Comments on: Problem – Bead Bracelets End Up Too Stiff

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:14:06 +0000

Place a small, 2-3mm, round bead between the larger beads to act as fulcrum. Especially helpful with stones that have flat ends (rectangular, freeform cut, etc.)

By: Terri Wlaschin

Terri Wlaschin — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 05:09:28 +0000

The beads can definitely have an impact. As people mentioned chunky beads and bracelets that have no spacer or round beads become very stiff. Just popping in a few round or spacer/seed beads here and there makes a huge difference. I actually clasp mine around my wrist before the final crimping to test flexibility and length. And I typically cut a 1/2 inch to 1 inch chain on one end (lobster claw on other) to allow for adjustability. I use soft flex .019 (49 strands) with no problem.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 22:12:32 +0000

I agree with Brandie, the stringing material is important. I tend to use two strands of thinner nylon thread, which provides more flexibility, while retaining the required strength (for heavier beads). You can also attach an extender chain, which provides more flexibility. Hope this helps to resolve your problem.

By: Brandie

Brandie — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 15:54:54 +0000

I had this problem a lot ! I found not only should I leave some space, when closing the crimp cover, but the stringing material itself is important. I only use .38 diameter. The .46 is too stiff, no movement. I also place the bracelet on my wrist to see how it moves, and fits before I close it. Hope that helps.

By: Holly

Holly — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:55:38 +0000

Thick/chunky beads take up a lot of room in the inner circumference of a bracelet, so measuring flat doesn’t really give you an idea of the size when it’s on a wrist. It is important that you measure the inner circumference of the bracelet in its closed position. I use a bracelet mandrel & don’t know how I managed without it.

When stringing beads & then crimping, be sure to leave a little slack (not so much that it’s floppy), something I learned the hard way. It needs just a little room for the beads to shift as the bracelet is bent into shape around the wrist. It will also put less stress on the wire & beads if they are not being forced into position.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 04:22:38 +0000

Great ideas from Sarah and Mary! And Mark, this post may also help: Go to Bracelet Sizes, and scroll down to where it says "Tips for Making Clasp Bracelets That Fit". The tips there may help you solve this problem. Good luck, and let us know how you do! :)

By: Mary Morris

Mary Morris — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:13:02 +0000

You may need to add small spacer beads between the larger beads. This allows them to move.

By: Sarah S.

Sarah S. — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 02:09:23 +0000

You do need to leave some slack in the stringing material, but how much varies depending on the beads you use. Smaller beads need less slack than larger beads. I would say get a mandrel(a piece of PVC pipe or a can of veggies can work) and before you attach your clasp put the bracelet around the mandrel to check the drape.