When Bead Holes are Too Large

by Judy Larson
You have some beautiful charm beads that you want to string with gemstone beads. However, since the holes in the charm beads are so large, they will not hang nicely in line with other beads on the beading wire. The solution? Add more beads!
Instructions
Find a small bead that will fit inside the larger hole. The small beads inside these designer glass bead holes are slightly smaller than the holes. Stack several small beads to fill the length of the hole. These added beads will keep large hole beads in better alignment with the other beads on the bead stringing wire.
Judy Larson's When Bead Holes are Too Large - , Beading, Beads, when bead holes are too large
Judy Larson's When Bead Holes are Too Large - , Beading, Beads, when bead holes are too large
This sterling silver spacer bead had a very large hole which made it difficult to use in the project it was purchased for. The sterling silver round bead that fit inside that large hole protruded from each side of the spacer bead so it was hammered on each side of the spacer bead until it was the same thickness as the spacer bead. No soldering was needed to hold the flattened round bead in place.
What about large hole gemstone beads purchased to use on leather cord? There must be a way to use them with beading wire. Metal tubing is available in a variety of sizes. It is a simple matter of cutting the lengths needed to fit the beads being used. Even crimp tubes come in a variety of sizes which can be inserted inside some beads to make them easier to use in your designs.
Judy Larson's When Bead Holes are Too Large - , Beading, Beads, when bead holes are too large
Judy Larson's When Bead Holes are Too Large - , Beading, Beads, when bead holes are too large

Materials

Sterling Silver Crimp Beads 2x2mm - Pack of 100
K10-22
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.64
  • Gold Club Price: $8.73
Add to Bag
Sterling Silver Crimp Beads 2x3mm - Pack of 25
K10-23
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.66
  • Gold Club Price: $3.50
Add to Bag
Soft Touch by Soft Flex Wire--Fine--.014
BDC-400.14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
Out of Stock
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
Add to Bag
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Tools

No tools listed
  • Category: Beading
  • Technique(s): Beading