Simple Beaded Chains For Jewelry and Eyeglasses

The Magic of Loom Knitting Elegant Jewelry That Is Rather Easy To Make

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Simple Beaded Chains

For Jewelry and Eyeglasses

Since I have already given my introduction as to how all this came about, let's get right into it.  If somehow you missed all the fun of the introduction, you can find it by clicking here.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a beaded chain that can be made any length desired and finished to make a necklace/bracelet or an eyeglasses chain.

Tools

The following are the tools you will need to complete the beaded chain itself.  Some of these items are used for the jewelry only and not the eyeglasses chain.

Knitting Loom and Loom Pick - A fine gauge loom with at least 2 pegs is all you need.  I used my treasured fine gauge loom by DALooms.  These lovely looms are no longer made.  But any fine or extra fine gauge loom may be used.  Only 2 pegs are needed.

 Flat-Nose Pliers - I recommend using flat-nose pliers.  The smooth surface reduces the chance of damaging the findings.  This pair was bought in a set of Craftsman pliers at  a Sears store about 15 years ago.  They can also be found in any jewelry supply section of any craft store.

Jump Ring Tool - This is a must if you are planning on using jump rings.  Jump rings should never be pulled open.  They should always be twisted open.  If you don't have one or want to buy one, use 2 pairs of pliers to twist them open and close.  How to use this is explained in this tutorial.

Beading Needles - I prefer using the flexible beading needles.  They are fairly inexpensive and are sold several to a package.  The eye of these needles will collapse making it easier to thread the beads.  If you are patient, you can reuse the needles by opening the eye using pliers.  This was purchased several years ago so the price likely isn't the same now...

Supplies

These are the supplies needed for these projects.  Some of these are sold in a pack of multiples so that more than one project may be completed with just one package.  All of these items may be found in any bead supply aisle of any craft store or online.

Beads - Both of these projects were made with vintage Czech crystal beads from my stash.  The eyeglasses chain used 30 - 5 mm faceted ruby beads and 31 - 4 mm faceted topaz beads for a total of 61 beads.  The necklace and bracelet used 5 x 4 mm bi-cone blue beads.  The length of the chain is dependent on how large the beads are.  The larger the beads, the longer the chain will be with the same number of beads used.  Any size or type of material of bead may be used.  Just remember than the larger the bead, the heavier the finished product.  Also keep in mind to match the size of the hole in the bead with the type and size of cord/thread.

2 ply Lame' Beading Cord - The cord used came with 10 yards per card.  I made both the necklace and bracelet with less than 10 yards.  The eyeglasses chain used less than than the jewelry.  Any type of thread or cord may be used if it can be threaded through the beads you are wanting to use.  Once again, price is likely not accurate.  Also keep in mind that 2 ply for this beading cord does not mean it is the same as 2 ply yarn.  

2 mm silver beads - These are used at each end of the necklace and bracelet before attaching the jump rings.  They are not required but do give a better finish.  I prefer spending a bit more for sterling silver than silver plated.  2 of these beads are needed for each necklace or bracelet.

Jump Rings - Once again, sterling silver is the way to go if you are wanting a piece of jewelry to last a lifetime without tarnishing.  2 jump rings are needed for each necklace or bracelet.

Lobster Claw Clasps - Any clasps may be used.  Or you may simply make a necklace long enough to tie the ends together and eliminate the need for a clasp, jump rings, or 2 mm silver beads.  I prefer the lobster claw clasps simply because they are easier for me to use.  And sterling silver is the metal of choice for me.  Only 1 is needed for each necklace or bracelet.

Eyeglass Holders - These are sold in various color choices.  I am sure you have already guessed you will only need 2 per chain unless you use a monocle...  And again on the price not being current.

Now on with the show!

The Chain

Since both the jewelry and the eyeglasses chain are basically the same until the finishing, let's start at the very beginning.

Step 1

Thread the beading needle with the cord/thread.

String all the beads onto the thread/cord.  Yes all the beads.  It is better to put too many on than not enough.  

If using more than 1 color bead, put them on in the order that they will be placed with the last bead to be used strung first and the first  bead to be used strung last.

Do not cut the thread or cord beforehand.  Just string the beads on while unwrapping the thread leaving the thread on the card or spool.  This way there is no worry about needing to join the thread or cord if there isn't enough.  Then simply unwrap the thread from the card as you work the chain.

Step 2

Make a slip knot leaving a tail about 6" long.

Place the slip knot on the loom.

After placing the slip knot on the first peg, wrap the second peg by bringing the working thread behind peg 2, around the front of the peg, and between the 2 pegs.  Now there is a loop on both pegs.

Wrap a second pass by bring the working thread behind peg 1, around to the front of peg 1, between pegs 1 and 2, around the back of peg 2, then back in front of the peg and between the pegs at the back.  Each wrap is like a figure 8 around the 2 pegs with the working thread always at the back.

Lift the bottom loop over the top loop on both pegs.

Important Note  After knitting over, gently tug the i-cord tail first then the working thread.  This keeps the stitches from being too loose or uneven.  This must be done after each set of stitches due to the thinness of the thread when used with this gauge loom.

Repeat the figure 8 wrap and knit over a total of 8 times.

Slide the first bead down the working yarn

 to the back between the 2 pegs.

Wrap making sure the bead is snug against the back of the peg

and knit over.  Work the i-cord 6 times remembering to always gently tug the worked end of the chain first then the working thread to snug up the stitches after knitting over each time.

Add the next bead and work the i-cord 6 times again.

Continue until the cord is the desired length ending with a total of 8 wraps after the last bead.

The length of my pieces are as follows:

• Necklace - 24"
• Bracelet - 6" - 8" depending on wrist size
• Eyeglasses Chain - 28"

Bind off by placing the loop that is on peg 1 onto peg 2 and pulling a 6" tail of thread through both loops.  Gently snug up those last stitches.

Finishing

The finishing for the necklace and the bracelet are exactly the same.

First thread the beading needle with the thread and string the first 2 mm silver bead.  The second will be placed on the other end.

Place the silver bead at the end of the i-cord.  The hole in the bead should not be big enough to slide over the i-cord itself.








While there are several different methods of attaching the thread tail to the jump ring, this is the method I used.

First run the thread through the jump ring and tie the end in a knot making sure the jump ring is next to the bead.






While this may be enough for some people, this is a time I love to use knots so let's carry on...

Now fold the tail and run it though the jump ring so that there is a single thread on one side and a folded double thread on the other.

While treating the side with the double thread as one, tie a square knot with both ends.






Repeat by running the folded tail through the jump ring and tie a second square knot.

Cut the ends.  Use a small dab of jewelry or fabric glue on the knot if desired.

Now prepare the clasp by adding a jump ring.

Place the jump ring tool on a finger.

Pick up a jump ring with the pliers so the the opening  is toward the end of the pliers.

Insert the jump ring into the appropriate size slot on the jump ring tool and twist the jump ring open.

Place the lobster claw clasp on the open jump ring.

Close the jump ring by repeating the steps to open it but twist it closed instead.

Now the jump ring is on the clasp.  And yes...  There are clasps that already have the jump ring attached.








Attach the other end of the chain to the jump ring on the clasp in the same manner as the first end.

Use the same method of attaching the thread tail to the jump rings to attach the thread tail to the eyeglass holders.

The possibilities are endless when using different beads and threads!  Spacing the beads closer or farther apart by working fewer or more i-cord stitches will give a different look as well.

I look forward to seeing what gorgeous projects everyone makes!  Share your work here in the comments, on the String Theory Fiber Works page on FB, or in any of the loom knitting FB groups.