Beading Basics:
Lesson 1 - How to Crimp

This lesson teaches how to properly use a folded crimp bead. This is an important step in making a beaded necklace or bracelet.








Step 1:

Gather together all the necessary part and tools. You will need:

-Crimping pliers (also called bead crimpers)
-2 Crimp beads
-Beading wire (Beadalon, SoftFlex, Tigertail)
-Clasp

Step 2:

-Cut desired length of beading wire.
-Place crimp bead on the beading wire followed by one end of the clasp.




Step 3:

-Loop beading wire back through just the crimp bead (not the clasp too).

Step 4:

-Using the the inside hole of the crimping pliers (the one closest to your hand) clamp down on crimp bead.








Step 5:

-Using the ouside part of the crimping pliers clamp down on the widest points of the crimp bead.









The crimp bead should now be flat and tight, completely securing the clasp onto the beading wire.








Step 6:

-Cut off any excess length on the shorter end of the beading wire.









Step 7:

-String beads onto beading wire in desired pattern.




Step 8:

-When last bead has been placed on beading wire add the second crimp bead followed by the clasp.





Step 9:

-Loop beading wire back through only the crimp bead and pull wire tight.






Step 10:

-Repeat steps 4 and 5 using the crimping pliers to secure on the other end of the clasp.






Voila!

You have your finished product.