Make Your Own Beaded Eyeglass Chain

Beaded eyeglass chains have become more and more popular in recent years. What few realize is that making your own beaded eyeglass chain is simple and can produce excellent results. You can choose your beads, your colors, and the styles that you want. Making the perfect eyeglass chain is only a matter of having the right materials and beading your way into the perfect piece.

You Will Need
The tools you need are fairly simple. For the fastest option of making a beaded eyeglass chain you will need crimp pliers and a pair of scissors. To string your beads on you will want to have nylon coated beading wire. Your bead choices are completely up to you. Finally you will need eyeglass chain ends. These come in a rubber variety and a variety with a metal bead and an elastic portion that slides over the ends of the glasses. You will also need two crimp beads and crimp covers if you desire.

Directions for a Basic Piece
You will want to cut a piece of nylon coated beading wire about 30 inches long. Fold one end over and add your eyeglass chain end to the wire. Then add a crimp bead to both sides of the wire. Push it tight and crimp it. Then add beads of your choice to the strand. Bead about 26-28 inches worth of beads. Add a crimp bead and the eyeglass chain end. Fold the wire over and run it back through the crimp bead. Pull everything tight and then crimp it.

Variations with Nylon Coated Beading Wire
You can do this piece with more then one strand for a more substantial look. One option is to have two strand of small beads, such as seed beads with a few 2,3, or 4 mm highlight beads, and one of larger beads such as 6-10mm beads. You can also have multiple strands with a few focal beads that slide over all of the strands of wire to form groupings. The wave stitch is also a possibility for a great looking eyeglass chain.

The Wave Stitch
The wave stitch is done by taking two nylon coated wires. You will start the project the same way by adding your end, folding your wire over and adding a crimp bead. Crimp your crimp bead. To one strand you will add small beads (preferably seed beads or a similar size) and to the other strand a large bead such as an 8,10, or 12 mm round bead (glass beads, glass pearls, and round gemstone beads work excellent). Add your large bead to the one strand and enough small beads so that they will wrap half way around the large bead when pressed close. Once you have the correct number figured out add a small bead to both strands and press tight. Add another large bead to the same strand as the first time, and your small beads to the other side. Add a small bead and press tight. Continue this pattern and you will see your small beads will wave their way around the larger beads for an awesome look.

Variations with Other Stringing Materials
You can use a wide range of stringing materials if you wish. For example, you can choose cotton thread. It is important that you wax or condition your thread first. Using your favorite stitches you can add them to your eyeglass chain as well including, but not limited to the daisy stitch, the right angle weave, any of the number of chain stitches, and even the tubular peyote stitch. These can make lovely piece though are a bit more time consuming then simply stringing beads.

Other Options
You can also add chain to your design. You can do chain links with added beads, or attach your section of chain with sections of strung beads (or sections of beads that have been stitched).

All of these options can be used with your own style and tastes in mind for some truly unique and exciting pieces. You can make a beautiful beaded eyeglass chain that is even better then the options available in the stores. Plus, you will have a one of a kind piece that fits your personality. You can also make them for great gifts to your loved ones. Nothing could be better.