Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” 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
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!