Everything I Bought to Make Simple DIY Seed Bead Bracelets
Hi friends!
I have definitely been on a crafting kick and seed beads, let’s be honest, probably started when we were getting ready for the Eras Tour back in March of 2023 and since then, I just like making them so much! I have so many beads, and I like to put the bracelets together while I am watching TV or listening to a book, just so I have something to do with my hands and I’m not tempted to pick up my phone and doom scroll on TikTok or Instagram. I also like that this craft isn’t expensive and you don’t need a ton to get started with it! Like three supplies, if you really wanted, would get the job done! I have three seed bead bracelets that I wear every single day and then I have other ones that I will add to different outfits just based on their colors! Making them is simple, the colors of them add a pop to any outfit you have on and honestly, they are kind of addicting to make once you start! Before I made my first one, I had to go to different places and resources to get the basics, so I wanted to put everything in one place so you can know everything you need to make simple seed bead bracelets!
Happy crafting!
The Basics: Seed Beads
The star of the show, obviously, is the beads. When I started and made my first “I’m gonna make seed bead bracelets so I need to buy all of the things” purchase, I got a set that came with like a pack that came with a ton of color options. Like I’m talking the title of the listing was like “62000pcs 120 Colors Glass Seed Beads for Jewelry Making” and I just went for it. I’m glad I did too because I still use them! They are 2mm and I really like the size of them. I think they are a great size to start out with and I like that the pack came with so many options to choose from, I was pretty set! One MAAAAJOR downside to these beads was the container that they were in and you can learn from my mistakes but they came with a flat piece of foam like material that lay over the beads and after the first time I used them, I was like “welp, I don’t need that anymore” and tossed it into the trash. I picked up with cases that came in, and the beads started to get all mixed up fairly quickly, making a mess. Don’t throw the foam away, I promise you will want it! haha! Since then, I have gotten beads from other stores like Michaels and have added specific colors and different shaped beads to my collection but I really think a good first purchase as a beginner is to get a set like this one! If you want some other specifics, I will link some favorites here!
Stringing Material
I feel like when you search on Amazon there are a million and one options when it comes to choosing the stringing materials you can use. I only have one kind of material and that is 0.8mm Elastic String, I picked the elastic string because it stretches and I can just slip my bracelets on and off without needing to use a clasp. Don’t get me wrong, you can use a clasp but you can also just tie the string in a knot and call it a day! You could also use beading wire if you want a more structured look, or nylon thread if you want something more durable and to add a clasp to it! For the nylon thread, just pay attention to the size that you are buying because it comes in a ton of size options. All of the string options come in different sizes and you just want to make sure that you are getting one that is similar to your seed beads so the string can pass through easily!
Tools & Essentials
Here are some other things that have made bracelet making easier for me with the process:
Beading Needles – trust me, they’re worth it for threading. I don’t always use them, but if I am making a solid colored bracelet, it just helps so much!
Sharp Scissors or Thread Snips – It just helps to have scissors nearby when you are making them and not having to carry a string of beads around searching for scissors once you’re done.
Crimp Beads + Crimp Covers – This is really only a need if you’re using wire, they help to secure everything but you can also use them on the elastic string too, just to make sure things aren’t going anywhere. Trust me, nothing is worse than losing all your work because you accidentally dropped your grip.
Small Jewelry Pliers – You will only need these if you do decide to add a crimp or if you want to add clasps to your bracelets!
Extras That Made It Easier
These things that I am linking below aren’t must-haves, but as I started making these bracelets, I quickly realized how much they helped when I was making a bracelet:
Bead Mat or Small Tray - This just keeps those little beads from rolling all over the table. You don’t need to buy anything, you could use a baking sheet with a paper towel and that would probably help keep them in place as well!
Bead Organizer - I started with a plastic container with compartments, and it’s been a lifesaver for keeping the beads tidy and in one place, not mixed up.
Spin bowl - I don’t have one of these yet but it literally goes in and out of my Amazon cart about once a month. I don’t NEED it but I definitely think it would make things easier!
Fun Add-ons (Because Why Not?)
Once you’ve got the basics, it’s hard not to get a little extra. I picked up:
Metal Spacer Beads - This just adds a fun touch of gold or silver, making bracelets look elevated!
Letter Beads - We used these for the concert and they are also fun for cute for personalized gifts.
Charms – for a little extra flair.
Like I said before, you really don’t need a ton to get started at all! Just some basic things like beads, scissors and string, but it does help to have a couple of tools to make things easier! I really like that I have added this hobby to my rotation, especially since I wear them every day! I also like making them for other people and giving them as gifts! If you make seed bead bracelets and have any tips or tricks of your own, please let me know, I’m always up for learning! If you have any questions at all, you can also email me at hello@emmatarynjones.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!
Emma