How to Tie off Bead Bracelets?

Bead bracelets are not just fashion accessories; they are symbols of creativity and personal expression. However, tying them off can sometimes be a challenge, especially for beginners. So how to tie off a bead bracelet? In this guide, we’ll present 3 common ways of how to tie off beaded bracelets. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Tie off With a Regular Knot

Suppose that you have all your beads threaded onto the string according to your design plan. Now, you are about to tie off your bracelet and make it into a circle. The first and simplest approach to tying off your bracelet is via a basic knot like the strong and easy-to-make surgeon’s knot. To tie this knot, follow these steps:

Tie the First Overhand Knot: take both ends of the string, lay the left side end over the right side end, and loop the left side end around the right side end twice.

Tie the Second Overhand Knot: take both ends of the string, lay the right side end over the left side end, and loop the right side end around the left side end once.

Tighten the Knot: Gently pull all four strings around the knot until the knot is fully tightened.

Tie off With a Hidden Knot

Tying off a bead bracelet with a hidden knot provides a seamless and tidy finish, with the knot discreetly concealed. As a method of how to finish a beaded bracelet without a clasp, this approach ensures that the bracelet appears sleek and professional while still maintaining a secure closure. Typically, there are two approaches how to finish elastic bead bracelets with hidden knots you can take to ensure a professional finish:

Hide the Knot Under a Neighboring Bead

This is a simple yet effective approach to conceal the knot. Start by selecting a neighboring bead under which you plan to hide the knot, and pull the cord gently until the knot sits inside the hole of that bead. Afterward, trim away the excess cord coming out of the hidden knot.

To keep the knot securely in place, you can apply a dab of jewelry glue to the knot before sliding it under the bead, and trim away the excess cord once the glue has dried. This approach should work out well for most beads and knots. However, it fails if, say, the holes in the beads are too small to contain the knot.

Hide the Knot Using a Crimp Bead Cover

This approach is a little bit more complicated than the previous one, but it is more universally applicable.

When using a crimp bead cover to hide the knot, start by placing the crimp bead cover over the knot, ensuring it completely covers the knot's entirety. Then, use crimping pliers to gently squeeze the crimp bead, securing it in place without applying excessive pressure that could damage the cord.

Once secured, trim any excess cord, leaving a small tail that can be concealed within the bracelet's design. Thus, the knot is enclosed in the crimp bead cover and is no longer visible, ensuring a clean and professional finish to your handmade craft. For added strength, it is also recommended to apply a bit of glue to the knot prior to enclosing it with the crimp bead cover.

Finish off With a Lobster Claw Clasp

There is also a third, more sophisticated approach to how to finish a bead bracelet: using a lobster claw clasp. It delivers the most refined finish out of the 3 methods of how to end a bead bracelet.

Items Needed

Before we get started on this method of tying off beaded bracelets, make sure you have the following items at your fingertip:

Crimp Beads: Crimp beads are small metal beads that are used to secure the ends of the beading cord. They can be flattened using pliers.

Crimp Bead Covers: Crimp bead covers are small metal beads that are designed to conceal crimp beads, providing a more polished and professional look to the bracelet closure.

Jump Rings: Jump rings are small, circular metal rings that are used to connect jewelry components together. We need two 4mm jump rings and one 6mm jump ring for now.

A Lobster Claw Clasp: A lobster claw clasp is a type of jewelry clasp known for its secure and reliable closure. It provides the final connection needed to make your bracelet into a circle.

Steps of Tying off With Lobster Claw Clasps

With these items at your disposal, it is time to showcase the steps of how to tie off a bracelet with beads using lobster claw clasps:

Secure One End of the String: before threading the beads, string a crimp bead and onto one end of the string. Compress the crimp bead using a pair of pliers. Then, string a crimp bead cover over the crimp bead, and attach a 4mm jump ring to the crimp bead cover. Close the jump ring with your pliers. Lastly, attach the lobster claw clasp (its small loop) to the 4mm jump ring. We’re done for one end now.

Stringing the Beads: With one end of the string secured, the next step is to string the beads according to your design.

Tackle the Other End: Once the beads are strung onto the cord, it is time to secure the other end. Thread first a crimp cover and then a crimp bead from the other end, and flatten the crimp bead using pliers. Close the crimp bead cover, attach a 4mm jump ring to it, and then attach a 6mm jump ring to the 4mm jump ring. Close the jump rings with your pair of pliers.

Final Connection: Now, you have a 6mm jump ring on one end of the string and a lobster claw clasp on the other. The only remaining task is to secure the 6mm jump ring inside the main body of the lobster claw clasp. How to tie end of bead bracelet now? Press the lever on the lobster claw clasp, insert the 6mm jump ring, and release the lever. You are done!

Conclusion

Here you are - 3 approaches of how to tie off a bead bracelet with increasing levels of sophistication. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a basic knot, the refined finish of hiding the knot, or the ultimate elegance of securing your bracelet with a lobster claw clasp, each method offers its own unique blend of functionality and style. Whichever approach of closing the elastic bead bracelet you choose, take pride in your craftsmanship and enjoy wearing your handcrafted creation as you would do the Neovivi Beaded Crystal Bracelet. Happy beading!

FAQs

How do you ensure the knot on a bead bracelet is secure?

Here are some tips to ensure a secure knot:

Tighten the Knot Properly: When tying the knot, make sure to pull the ends of the string or cord firmly to tighten the knot securely. Apply steady pressure to ensure the knot is snug against the last bead in your bracelet design.

Use the Right Type of Knot: Different types of knots offer varying levels of security. Consider using a knot that is known for its strength and reliability, such as a surgeon's knot or a square knot.

Apply Fray Check or Glue: For extra security, you can apply a small amount of fray check or glue to the knot once it's tied. This helps to seal the knot and prevent the ends of the string or cord from fraying or slipping out of the knot.

What is a strong knot that is easy to untie?

The square knot, also known as the reef knot, is a strong and reliable knot that is relatively easy to untie. It consists of two overhand knots tied in opposite directions. The square knot is a practical choice for situations where both strength and ease of untying are important.

Can you add clasps to any bead bracelet design?

Yes, clasps can be added to almost any bead bracelet design, offering versatility and convenience. For instance, lobster claw clasps or toggle clasps are often used in DIY bead bracelet projects to provide secure closures.