STRINGING MATERIALS

ELASTIC STRING / STRETCHY
          STRETCH MAGIC

The brand I recommend is STRETCH MAGIC.   It's average.    All elastic string deteriorates rapidly over time, and usually on lasts about 2-3 years before your project needs to get re-strung.   

Elastic string comes round and flat.   The flat is very easily shredded by the rough holes of beads.   The flat also breaks down over time into a gummy mess, filling the bead holes, and very difficult to open them up again.

I suggest:

Size .5mm for projects that are all 15/0 or 11/0 seed beads

Size .7mm/.8mm for most all other projects.     Note: the average hole size of a bead is .8mm.

Size 1.0mm for projects where the beads have larger holes.

Also see the section on TOOLS AND SUPPLIES.

MINI LESSON: Using Elastic String To Make Stretchy Bracelets

The major points when using Elastic String:
o Use the round version rather than the flat version of the elastic string
o Cut the length you want and stretch it firmly 25 times before you string the beads on
o Finish by tying a surgeon's knot and adding a drop of glue to that knot.    Any glue except super glue.   Be sure to coat the bottom of the knot was well as the top of the knot.

The elastic string is stiff enough to be its own needle.   However, you can always coat the first 3/4-1" of the string with superglue.   Let it dry.   Take a single edge razor blade and cut the end at an angle.    This gives the string a "self-needle".