Stringing Cable To Use When
Stringing Glass Beads
There are two main types of steel stringing cable or wire, used for bead stringing.You can use either multi-strand cable or a product known as Tiger Tail.
Tiger Tail
Originally made by Acculon it was one of the first nylon coated beading cables on the market. Designed to cope with the rough edges of gemstones.
Made from either 3 or 7 micro spun stainless steel wires woven together then nylon coated. It is a good wire for beginners as it is not expensive.
It needs to be handled carefully as it will kink if subjected to undue twisting or bending. Kinks cannot usually be removed completely.
Tiger Tail comes in different diameters, the heavier the beads the larger the diameter needed. Sizes range from 3 strand .012 diameter suitable for seed beads and small Swarovski crystals up to 7 strand .024 diameter cable for stringing heavy or rough hole beads.
Multi Strand Cable
Multi strands available in 7,19 and 49 woven steel strand nylon coated versions. Most beaded jewelry artists favor this type of cable.The two leading brands are Beadalon and Softflex available from most bead supply stores and online sellers.
Whilst 7 and 19 strand cables are kink resistant, 49 strand stringing cable is clearly the most flexible although more expensive.
If you wish to pay extra, 49 strand is the best choice as the other two cables can still get kinks which can’t be fully removed.
Cable Details:
7 Strand Cable
Available in sizes ranging from .010 up to .026 diameters. Although better than tiger tail it will kink easily and should not be used for delicate or long items of beaded jewelry. Once it kinks it may be non-repairable.
Larger diameters handle heavy beads nicely and are wear resistant. Chunky bracelets work well with this cable. It is available in various colors and styles.
19 Strand Cable
Made from 19 woven strands it is slightly more expensive than 7 strand and is more flexible than 7 strand and will drape nicely in a necklace design.
It is an ideal choice for creating designs with seed beads, freshwater pearls, and glass, crystal & stone beads.
Available in sizes ranging from .010 up to .026 diameters. The smaller diameters are ideal for creating finer and more delicate jewelry pieces.
Suitable for earrings, necklaces, anklets and bracelets and is strong, long wearing and abrasion resistant from rough edge beads.
It is kink resistant but still must be handled carefully as it is possible to put kinks into the cable.Available in various styles and colors.
49 Strand Cable
The most expensive of all the cables but also the most flexible and kink resistant. It combines the flexibility and softness of thread and the strength of stainless steel. It is made from 49 woven strands.
It is ideal for stringing ceramic, crystal, metal, and stone beads - as well as freshwater pearls and seed beads.
Available in sizes ranging from .013 up to .026 diameters. The smaller diameters are ideal for creating finer and more delicate jewelry pieces.
Suitable for earrings, necklaces, anklets and bracelets and is strong, long wearing and abrasion resistant from rough edge beads.
Like the other cables it is available in range of colors and styles including sterling silver. It is great for making wedding jewelry because of its flexibility and color range.
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