Attaching Clasps to Beaded Jewelry (Jan. 06)
Information courtesy of Blue Moon Beads

We will demonstrate how to attach clasps to bracelets and necklaces using crimp beads or crimp tubes. Crimp beads are used with stiff kinds of bead cord like tigertail and monofiliment. They are not used when stringing with thread. No needle is required for stringing because of the stiffness of the cord.

STEP 1
Start with a length of tigertail that is approximately six inches longer than the intended length of the finished piece of jewelry. Bend approximately two inches of the tigertail and attach the clasp as shown.

STEP 2
Slide a crimp bead onto both thicknesses of the tigertail and draw it up against the clasp.

STEP 3
Use chain-nose pliers to flatten the crimp bead so that it cannot slide up or down.

STEP 4
String all of the beads onto the tigertail. The first few beads should be strung over both thicknesses of tigertail.

STEP 5
Slide the second crimp bead onto the tigertail. Pass the tigertail through the other end of the clasp and back through the crimp bead and several other beads.

STEP 6
Pull the tigertail until all of the beads are snug against each other. Then, flatten the crimp bead. Use a pair of wire cutters to cut off the remaining tigertail as close to the beads as possible.