Threads & wires

Beading wire is the strongest threading option available, you will have considerable difficulty breaking any of the products in this category. It consists of a core of intertwined strands of steel coated in nylon. The thickest thread is the strongest but also tends to have the disadvantage of being the least flexible. The art is to match the flexibility required to your work and budget. Don't forget your crimp beads, most of this range isn't happy when knotted.

View our fantastic range of Beading wire >>

View our fantastic range of Elastic & elasticity >>

Cords in a terrific range of colours which have so many uses in jewellery making and other crafts.

View our fantastic range of Leather thong & cotton thong >>

Not just for the loom, these reels are available in some beautiful colours and are suitable for all kinds of beadwork.

View our fantastic range of Loom thread >>

View our fantastic range of Nylon >>

View our fantastic range of Threads & wires misc >>

Whether you're creating a tiara or propping up cut flowers, we've got the wire for you!

View our fantastic range of Wire - metal based >>

Frequently asked questions about the collection: threads & wires

Q: Hello, I was wondering if you could advise me as to what wire to use. I need some that I can bend with my round pliers but is sturdy enough not to bend easily. I am going to be using in on a metal bookmark and it will have a rather heavy pendant on the end. Thank you very much!
A: If you want the wire to hold its shape I'd recommend using silver plated wire (SPW), it should bend easily with pliers and the thicker wire you use the better it will hold its shape. You can see our range of wire here - www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/wire-metal-based/c71

Q: I am new to jewellery making, what is the best material to use to make a bracelet and necklace?
A: Well, you could try elasticity www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/elastic-elasticity/c69 for a truly simple material, or wire www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/beading-wire/c70 and crimps www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Crimp/bo789 for something more complicated, try taking a look at our projects page www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/home/projects.php for inspiration and the videos on our homepage.

Q: I bought a ring with loops on, what is the best wire for attaching the beads to it? Also for making figure of 8 loops through a bead and connecting to another to make a necklace - what wire should I use? I have previously only used tiger tail for necklaces and headpins for earrings…I presume I need a wire that is more like the headpins than tiger tail?
A: You're right, you need a flexible wire like our 0.4mm silver plated wire www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Silver-plated-wire/bo914 which is easy to bend, shape and twist.

Q: I have been asked to make a necklace for a friend and am new to beading. She would like a surfer style choker made from fairly light turquoise beads, and will wear the necklace a lot! I wondered which wire or thread to use bearing in mind that it the necklace will be worn a lot and so whatever I choose will need to be hard-wearing!
A: For a surfer necklace I think it would be best to use some cotton thong www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Cotton-thong/bo908 and round leather crimps www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Leather-crimp-round-small/bo802 and a clasp of your choice. It should produce a really hard-wearing necklace! For advice on how to use the leather crimps check out this project www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/projects/summer-of-love-necklace/55 and our video www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/articles/basic-jewellery-making-techniques/12.

Q: My daughter is having a crafty party for her birthday and we would like to include some jewellery making. What wire / thread would be the simplest to work with for a group of 8 and 9 year olds? Thank you, Mel
A: The simplest thread for kids to use would be some of our brightly coloured elastic www.beadsunlimited.co.uk/Coloured-elastic/bo903 as all you would have to do is make a tight knot and there's no need to worry about clasps!

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