Bead Stringing Cords (June 07)

Beading Cable
This is the most commonly used stringing material. Strong, flexible beading cable is composed of miniature stainless steel wires stranded together. The more strands in the cable, the greater the flexibility. Easy to use, does not knot, don't need a needle. Use with crimp beads.

Silk Cord
Traditional stringing material used for knotting. Very soft and supple. Drapes nicely, but stretches. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. Comes with a needle attached for easier stringing. Use with bead tips.

Poly Nylon (Polyamid)
Strong, fray-resistant, knottable stringing material. Doesn't stretch as much as silk cord. Available in a variety of colors and sizes like the silk. Has needle attached for easier stringing. Use with bead tips.

Monofilament (Invisible cord)
Sometimes called illusion cord. Easy to use, do not need a needle, can tie knots at ends. You can use bead tips or crimp beads with this cord. Good for glass beads as cord won't fray. Do not use with metal beads. Can become brittle and yellow with age.

Stretch Magic (Latex based elastic)
Not very strong. Recommended for jewelry for children. It does not fray and can be ended with either crimp beads or knots secured with glue. It is recommended that you restring pieces on elastic once a year as it breaks down.

Other Stringing Materials
Leather, polyester, suede, cotton, ribbon, satin, and linen.