WIRE
49 Strand Stringing Wires 19 Strand Stringing Wires 7 Strand Stringing Wires Memory Wires

CORDS & STRINGING
Cords & Stringing Needles Beading Looms

FINDINGS
Sterling Silver Findings Stainless Steel Findings Base Metal Findings

BEADS
Misc. Beads CZ-Gem Dropz Gemstone Beads Seed Beads Treasure Beads Cube Beads Magatama Beads Glass Beads

MISCELLANEOUS
Books Bead Master CD/DVD Organization Storage Adhesives Shaping Wires Tools Pegboard Spinners

Downloads
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Stringing Materials 101 Flexible beading wire is best for stringing projects featuring glass, crystal, metal and semi-precious beads. It combines the softness of thread with the strength of stainless steel. Choose the style of beading wire based on the flexibility your project needs. Beadalon 49 Strand is more flexible than Beadalon 19 Strand - which is more flexible than Beadalon 7 strand. Beadalon wire is available in a variety of colors and diameters. (Tigertail is the common name that was given to beading wire when it was first introduced to the market, but it isn't usually as flexible as Beadalon wire.) Beading thread is primarily used for creating intricately woven designs. You can also use very thin beading wire for some woven designs, but thread is the typical choice for peyote stitch and other traditional beadwork. Dandlyine and Nymo are two brand names of thread. Dandyline is multi-strand and super-strong, nymo is single-strand. Silk cord is traditionally used to string pearls and other gemstones with a knot between each bead. Poly-nylon cord is a less expensive, synthetic alternative to silk. It has less stretch and is also available in a variety of colors and sizes. Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. It's basically one-size-fits-all and comes in pre-formed necklace, bracelet and ring sizes. You don't have to use a clasp to connect the ends: they spring back into place on your neck, wrist or finger. Stretchy cord and thread are the more professional cousins of elastic cord - that cotton-coated rubber that people have used for years to make stretchy bracelets. Stretch plastic like Beadalon Elasticity is less likely to stretch out and is not adversely affected by getting wet. Leather cord and suede lace can be used to create a variety of designs. Leather cord is typically round, while suede lace is usually flat. Faux suede lace tends to be even softer and suppler than natural suede. Craft wire and sterling wire are used for wire-wrapping. It is available in a variety of diameters known as gauges. The larger the number, the smaller the gauge, or diameter, of the wire. 28-gauge is smaller than 16-gauge. German-style Plated Wire. When choosing which type of stringing material to use, start by considering what type of design you're going to make. For example, you can make a single-strand necklace with almost any stringing material. But a woven necklace requires very thin beading wire or thread.