Types of Stretch Cord
There are three popular types of stretch cord:
Selecting the Right Size Elastic Cord
It’s important to select cord that will hold up to your beads and won’t break prematurely. When it comes to durability, cord size is typically the most important factor. Select your beads before you select your cord, and then buy the largest cord that will fit through all of them. Choose a cord that will fit through the beads when doubled over if you plan to use a needle, or as a single strand if your beads are large enough to string without a needle. Checking the fit of the elastic is easiest if you buy your supplies at a local bead store. Most stores will allow you to test a package of cord on your beads, or they’ll have a sample of cord at the counter that you can experiment with. When you are ordering online, check to see whether the hole sizes for beads like yours are listed in the elastic cord item descriptions, and select cord that is just slightly smaller. For most seed beads, size 11 or size 8, you can use 0.5mm cord with a collapsible-eye needle. Gemstone beads can be the most difficult to find the right cord size since the hole is often small compared to the size and weight of the bead. Unfortunately, not all gemstone beads are appropriate to use with elastic thread because of that. If you are new to making elastic stretch bracelets, these tips to make stretch bracelets that last and 7 common reasons why elastic bracelets break may be helpful.
