tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post5496770396103054136..comments2024-03-27T18:20:35.784-04:00Comments on The Beading Gem: Tutorial on How to Make a Stretchy Bracelet More DurableThe Beading Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-41258907246826100012015-03-16T22:32:45.623-04:002015-03-16T22:32:45.623-04:00Thanks Barbara, for confirming that Stretch Magic ...Thanks Barbara, for confirming that Stretch Magic is a good brand. I didn't know they made the 0.7 mm version. Great tip on the large hole spacer bead. The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-27887194376900220952015-03-16T16:26:29.031-04:002015-03-16T16:26:29.031-04:00I tried every el cheapo brand of stretch elastic, ...I tried every el cheapo brand of stretch elastic, found they're all awful, and finally tried Stretch Magic. It's the best! I went to Lacy's in Toronto on Thursday to buy more and they're on back order. So far I haven't had to double it -- I prefer 1mm but have also used the 7 mm with smaller-holed beads. You might have some reject beads, but I've been able to get that through most small-holed beads on a string. Pre-stretching is absolutely essential, along with keeping a very slight tension so the bracelet isn't floppy especially with 6mm or smaller beads and rolling the bracelet on, as Lisa says. I use a big hole metal spacer bead at the "back" of the bracelet or two of them on either side of a focal bead to hide the knots. <br />Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13747846783177833492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-85730293072195306692015-03-15T20:54:06.131-04:002015-03-15T20:54:06.131-04:00I agree with you, Stretch Magic works better. I ...I agree with you, Stretch Magic works better. I would use 0.5 mm. It is stronger if it is doubled up. Love your tips, Lisa - especially the part about rolling on the bracelet! Thanks for sharing. The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-53606367978954100112015-03-15T20:02:05.197-04:002015-03-15T20:02:05.197-04:00It looks like the tutorial is using gossamer floss...It looks like the tutorial is using gossamer floss - which I find always wears out and frays eventually. I prefer Stretch Magic and, unfortunately, there are very few beads that will accept a doubled length of 1 mm stretch magic. I have never had problems with a single length of cord and a surgeon's knot slipping as long as I pre-stretch the cord, keep some tension in the elastic (i.e. it is slightly pulling when the knot is done), pull the knot tight from all sides, and add a drop of glue. Most important to durability is to roll the bracelet on and not pull it up and stretch it out over your hand. It's a pretty bracelet design.Lisa Yang Jewelryhttp://www.lisayangjewelry.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-10913634651470398932015-03-14T13:43:12.368-04:002015-03-14T13:43:12.368-04:00The size of the holes will dictate what size elast...The size of the holes will dictate what size elastic to use. I think that even thinner elastic doubled up is a whole lot better than when it is used singularly.The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-91183046829250919802015-03-14T12:07:03.953-04:002015-03-14T12:07:03.953-04:00I thought this was a fun project!
Over on the tu...I thought this was a fun project! <br /><br />Over on the tutorial are lots of hints and tips from readers/beaders. <br /><br />They suggest pulling the stretchy cord a number of times before starting to bead so that it doesn't stretch out later from the weight of the beads. <br /><br />One gal even suggests using a crimp cover over your glued knot. I thought that was an excellent suggestion!<br /><br />One thing I did think of is that you have to use big-holed beads for some of the size of elastic that you are going to use. Otherwise it's just not going to fit into the beads. This could be a problem....does thin elastic work just as well doubled up? Hmmmm........aimshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12685252628734838159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-46048044951013165382015-03-14T09:34:25.395-04:002015-03-14T09:34:25.395-04:00Me, too! Otherwise the stretchy cord I have is go...Me, too! Otherwise the stretchy cord I have is going to languish forever!The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-59520050910105890452015-03-14T09:19:19.327-04:002015-03-14T09:19:19.327-04:00Wow, thanks. That is a great help. I, too, am one ...Wow, thanks. That is a great help. I, too, am one of those who refuses to make stretchy bracelets. However, I may give this one a go. (I still have some stretchy cord I can utilize.Ring by Ring Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17281665388007536497noreply@blogger.com