How to make a necklace

Firstly decide on what thread you would like to use - this will depend on the effect you are looking to achieve - if you are looking to cover the entire necklace with beads then nylon monofilament will be ideal. However, if you would like to space the beads around the thread tiger tail would be a better option (beads can be held in place using crimps). For chunkier pendants, the surfer or rocker style necklaces - cotton or leather thong is the best.

The type of thread you have chosen will determine the fastenings you will use. Tiger tail & nylon are best finished with calottes on the ends (the thread is knotted & the calotte is folded closed over the knot), add either a bolt ring or lobster claw on one end (this can be done either directly on to the calotte using their loops or for a more professional finish by using a jump ring). For the other end you can choose a jump ring or necklace tag (if using a necklace tag this again can be attached to the calotte or by using a jump ring). If using thong - spring coils or thong clamps & fastening hooks are ideal. The spring coil is threaded on to both ends of the thong & using a pair of pliers the last coil is flattened on to the thong. To fasten the necklace you simply attach a fastening hook to one side (either directly on the spring coil or using a jump ring) which will hook through the loop of the spring coil on the opposite side. Thong clamps will work in the same way but they are folded over the top of the thong & glued together.

Bead cap choker necklaces - these are one of the simplest necklaces to use - simply unscrew the bead ball on the end - thread on the beads you want to use (can be secured in place using glue) & then screw the ball bead back on.

Memory Wire Necklaces - These are the most versatile choker necklaces as you can use any size beads & no fastenings are required. Simply add the beads you wish to use & either glue a special bead cap (only partly drilled) or a normal bead to the end to prevent the beads you have threaded on falling off or alternatively if prefering not to use a bead the ends can be bent over using a pair of pliers to create small loops (these can either be left or attach a dangle effect).