Tips and techniques
Helpful hints on crimping
by Naomi Fujimoto
Published: September 9, 2010 When I'm working on a necklace or bracelet that has large-hole beads, sometimes the crimp beads slide into the adjacent beads before I have a chance to crimp them. The obvious solution: stringing beads with smaller holes next to the crimp beads. But here are a couple of other options.
Use cardboard to separate the beads
First, grab an old business card or cut a small piece of cardboard. Use scissors to cut a 1/2-in. (1.3 cm) slit in the card. Line the card up against the flexible beading wire between the crimp bead and large-hole bead. You'll be able to tighten the wire and crimp the crimp bead (Basics) without the crimp bead falling into the adjacent bead.
|
String the wire tail back through after you've crimped
Typically we string the beading wire back through the crimp bead and the last few beads strung, then crimp the crimp bead. When you're finishing your necklace or bracelet, try going back through only the crimp bead for now. Use the wire tail to maneuver the crimp bead; the bead won't get caught inside the adjacent large-hole bead. Crimp the crimp bead (Basics). String the excess wire through the adjacent bead, then trim it.
|
Give a folded crimp one last squeeze
Early in my jewelry-making career, I developed the habit of giving finished crimps a final squeeze with my chainnose pliers. This step isn't necessary (nor would you want to smash the crimp). But I feel like it adds security without compromising the pretty shape of a folded crimp.
|
|