price: $3.73
Supply Detail
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- Category: Beading
- Technique(s): Beading
Judy Larson
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Disc Cutter Basics and How to Make Metal Washers
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Design Process with 3 Different Earrings
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Lemons to Lemonade
Why You Should Take a Class
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Choosing Pliers
Saving, Storing, Using Tutorials
Flop to Flip
The Story of Turquoise
Non Marring Tools
Using Lower Quality Beads
Differences in Gold Plating
Inventorying Your Supplies
Engineering the Multi-chain Necklace
Benefits of Extender Chains
My Most Often Used Embellishments
Sliding Gauges and Calipers
Wire and Sheet Gauge Measuring Tool
Silver Plated Copper Craft Wire
Jewelry from Other Cultures
Conversation Starters
Well, That Didn't Work, Now What
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