Bead stringing

Bead stringing is a type of beadwork which involves putting beads on a string. It can range from simply sliding a single bead onto any thread-like medium (string, silk thread, leather thong, thin wire, multi-stranded beading wire, or a soft, flexible wire) to complex creations that have multiple strands or interwoven levels. The choice of stringing medium can be an important point in the overall design, since string-type mediums might be subject to unwanted stretching if the weight of the beads is considerable. Similarly, certain bead types with sharp edges, such as hollow metal beads or some varieties of stone or glass beads, might abrade the string and cause the strand to eventually break. Among the types of wire used for bead stringing, tiger tail wire is the most common.

The simplest design is a single bead centred as a concentrated point on the string medium. The ends of the string can be simply knotted together or components of a clasp may be attached to each end.

Next in complexity would be stringing multiple beads onto a single strand. Here alone are numerous opportunities for adding elements to the design concept. All of the beads might be identical, or varied (in shape, colour, type or any combination thereof) and used either in a random assortment or in a deliberate repeating pattern.