How To Make A Simple Beaded Necklace For Beginners

There is something wonderfully satisfying about making your own beaded necklace. It is one of those beginner jewellery making projects that looks far more impressive than the effort involved, which is exactly the sort of craft we like around here.

A simple beaded necklace is also a brilliant first project if you are new to jewellery making because it teaches you several handy basics in one go: how to choose beads, how to work out necklace length, how to use beading wire, and how to finish a necklace neatly with crimp beads and a clasp.

And let’s be honest, most of us have a little tub, tray, jar, biscuit tin, or suspiciously overfilled drawer of beads sitting somewhere. This is the perfect project for using up leftover seed beads, pretty accent beads, odd pearls, gemstone chips, or those impulse-buy bead strands that seemed absolutely essential at the time.

This beginner beaded necklace tutorial makes a simple everyday necklace that can be worn on its own or layered with other jewellery. You can keep it delicate and dainty with tiny seed beads, make it bright and colourful for summer, or add pearls and metallic beads for something a little more polished.

Why This Is A Great Beginner Jewellery Making Project

If you have never made a necklace before, start here.

This project does not require complicated bead weaving, wire wrapping, soldering, knotting, or specialist jewellery skills. You are simply stringing beads onto beading wire and securing both ends with crimp beads.

It is a good beginner jewellery making tutorial because you will learn:

• how to plan a beaded necklace design
• how to measure necklace length
• how to use beading wire
• how to attach a clasp with crimp beads
• how to stop beads from sitting too tightly
• how to make a handmade necklace look neater and more professional

Once you have made one necklace this way, you can use the same basic technique for bracelets, anklets, children’s dress-up jewellery, handmade gifts, and even pretty beaded bookmarks.

If you enjoy easy jewellery making ideas, you might also like our tutorial for easy silk thread earrings or this clever project for making a bracelet from up-cycled necklaces.

Supplies You Will Need

To make one simple beaded necklace, you will need:

• Seed beads, glass beads, gemstone chips, pearls, or mixed beads
• A few larger feature beads for the centre, optional
• Flexible beading wire
• 2 crimp beads or crimp tubes
• 1 necklace clasp
• 1 jump ring
• Chain nose pliers
• Jewellery cutters
• Bead board or measuring tape
• Bead stopper, masking tape, or a small binder clip
• Crimp covers, optional
• Necklace extender chain, optional

A bead board is helpful because it lets you plan the design before committing to it, but you do not need one. A tea towel on the table works surprisingly well because it stops beads from rolling everywhere. Ask me how many times I have chased one tiny bead across the floor like it owed me money.

Best Beads For A Beginner Beaded Necklace

For your first necklace, choose beads with holes large enough to fit comfortably over your beading wire.

Good beginner bead choices include:

• size 6/0 seed beads
• glass round beads
• small gemstone beads
• freshwater pearls
• acrylic beads
• wooden beads
• clay heishi beads
• metal spacer beads

Tiny seed beads can look beautiful, but very small beads can be fiddly if your hands are tired or your eyesight is not feeling cooperative. If you are making your first handmade necklace, larger seed beads or 4mm–6mm beads are much easier to manage.

Choosing The Right Beading Wire

For most beginner beaded necklaces, flexible beading wire is the easiest option. It is stronger than thread, easier to use than chain, and works well with glass beads, pearls, gemstone beads, and seed beads.

A good beginner choice is medium-weight beading wire that fits through your beads without forcing. If the bead holes are tiny, check the wire thickness before you start.

As a general guide:

• 7-strand beading wire is affordable and holds its shape more.
• 19-strand beading wire is a good middle-ground choice for beginners.
• 49-strand beading wire is softer and gives a more fluid drape.

For a first necklace, 19-strand beading wire is a lovely reliable option if you have it. If you already have 7-strand wire in your stash, use it. We are not here to make your craft basket feel judged.

What Length Should A Beaded Necklace Be?

A simple handmade beaded necklace is often made around 18 inches or 45 cm long, which usually sits near the collarbone. This is a popular everyday length and works nicely with most tops.

Here is a quick beginner necklace length guide:

For this tutorial, we will make an 18-inch necklace.

When measuring, remember that the clasp and jump ring add a little length. If you want the beaded section to sit perfectly, allow roughly 1 inch / 2.5 cm for the clasp area.

Simple Beaded Necklace Tutorial

Step 1: Choose Your Beads

Start by choosing your main beads. You can use one colour, a soft mix, a rainbow blend, or leftover beads from other jewellery making projects.

For a simple beginner necklace, try this easy formula:

• mostly seed beads or small glass beads
• a few pearl or gemstone accent beads
• one slightly larger bead or charm in the centre
• tiny metal spacers if you want a more polished finish

The centre of the necklace is where your eye naturally goes, so this is a good place to add a pearl, charm, gemstone bead, or small focal bead.

Step 2: Plan Your Bead Pattern

Lay your beads out on a bead board or along a measuring tape.

You can create a random design or follow a repeating pattern. Beginners often find a repeating pattern easier because it keeps the necklace balanced.

Try one of these simple beaded necklace patterns:

Simple repeat:
seed bead, seed bead, pearl, seed bead, seed bead, spacer

Soft pearl style:
five seed beads, one pearl, five seed beads, one pearl

Boho gemstone style:
mixed seed beads, gemstone chip, mixed seed beads, metal spacer

Centre focal style:
plain beads along both sides with one larger feature bead in the middle

If your beads are different colours, place the darker or heavier-looking beads closer to the centre so the design feels grounded.

Step 3: Cut Your Beading Wire

Cut a piece of beading wire several inches longer than your finished necklace length.

For an 18-inch necklace, cut around 24 inches of wire. This gives you enough extra wire to attach the clasp, thread the ends back through the beads, and work comfortably.

Do not cut it too short. There is nothing more annoying than getting almost to the end of a project and realising you left yourself a tiny little tail of wire that requires tweezers, prayer, and a strong cup of tea.

Step 4: Stop One End From Slipping

Place a bead stopper, small clip, or piece of masking tape on one end of the wire. This stops your beads from sliding off while you work.

If you are using tiny beads, this step matters. Beads have a way of making a run for it the moment you look away.

Step 5: Start Stringing Your Beads

Thread your beads onto the wire in the order you planned.

If you are using a centre bead, you can either:

• start stringing from one end and work across, or
• string half the beads, add the centre bead, then string the second half

Every now and then, hold up the necklace gently to check how it hangs. Designs can look different once lifted off the table.

Step 6: Check The Necklace Length

Before attaching the clasp, measure the beaded section.

For an 18-inch finished necklace, your beaded section may be slightly shorter because the clasp and jump ring will add extra length.

Check that the beads are sitting neatly together but not jammed tightly. A necklace needs a tiny bit of movement so it can curve around the neck comfortably.

If the beads are packed too tightly, the necklace may kink or sit stiffly. If there are gaps, add a few extra beads.

Step 7: Add The First Crimp Bead And Clasp

On one end of the wire, thread on:

1. one crimp bead
2. the clasp
3. the wire end back through the crimp bead

This creates a small loop around the clasp.

Pull the wire gently until the loop is small but not strangled. The clasp should still move freely.

Use chain nose pliers or crimping pliers to flatten the crimp bead firmly. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it is secure.

For a neater finish, you can add a crimp cover over the flattened crimp bead. This makes the end look like a tiny metal bead instead of a squashed tube, which is rather satisfying.

Step 8: Tuck In The Wire Tail

Thread the short wire tail back through several nearby beads. This helps hide the wire and gives the end a stronger finish.

Trim any excess wire carefully with jewellery cutters.

Try not to cut so close that the sharp end pokes out. Nobody wants a necklace that feels like it is arguing with your neck.

Step 9: Add The Jump Ring

Slide all the beads gently towards the finished clasp end.

On the other end of the necklace, thread on:

1. one crimp bead
2. one jump ring
3. the wire end back through the crimp bead

Pull gently until the beads sit neatly together. Do not pull too tightly. The necklace should still have a soft curve.

Flatten the crimp bead securely and tuck the wire tail back through several beads. Trim the extra wire.

Step 10: Test The Finished Necklace

Before wearing or gifting the necklace, check:

• the clasp opens and closes smoothly
• both crimps are secure
• the beads are not too tight
• there are no sharp wire ends
• the necklace hangs nicely
• the centre bead sits in the right place

Give the necklace a gentle tug at both ends. If anything slips, re-crimp before wearing.

Beginner Tips For A Neater Handmade Necklace

A few small details make a handmade beaded necklace look much more polished.

Use a bead board or towel.
This keeps your beads under control and helps you plan the length.

Keep the design balanced.
If you add pearls or feature beads, place them evenly on both sides.

Do not over-tighten the beads.
A little movement helps the necklace drape properly.

Use the right size crimp bead.
Too large and it may not grip properly. Too small and your wire may not pass through comfortably.

Hide wire tails inside beads.
This makes the finish stronger and tidier.

Add crimp covers if gifting.
They are optional, but they make beginner jewellery look more finished.

Easy Beaded Necklace Variations

Once you have made the basic version, it is very easy to change the look.

Pearl And Seed Bead Necklace

Use tiny seed beads with freshwater pearls spaced evenly throughout. This makes a soft, pretty necklace that looks lovely with linen, summer dresses, or a simple white shirt.

Rainbow Seed Bead Necklace

Use bright seed beads in a random rainbow mix. This is a cheerful stash-busting jewellery project and a fun handmade gift idea for teens.

Gemstone Chip Necklace

Use gemstone chips with small spacer beads between them. This gives a more organic, bohemian look and is perfect if you like handmade jewellery with texture.

Minimalist Beaded Necklace

Use one colour of tiny glass beads with a single centre bead. This is simple, modern, and easy to layer with other necklaces.

Beachy Beaded Necklace

Use pale blue, white, shell, pearl, and sandy neutral beads. Add one small shell charm in the centre for a relaxed summer jewellery project.

For another easy handmade jewellery idea, have a look at our DIY birthstone necklace tutorial. Birthstone jewellery is always lovely for handmade birthday gifts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cutting The Wire Too Short

Always cut more wire than you think you need. You can trim extra wire later, but you cannot magically add more once the beads are on.

Pulling The Beads Too Tight

A necklace needs a little breathing room. If the beads are too tight, the necklace may sit stiffly or bend strangely.

Using Weak Thread For Heavy Beads

If you are using glass beads, gemstone beads, or pearls, use proper beading wire rather than ordinary sewing thread.

Forgetting The Clasp Length

The clasp and jump ring add length, so include them in your finished measurement.

Not Testing The Crimps

Always tug gently on the clasp ends before wearing. A loose crimp can send beads everywhere, and while that is technically still a craft activity, it is not the one we planned.

How To Make This Necklace As A Gift

A simple beaded necklace makes a lovely handmade gift because you can personalise the colours and beads.

Try these gift ideas:

• birthstone colours for birthdays
• pearl and gold beads for Mother’s Day
• red, green, and white beads for Christmas
• pastel beads for spring
• ocean colours for beach lovers
• black, silver, and crystal beads for evening wear

You can also make matching earrings or a bracelet with leftover beads. If you are in a jewellery-making mood, this DIY bottle cap bracelet is another fun project for using up bits and pieces from the craft stash.

Helpful Jewellery Making Supplies Worth Having

If you plan to make more than one necklace, a few basic tools are worth keeping in your craft drawer.

Good beginner jewellery making supplies include:

• a bead board
• chain nose pliers
• round nose pliers
• jewellery cutters
• crimping pliers
• bead stoppers
• mixed crimp beads
• jump rings
• lobster clasps
• flexible beading wire
• small storage boxes for beads

Affiliate-friendly note: A beginner jewellery making tool kit, bead board, crimp bead assortment, and quality beading wire are all useful recommendations here. They are practical supplies readers will genuinely use again, not one-project wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making A Beaded Necklace

What is the easiest necklace to make for beginners?

The easiest necklace for beginners is a simple strung beaded necklace made with beading wire, crimp beads, and a clasp. It does not require wire wrapping, bead weaving, or knotting, and it teaches the basic finishing technique used in many jewellery making projects.

Can I make a beaded necklace without a bead board?

Yes, you can make a beaded necklace without a bead board. Lay your beads along a measuring tape on top of a tea towel or soft cloth. The cloth stops the beads from rolling away and lets you plan your design before stringing.

What kind of wire do I use for a beaded necklace?

Flexible beading wire is best for most beginner beaded necklaces, especially if you are using glass beads, pearls, gemstone beads, or heavier beads. Choose a wire that fits comfortably through your bead holes.

How long should a beaded necklace be?

A common everyday necklace length is around 18 inches or 45 cm, which usually sits near the collarbone. You can make it shorter for a choker or longer for layering.

How do you finish a beaded necklace?

The simplest way to finish a beaded necklace is with crimp beads and a clasp. Thread the wire through a crimp bead, through the clasp or jump ring, and back through the crimp bead. Flatten the crimp securely with pliers, tuck the wire tail through nearby beads, and trim the excess.

Why is my beaded necklace stiff?

A beaded necklace may feel stiff if the beads are strung too tightly, the wire is too thick, or the beads are too large and heavy for the design. Leave a small amount of movement between the beads so the necklace can curve naturally.

Can I use elastic cord for a beaded necklace?

You can use elastic cord for some casual necklace designs, but beading wire with a clasp usually gives a more secure and polished finish. Elastic is better suited to stretch bracelets than necklaces.

How do I stop beads from falling off while I work?

Use a bead stopper, binder clip, small piece of tape, or even a temporary knot at one end of the wire while stringing. This keeps the beads from sliding off before you attach the clasp.

More Beginner Jewellery Making Ideas

Once you learn how to make a simple beaded necklace, you can use the same basic skills for so many easy handmade jewellery projects. Try changing the bead colours, adding a charm, making a matching bracelet, or using leftover beads from broken jewellery.

This is also a great project for craft groups, teen jewellery making sessions, handmade markets, or rainy afternoon crafting. It is simple enough to finish in one sitting but still gives you that lovely “I made this” feeling when you clasp it around your neck.

And really, that is the best kind of craft project: useful, pretty, beginner-friendly, and just dangerous enough to make you want to buy more beads.