Multistrand Necklace

Step 1

One side of this multi-strand woven necklace is complete. I will explain how to develop and create the completed necklace. I started with a lampwork focal bead that Steve made. I then went to my bead supply and selected accent beads, size 5, 6 and 11 seed beads, and the Bali silver cones and clasps. You will need Soft Flex wire, crimp beads, round 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, round nose pliers and chain or flat nose pliers. To start the necklace I string the focal bead and Bali accent beads and cones. The one set of cones face away from the focal bead. Your strands of Soft Flex wire, in this case three strands, will be threaded through the cones and through the focal bead. The Soft Flex strands should be at least 4 inches longer than the length of the finished necklace.String one side and then go to the other side. If you use similar size beads in like positions on each side, your design will look better. I try to keep scale and then alternate colors and textures for a pleasing design.

Step 2

Three strands are leaving the focal bead/cone design. I use size 11 seed beads for 1/2 to an inch on all strands as they leave the cone. I have found that they rest easier in the cone that way but sometimes I use a larger seed bead or a 4mm bead on one of the strands if the cone needs some fill in. I vary the seed beads with small 4mm to 6mm beads and size 5 or 6 seed beads for texture. I will use an accent bead to weave two strands together. You must use the size 11 seed beads for 6 to 8 beads before and after each accent bead in order to not have gaps at the accent bead.

Step 3

To weave the third strand into the necklace continue with the third strand, being sure to have color and texture. String on the 6-8 seed beads, an accent bead and 6-8 more beads on the third strand. On strand two, string on several beads to get your color and texture, 6-8 seed beads go through the accent bead on strand three and the add 6-8 seed beads. Continue stringing strand one, two and three in a similar manner.

Step 4

All three strands are going through another of Steve's lampwork spacer size beads. I either do a measure or eyeball this so that both sides are similar in design and length at this point. This helps assure that the necklace will lay and hang properly.

Step 5

The necklace has been woven and strung. Crimp beads are used to finish each end. Seed beads are used for the last 1/2" 1", I try to pick seed beads with larger holes that will allow me to run the Soft Flex back through several beads. I sometimes place the crimp bead on, string several seed beads, make a loop in the Soft Flex and string back through the seed beads and the crimp bead and the next few beads further. Then I crimp. The loop in the Soft Flex need to be big enough to get a length of 20 gauge sterling wire through it. I make sure that the crimp bead will be inside the cone. You see a hook started on the 20 gauge sterling wire. Slip the three finished strands over the hook and close the hook, capturing all three loops of Soft Flex.

Step 6

The right side has the wire crossed and ready for one twist. The left side shows the three strands on the open hook.

Step 7

The finish cones go on the wire to cover the three strand ends.

Step 8

I place a 6mm to 8mm accent bead on after the cone before the bend. To make the bend, use your chain or flat nose pliers and bend the wire 90 degrees.

Step 9

Round nose pliers are used to make a round loop. Be sure to put the jump ring for the clasps on the loop before you close the loop. I've forgotten this step several times.

Step 10

The finished necklace back with a Bali silver clasp.

Step 11

Here's a look at the finished necklace.

Loop Step 1

How to make a loop in wire. Grasp the wire with flat nose or chain nose pliers. If you are next to a bead, visually mark the pliers as to where you bend the wire so that on a matching piece you have the same distance between the bead and bend.

Loop Step 2

Bend the wire 90 degrees.

Loop Step 3

Using your chain nose pliers, place the pliers so that you can pull the wire up and over the top jaw of the pliers to form a loop. Visually mark where you made this loop on the pliers so you can duplicate the size.

Loop Step 4

Remove the loop from the top jaw of the chain nose pliers and reposition on the bottom jaw to complete the loop.

Loop Step 5

This shows the loop to this point.

Loop Step 6

Hold the loop with your flat nose pliers and wrap the wire around the base below the loop. Keep your wraps neat and even.

Loop Step 7

The excess is clipped and the loop is finished.