Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
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 »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“How do you attach the tassel?…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How can I print the snake knot instructions?…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“I want to print the snake knot, but for some reason I can't. All would allow…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I forgot to get my Medical ID bracelet engraving enhanced when I ordered. Will alcohol…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“I have a small blue stone, unusual shape, and several small opals, no-holes. I bought…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Thanks…” read »
on “Make a Bolo Necklace”:“Beautiful Bolo necklaces Ms.Ali
thanks for supplies for every jewelry makers needs Lima Beadsyour awsome…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I know I’m waaaaaaay late to the game here on this post but I thought I’d…” read »
- on “Rejuvenating Gilders Paste”:
“I've been using GP for several years, with no sealer, and the smell goes away fast.…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“What size of cording to use for 6mm stone beads? Thank you in advance! Respectfully, ~Denise~…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“Very nice tutorial, and the information is wonderful. I am wondering if you could use…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I'm looking for something to add a wash of color to a silver charm, rather like…” read »
- on “Using the Beadalon Jump Ring Maker”:
“Will the 18 gauge German wire work with this?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I am very new to beading and love tutorials online.…” read »
on “How to Finish 10mm & 20mm Hand Tooled Leather Straps”:“I love these bracelets !! I think they're really cool !!…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Love the video. I had been intimidated by the seed bead projects until I saw…” read »
- on “Make a Bolo Necklace”:
“where to find the supplie…” read »
on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:“Love, love Lima Beads! Huge selection, such original designs!…” read »
- on “Crystal Clay”:
“I'm thinking about using this material to line a 'yerba mate gourd' made out of wood.…” read »
on “Non-Identical Twins”:“I've always had a "thing" about earrings having to match -- my new idea is for…” read »
on “Non-Identical Twins”:“These are all brillant! I have not matching sets all ready to put together when…” read »
- on “DIY Pom-Poms”:
“Very cool using a fork!!…” read »
on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:“Try painting the back of clear domes with shimmer nail polish. You'll get a great effect,…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I agree about the need for glue - it's essential for a stretch bracelet that won't…” read »
- on “Rejuvenating Gilders Paste”:
“Anyone have a recipie to make your own Gilting Wax. I've tried mixing mic powder with…” read »
on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:“These chains are completely fun!…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“The glue really helps the stretch cord stay in that knot & also into the bead…” read »
- on “Apply Gilders Paste To A Stamped Blank”:
“hard to see, a close up would be helpful…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Do you have to use the glue?…” read »
- on “Using the Beadalon Jump Ring Maker”:
“Do you carry the oval jump ring maker? I like to make all of my findings…” 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. |
Designs using this Technique:
Buy Products from this Technique
You are viewing all 4 items.
| 1 gram (approx. 40 pieces) | $3.20 |
| 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!