Beaded Bracelets: A Low-Cost High-Impact Fun DIY
July 28, 2020This post contains affiliate links.
I love a good dollar store DIY and this one is a fun one. Have you ever seen those containers of tiny glass beads at Dollar Tree? Well I decided to grab a few different colors and try my hand at DIY Beaded Bracelets.
What I love most about these bracelets is that the beads are sooo super tiny. The tiny size of the beads makes it a bit more time-consuming to thread them onto the string, but the final look is more refined, dainty and delicate.
I wound up making a bunch of different bracelets and eventually, I combined them together using the hardware of an old bracelet. So I only needed to clasp it once and I still have the look of 5-7 bracelets. To start, you’ll need a bunch of the glass beads and your string of choice (more on that next.)
What string material is best for beaded bracelets?
I actually tried three different strings and I’ll share the pros & cons of each of the options.
Beaded Bracelets Using Sewing Thread
I tried regular sewing thread first and although it’s cheap and easy to find, it frayed all too easily (even after continuously cutting the thread.) So I would not recommend sewing thread for this application.
By the way, to secure it in the back, you can string both ends of the thread through one bead. Then you can loosen or expand it as necessary.
Beaded Bracelets Using Jewelry Wire
This was better than the thread. Obviously the wire didn’t fray at all. Plus, since the wire is stiff, it was easier to actually place these tiny beads right onto the wire. However, once the beads were on the wire, the overall bracelet didn’t fall naturally – it had a stiff round appearance. Of course, jewelry wire comes in multiple gauges and I probably had a thicker one on hand. So if you want to get a jewelry wire specifically for beading, that would work well.
Beaded Bracelets Using Dental Floss
Yes, you read that right. Dental floss for the win in this application! Not only did dental floss not fray, but it also allowed the beads to drape & fall naturally.
So bottom line is the dental floss worked the best for me. However, jewelry beading wire is a great second choice option.
So when you’re looking to flex your creative muscles this summer and want a low-cost, high-impact fun DIY, try making your own Beaded Bracelets!
Love to create new things. It’s so special to create a bracelet for someone!
My daughters have been getting in to more crafts like these. I’ll have to show this to them and we’ll have to make some of them. They do bracelets a lot, but I don’t think they’ve tried ones like this yet.
I used to love making bracelets when I was a girl! I’m definitely doing this with my daughter!
I adore beaded bracelets. I have worn at least three or four every day since the 70s. Yeah, I wasn’t too cool in the 80s but now I am!
I love the look of the multiple strands of tiny glass beads. I have a lot of beads, but I need to learn more tips on turning them into something I want to wear.
This sounds like such a fun and relaxing project. I would love to try making some of my own, and with my kids.
You totally should, Marysa! 🙂
Yes I am making braclet for my daughter, she loves, it, This is great DIY doing with kids.
So much fun! 🙂