| If it's true that a cord of three strands is not quickly | | | | even ends to one half of your necklace clasp. I |
| broken, this easy, tri-strand beaded necklace ought to | | | | typically slip the threads through and tie them; a drop |
| last forever! The simple pattern is a dream to make, | | | | of glue on the knot adds strength. You should now |
| the perfect project for beginners, and yet it has an | | | | have half a necklace clasp with three threads of three |
| elegance and sophistication to it that beginner's | | | | different lengths hanging from it. |
| projects typically lack. | | | | Beginning with the shortest thread, the 13 inch, thread |
| To make the tri-strand beaded necklace, you'll need: | | | | your needle and string your beads. Ideally, you should |
| Craft thread (quilting thread works well if you don't | | | | stop at least 2 inches short of the end of the thread; |
| have craft thread on hand) | | | | this will give you room to tie off your thread. |
| A needle | | | | You want to be very careful at this stage. Without |
| A pair of sharp scissors | | | | losing any of the beads, thread the end of the 13 inch |
| A necklace clasp, of any kind; I like to use the barrel | | | | strand through the second half of your necklace clasp, |
| closures | | | | and tie it on. This will keep your beads from slipping off |
| 3 packages of 11/0 seed beads, or similar beads; I like | | | | the smallest strand while you do the other two. |
| 11/0 Rocaille beads, but any seed beads will work. | | | | Repeat the procedure with the 17 inch and the 21 inch |
| Once you've made the necklace, and gotten the hang | | | | threads, again, stopping 2 inches short of the end and |
| of it, you may wish to experiment with different beads. | | | | tying them onto the necklace clasp. Once each strand |
| For example, using three different sizes of seed pearls, | | | | is finished, add a drop of glue to the second half of the |
| with the smallest on top and the largest on bottom, | | | | clasp, just as you did to the first, to add strength to the |
| gives a stunning layered look. Or, make two strands | | | | knots. |
| out of pearls and one out of cloisonné. For | | | | When you're finished, you should have three swags of |
| now, however, stick to the simplest of beads forms; | | | | beads, roughly 18, 14, and 10 inches, respectively. |
| the seed bead, a fun, elegant, yet inexpensive choice. | | | | Because these necklaces are so simple and easy to |
| A word about your needle: the eye should be large | | | | make, they make great crafts for kids 8 and older, and |
| enough to thread easily, but small enough to slip | | | | great party favors or gifts. Teens can make and |
| through your beads. Always test the needle, by sliding | | | | exchange these necklaces, and children will find they |
| it through two or three of the beads, to make sure | | | | make great Mother's Day gifts. Children will probably |
| that it fits easily through the hole. | | | | want to work with larger beads, which are easier to |
| To begin, cut three strands of your craft or quilting | | | | work with. A nice 05/0 or 06/0 bead is generally best |
| thread. One should be 21 inches, one should be 17 | | | | for kids 8-12, and some adults may prefer the larger |
| inches, and one should be 13 inches. You may wish to | | | | sizes, as well! Tri-strand bead necklaces can be made |
| play around with these lengths once you've made this | | | | with any kind of bead, in any kind of colors, and a |
| first necklace. | | | | pendant can be added to the lowest strand, making |
| Gather the threads, with one end even, and attach the | | | | these the most versatile of all bead necklaces. |