Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “DIY Pom-Poms”:“Hi....my question is in regards to the ring used.....what is the gauge...or do you have it…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Great tutorial, looks easy. Now I want to try it. Thanks Ali.…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Good morning all, hoping to learn from everyone here. I love beads, and am hoping to…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“I'M HAVING A PROBLEM KEEPING THE WIRE PROTECTOR IN PLACE ...USING ECONOFLEX NYLON COATED .019IN. WIRE.CAN.T…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I love making and selling memory wire bracelets. I advertise them as "One Size Fits Most."…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“I have seen the crimp beads here made in gold plated brass, which are much cheaper…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“I've made a lot of these...using gemstones & Fireline doubled (2 strands). Gemstones are very hard…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I used the elastic cord for awhile,but switched to the nylon cord for more strength(.05mm),because my…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“I like the crimp tubes better than the beads,myself,and use a crimp cover closer to give…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“What kind of glue is being used in this project?…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“Great advice! I’ve been doing it wrong for so long and getting so frustrated and wasting…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“B Tuttle - ibuse Fireline on a regular. It’s durable and can stand the pulling…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Gabriele P: the stretch cording comes in black and clear. They used black here.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“best tutorial I've read in a long time. i'll be making some tonight!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I enjoy the tutorials.…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“I like the messy look! I think it's a lot more fun to create whimsical piece!…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“What about fireline? I know that the colors are not as plentiful as all the others.…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“I love those! Thanks!…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“The stretch material used in this tutorial doesn’t seem like the one listed. Can someone please…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“After watching the videos, I decided to purchase tool and components and try it myself. A…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Yikes, I’m having the worst time trying to string that 20mm African turquoise guru bead. This…” read »
on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:“They don’t carry it anymore:(…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“How can I buy the bezel tag? I cannot find it on your site! …” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Wonderfully easy to follow tutorial! Love the design results! Will be trying this knot.…” read »
- on “Making a Shamballa Bracelet”:
“Does the cord used have to be Chinese Knotting Cord or would C-Lon work?…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“Love the idea, where can I find the bezel tag. Every time I search for bezel…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“Please try using customer service to ask your questions!…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“I want to dispense resin into small jewelry molds to look like real jewels, is there…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Thank you, thank you thankyou!! It took a bit of wiggling the needle around to go…” read »
on “How to Prevent Bubbles in Your Resin”:“Great tip. Do you have any tips for Doming?…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Yes! Your advice is totally on the mark. Crimp tubes are a thousand times better than…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Are the coloured glass domes actually available to sell on lima beads? I can't imagine…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Love the inked cork cord ideas! I just signed up for your newsletter. I read some…” read »
on “D.I.Y. Tassels”:“Tassels always add a "je ne sais quoi" to ANY piece of jewelry, whether made of…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Thank you for this video!!!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“For those of you that noted your crimp BEADS seem to slip. I had the…” read »
on “How to use Katiedid components”:“Interesting tool…” read »
- on “Using Collapsible Beading Needles”:
“Where can I find a photo of the finished project? I like the colors and elements.…” read »
- on “Using Collapsible Beading Needles”:
“Nice design. Thank you. Do you have a video showing HOW you got all those threads…” read »
- on “Make a Bolo Necklace”:
“THANKS FOR ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS AND IDEAS,SOON I'LL BE SHARING A FEW OF MY…” read »
About this Tip:
Learn the basics of crimping, one of the most essential techniques to making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other beading designs.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Slide a crimp bead or tube over your beading wire. |
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Step 2: Slide on a clasp if needed and loop beading wire back through crimp bead leaving enough beading wire to thread back through a bead. |
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Step 3: Using your crimping pliers, put the crimp bead into the appropriate sized “C” shaped notch. Before your pinch the pliers closed, pull the bead wire apart so that they are at opposite ends of the “C.” Now pinch closed. |
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Step 4: Your crimp bead now looks like a “C.” Take the “C,” make a quarter turn with the bead and crimp closed. |
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Step 5: Now you have a crimped crimp bead. I typically do an extra pinch just to make sure I have it secured. |
Buy Products from this Technique
You are viewing all 4 items.
Silver (plated) Crimp Tube 1x1.5mm
BACK IN STOCK!
| 1 gram (approx. 40 pieces) | $3.20 |
BeadSmart Euro Crimper
BACK IN STOCK!
| Piece | $17.90 |
You are viewing all 4 items.
On Jun 05, 2011 at 8:33 am #
Lubna K says:Thank you, for teaching us even the very basics. I am an absolute newbie and this will help.
On Jun 06, 2011 at 2:58 am #
Dot says:The Euro Crimper is the BEST! I’m getting another one for a friend!
On Jun 06, 2011 at 3:32 pm #
Foxkatt says:Okay, does anyone else have the trouble I do with crimps? I get the “C” shape easily enough, but when I try to turn the crimp and make the second pinch, instead of tightening it, the second pinch makes the crimp bead round again and the whole thing slides apart. Also, when trying the second crimp, the silly thing twists and slips making it difficult to even get it lined up properly.
I’m certain this is just inexperienced “operator” error, but I HATE having my pieces fall apart. Anyone have hints for this?
On Sep 20, 2011 at 10:26 pm #
S Wagner says:This is the first I have ever heard of the “C” shape, I have read where you put the bead at the “back” crimping hole on your pliers first, THEN when you are ready to do a flip over you move it up front, on it’s side. These must be entirely two different ways to crimp. Haven’t tried the c yet, but will for sure try it. Should make putting the crimp ball on easier.
On Dec 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm #
A Swaim says:Enjoy your site, Thank you Ann
On Apr 05, 2012 at 2:02 pm #
Snowy says:I seem to have problems with the crimp beads breaking. That’s so frustrating. Any idea what I am doing wrong??
On Apr 06, 2012 at 4:56 pm #
Noemi A says:same here. thought i was the only one with crimping problems
On Aug 21, 2012 at 4:05 pm #
C Bradshaw says:I am just learning how to crimp beads and I have the problem because the crimp beads are so small but i am still trying. those little beads can make you so mad.
On Dec 10, 2012 at 5:05 pm #
Evangelina says:I’ve never tried this before….or tried any jewelry making before, but by reading the directions, I don’t really understand how to do it. An anyone explain?
On Dec 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm #
Evangelina says:Do you make the wire long enough for the whole bracelet?
On Dec 11, 2012 at 8:52 am #
Kate says:EvangelinaT, check out this video on a simple wire bracelet: http://www.limabeads.com/The-S.....acelet-T58 It’ll give you a good starting place when thinking about what all you’ll need.
On Dec 11, 2012 at 10:05 pm #
Evangelina says:Thanks, Kate:) I’ll check it out. You can call me Eva. It’s shorter.
On Dec 11, 2012 at 10:10 pm #
Evangelina says:I typed in the website but it said the page had been removed from the website:(
It’s probably just my iPad. It always does these kinds of things.
On Mar 27, 2013 at 8:10 am #
Inna D says:Found a lot of useful information on the site! Thank you very much)
On Jan 17, 2014 at 12:26 am #
Sonia M says:Ok dumb question, what’s the difference between a crimp BEAD and a crimp TUBE? Can you use either with the wire protectors and/or crimp bead covers? How do you decide what to use, is it the diameter of the beading wire or size of the wire protector? Thank you for answering
On Jan 17, 2014 at 12:44 pm #
CatPark says:Sonia M. I would think most people would agree that a crimp tube is a stronger hold as opposed to the crimp bead. I see crimp tubes used more often than not. That being said, they really are interchangeable. Wire protectors and crimp bead cover can be used with both crimp tubes or beads. The size of your beading wire will only determine the size of the wire protector you use and the diameter of your crimp tube/bead needed. I hope this helps:)
On Jan 21, 2014 at 1:30 am #
Sonia M says:Yes, thank you Cathy, that does help.
On Jan 23, 2014 at 9:36 pm #
R Bishop says:I have had and still have problems crimping. I have trouble using the crimp tool Like some others that have commented, I can get the “c” shape part but its the quarter turn that gets me frustrated. So, being who I am, I finally just slide my tube or bead onto my wire and add a dab of jewelers glue and then squeeze my crimp tube or bead closed,turn it, and squeeze again. I figure, if the squeezing doesnt secure it, the glue surely will hold the little booger bead in place! Sure enough, they dont budge. Or break!lol I am sure this would earn me a failing grade as far as proper technique but an A+ for effectiveness.
On Apr 15, 2014 at 3:39 am #
Aimee A says:R Bishop: Funny! I enjoyed your comments and I just may try the ‘glue’ method : )
On Apr 17, 2014 at 7:41 pm #
M Pelech says:glad I gfound ythis sitei have learned so muchin one visit and the c is a new one with me and so is the glue I do that but never used glue will give it a try thank you
On Jun 24, 2014 at 7:59 pm #
Nancy Lee says:Hi there. When I make stuff using beading wire, I never attach the clasp right to the wire, as shown here. I always attach a jump ring instead. That way, if someone wants to change the type of clasp or lengthen the piece, all you have to do is open the jump ring and make your change. If the clasp is attached right to the wire, then the only way (that I know of) to alter the piece is to cut the wire and start over, and who wants to do that. Thanks for listening and happy beading guys.
On Aug 12, 2014 at 9:18 pm #
Debi E says:I am so excited find Lima beads! Everything looks so current! I found a lot of things I have been searching for and could not find at my usual places. Can’t wait till I start my first piece.
Thanks,
Debi
On Jun 13, 2017 at 10:24 am #
S Forrest says:thank you so much for this tutorial! you guys are great! love your site love your products and love how nice the people that work at your company are!