How to Make a Three-Strand Necklace

Beads - Any type of beads will do as long as there are holes in them.

Beading Thread - Nylon works best. I like to use upholstery thread, since it comes in many colors and is very strong.

Bead Tips* - You will need at least six of these (more are better, in case you damage one).

Beading Needle - This should be a small enough size to fit through your beads while threaded, but large enough to hold the thread in the eye.

Clasp - Any clasp will do, as long as the loop ends are large enough to hold three bead tips. If you have a lobster clasp or similar type of clasp, you will need a split ring for the opposite end of the necklace.

Glue - Something that will keep the knots tied inside the Bead Tips. Just about any glue will do.

Pliers -These are for closing bead tips and securing the ends to the clasp.

Scissors

Instructions:

1. Measure the length of your closed clasp. Add ½ inch. This measurement will be referred as 'A'.

2. Determine the length of the shortest tier of your necklace. Cut your first thread twice the length of this tier plus two feet. Trim one end and thread your needle with it. Tie a large knot at one end. The knot should be small enough to fit in the bead tip but large enough not to slip through the bead tip hole. Thread the needle through the bead tip, making sure the knot is inside the clamshell shape. Glue the knot and close the bead tip over the knot. Leave the thread tail until the necklace is finished to allow the glue to dry.

Thread on your beads until your necklace measures the desired length minus measurement 'A'.

Add another bead tip, making sure it is placed in the opposite direction as the first one. Loosely coil the necklace to allow the beads to 'relax'. This prevents the beads from hanging stiffly when the necklace is finished. Tie a knot close inside the bead tip. Glue it and close the bead tip over the knot. Trim the thread longer than the necklace. You will cut it closely later.

3. Determine the length of the second strand of the necklace and repeat step 2, using this new measurement.

4. Determine the length of the third strand of the necklace and repeat step 2, using this new measurement.

5. Lay out the three strands in order. Close the bead tip end (the loop end) over the clasp end (the loop end) of the first strand. Repeat for the second strand. Carefully note the position of the third strand and close the bead tip over the clasp end in the proper position. (It is easy to get the strands out of order at this point.)

6. Repeat for the other end of the clasp.

7. Allow the glue to dry and cut the thread tails close to the bead tips.That's it. You have a three strand necklace.

* Bead Tips are small metal two sided balls with a looped end that close over knots and attach beaded strands to clasps and other findings.