In this article we will go over the various threads and stringing materials, and their uses. For Native American style projects, you will probably want to use a type of natural fiber like cotton threads or leather. For contemporary jewelry, there are many kinds of nylon threads and metal wires used to string necklaces and bracelets. Nylon thread is also used in beadwork to make it more sturdy on pieces that will be exposed to a lot of wear.

What is the difference between types of thread?

The color of thread you use can change the look of your beadwork. If you are using a lot of translucent beads you may want a white thread. If you want a dark background on your loom work, use black. Cottton thread is more period correct for the 1700s and 1800s, but Nylon thread is a more modern choice if you aren’t concerned with historical accuracy.

Nylon NYMO Thread

NYMO thread is a nylon thread that is durable and easy to use. We recommend NYMO thread for beadwork because it is more durable than cotton thread. You may find it helpful to use Beeswax to wax the thread before you use it to prevent tangling.

NYMO Thread comes in 4 weights and lengths. OO and O are the finest weight threads, while D is heavier and F is the heaviest.

Use OO or O for delicate jewelry making with small beads (12/0 or 13/0). For general beadwork, B is used with size 12/0 or 13/0 beads. Use D or F for 11/0 or 10/0 beads.

Nymo comes in black or white, and different sizes. Bobbins are the smallest averaging 43 to 143 yards depending on the weight of the thread. Large Spools are 300-400 yards and Cones are 1500 to 2800 yards.

Loom Warp Thread

Loom Warp Thread is a heavy-duty cotton thread that is usually available in black or white. This thread is perfect for bead loom work. You can also use it to tie Porcupine Roaches. It is the best choice for projects where a natural cotton thread is required. Spools come with 50 yards of thread.

Wampum Warp Lace

Deerskin Leather Lacing makes perfect warp lace for loom weaving. You will find it ideal for making wampum bracelets and belts. You can achieve a very traditional look with this hand cut leather lacing. Our warp lace measures approx. 1/8″ wide. You can purchase it in a 36 to 72″ single lace and 25 yard rolls. The colors will vary.

Fringes for Period Correct Jewelry and Crafts

Dearskin leather lacing that is 1/4″ wide is perfect for fringes on crafts like dream catchers, medicine bags, or period correct necklaces. A standard crow bead or large hole 8mm metal beads fit perfectly on this width with room to insert feathers or horse hair into the beads.

Imitation Sinew

Imitation Sinew is a nylon cord that looks and splits almost like real Sinew. We recommend this product for heavy sewing and construction of craft projects. It is popular for making dream catcher webs. Our imitation sinew comes in a natural color as well as dyed colors such as red, yellow, white and black. Bobbins are single ply and contain about 20 yards of thread. The larger spools are multi-ply and contain about 300 feet if you use the unsplit strand.

Multi ply strands can be split into four or five individual strands, making a spool go a long ways. For extra strength you can keep the plies together. Webs woven in larger dream catchers with the full ply look extra nice.

Real Sinew

Sinew is the band of tissue known as the tendon of mammals. The fiber is strong and durable and can be used for sewing, twine and cordage. Real sinew is a must for restoration projects. You will find this great for quality craft projects when nylon will just not work. It is a natural product and must be softened and split before it can be used.

Deer and Antelope sinew is ideal for fine beadwork and sewing. It comes is strips 12” to 14” long. Buffalo and Elk sinew average 21” to 30” long.

Hemp cord

100% hemp cord is strong, durable, and versatile. It can be used in crafting, jewelry making, tying, lacing, and twining. It is historically accurate for Living History re-enactors, too!

Paracord

Paracord is a nylon cord commonly used on parachutes. It is very strong and comes in a variety of colors. It is usually used in making necklaces and bracelets that are woven or knotted.

Metal Stringing Wires

When it comes to handmade jewelry, various types of metal wires are used depending on the design and durability required. Here’s a rundown of the most popular types of metal wires used for crafting jewelry, along with some common brands and sizes:

Sterling Silver Wire

Sterling silver is one of the most common metals used in jewelry-making because it is durable, easy to work with, and has a beautiful shine. It consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which strengthens the silver. Common Uses: Ideal for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and wire-wrapping projects.

Sizes:
24 gauge (for fine details and delicate designs)
20 gauge (for sturdier designs, such as bracelets)
18 gauge (stronger designs, like thicker rings or structural pieces)

Copper Wire

Copper is an affordable option that’s very popular for handmade jewelry. It’s malleable, and its reddish-brown color can be left as-is for a warm, earthy look or treated with patina for a more antique appearance. Common Uses: Excellent for wire-wrapping, earrings, bangles, and mixed-media designs.

Sizes:
24 gauge (for delicate wraps)
20 gauge (good for structural wire and wrapping)
18 gauge (stronger designs)

Gold-Filled Wire

Gold-filled wire is a more affordable alternative to solid gold. It has a layer of gold bonded to a base metal (usually brass). It’s durable and has a similar appearance to solid gold, making it a popular choice for higher-end jewelry.
Common Uses: Used in high-end wire-wrapping, earrings, and necklace chains.

Sizes:
24 gauge (for detailed wrapping)
22 gauge (ideal for rings and pendants)
20 gauge (used for sturdier structural pieces)

Aluminum Wire

Aluminum wire is lightweight, soft, and easy to bend, making it great for beginners and more intricate designs. It comes in a variety of colors, which can add a vibrant element to jewelry pieces. Common Uses: Wire-wrapping, creating decorative accents, and crafting lightweight earrings and necklaces.

Sizes:
22 gauge (for general jewelry-making)
18 gauge (for thicker designs)
20 gauge (stronger but still malleable)

Titanium Wire

Titanium wire is extremely strong and lightweight, which makes it great for pieces that require durability while maintaining a low weight. It’s hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. Common Uses: Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Sizes:
22 gauge
20 gauge (stronger designs)

Brass Wire

Brass wire has a golden appearance, and it’s a less expensive alternative to gold. It’s sturdy, but not as malleable as copper, so it’s best for pieces that require more structure. It will aquire an antique patina over time. Common Uses: For structural components, wire-wrapping, and designs that require more solid shapes.

Sizes:
22 gauge
20 gauge
18 gauge

Stainless Steel Wire

Stainless steel wire is known for its strength and resistance to tarnish, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting jewelry. It has a more industrial look and is often used in designs that need to withstand wear. Common Uses: Used for pieces that require strength, such as chainmaille, bracelets, or links.

Sizes:
24 gauge
22 gauge (more flexible)
20 gauge (stronger)

Tiger Tail Wire

Tiger Tail wire is a popular choice in jewelry-making, especially for stringing beads. It’s not actually a metal wire in the traditional sense, but a stainless steel wire that’s coated with nylon, which gives it a smooth, flexible, and durable finish.

Tiger Tail wire is typically made from multiple strands of stainless steel that are coated with a layer of nylon. This construction gives it both strength and flexibility, while the nylon coating protects the wire from fraying and enhances its longevity.

This wire is flexible but also very strong, making it ideal for creating necklaces, bracelets, and other stringing projects. Its flexibility allows it to move smoothly through bead holes without causing damage. It’s also resistant to kinking, which is important for maintaining a clean, neat look in finished jewelry.

One of the most common uses for Tiger Tail wire is bead stringing, especially for designs like necklaces and bracelets. Because it’s strong and doesn’t stretch easily, it’s perfect for designs that need a firm structure. While not as common for earrings (due to its thickness), it can be used for larger statement earrings.

The most well-known brand is Beadalon, which offers a variety of gauges and colors of Tiger Tail wire.
Other brands may also produce similar nylon-coated steel wire, but Beadalon is often the go-to for this type of wire.

Sizes:

Tiger Tail wire typically comes in gauges from 0.012″ to 0.024″ (approximately 26 to 20 gauge). The thickness of the wire will determine its strength and flexibility.
For bead stringing:
0.018″ (about 24 gauge) is commonly used for standard designs.
0.014″ (about 26 gauge) is often used for more delicate designs.
0.020″ or 0.024″ (about 22-20 gauge) is used for stronger designs or larger beads.

While the original Tiger Tail wire is clear, it is also available in different colors, including silver, gold, and even black. This can be useful if you want the wire to blend in with the beads or add a specific aesthetic to your designs.

Pros:

Strength: The stainless steel core makes it strong enough to hold heavier beads.

Durability: The nylon coating adds a layer of protection, making it resistant to wear and tear over time.

Ease of Use: Tiger Tail wire is relatively easy to work with and doesn’t require special tools. It’s also great for beginners.

Cons:

Limited Flexibility: While it is flexible, Tiger Tail is less flexible than soft thread or other stringing materials like silk. It may not be as ideal for designs that require a lot of movement or drape.

Nylon Coating: Over time, the nylon coating can wear off, especially in high-wear areas, leaving the metal wire exposed. This can lead to a less polished appearance.

Tiger Tail wire is a fantastic option for those who need a durable, flexible, and easy-to-use wire for stringing beads. It’s especially favored for making necklaces and bracelets with a firm structure, and it’s available in various gauges and colors. Beadalon’s version is one of the most popular, and it’s a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced jewelry makers.

Suppliers

Beadalon, Rio Grande, and Artistic Wire dominate the jewelry-making market and offer a wide selection of natural beading materials and  wire types and gauges.

Each type of wire offers different properties that make it suitable for various types of jewelry-making. The size of the wire is often chosen based on the type of piece you’re creating. For delicate wire-wrapping, thinner gauges (24 to 22 gauge) are common, while for structural pieces like bracelets or rings, thicker wires (20 to 18 gauge) are typically used.

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