Beading Supplies

Beading Supplies — Cord, Tools, Packaging & Everything to Finish Your Projects

Browse over 130 beading supplies — stringing cord, elastic, clasps, jump rings, tools, packaging bags, and more. Beading supplies are the finishing touches that turn loose beads into sellable products. No matter what you're making — keychains, bracelets, beadable pens, or jewelry — this collection has the materials and tools to complete the job.

Stringing Materials

We carry multiple cord types to match different project needs. Nylon paracord (2mm) is the standard for keychain and wristlet builds — it's strong, holds secure knots, and threads easily through silicone beads. Satin cord offers a smoother, shinier finish for more polished designs. Elastic cord (0.8-1mm) is used for stretch bracelets — no clasp needed, just string and tie. Beading wire (tiger tail) is the go-to for glass bead and gemstone jewelry where strength and drape matter. Nylon beading thread is essential for seed bead weaving and detailed stitchwork.

Clasps, Findings & Hardware

Findings are the metal components that hold a jewelry piece together. Our collection includes lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, toggle clasps, jump rings, split rings, crimp beads, crimp covers, headpins, eyepins, earring hooks, and extension chains. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, and antique tones. For keychain-specific hardware (keychain bars, swivel hooks, key rings), see our keychain accessories collection.

Tools

We stock the essential tools for bead work — round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, wire cutters, bead reamers, crimping pliers, and threading needles. A bead reamer is especially useful for widening bead holes that are too tight for pen rods or thicker cord. If you're just getting started, a basic plier set and a spool of cord is all you need to begin assembling keychains and bracelets.

Packaging

If you sell finished products, presentation matters. We carry clear cellophane bags, organza bags, gift boxes, and display cards for packaging finished beadable pens, keychains, and jewelry. Proper packaging increases perceived value and makes your products look professional at craft fairs, on Etsy listings, and in your online store.

Tassels and Decorative Accessories

Our supplies collection also includes decorative tassels, charms, and pendants that add a finishing touch to keychain and bag charm projects. Leather tassels in multiple colors work well as a dangling accent on wristlet keychains and bag charms. Small metal charms add personalization to bracelet and necklace designs.

Matching Supplies to Your Project

Silicone bead keychains: 2mm nylon paracord + lobster clasp or keychain bar + focal bead + round beads + spacer beads.

Stretch bracelets: 0.8mm elastic cord + beads of your choice + double knot with a dab of glue.

Beadable pens: Pen blank + silicone rounds + rhinestone spacers + focal bead on top. No cord needed — beads slide directly onto the pen rod.

Glass bead jewelry: Beading wire + crimp beads + clasp. Use crimping pliers to secure the wire ends.

Seed bead weaving: Nylon beading thread + beading needle + seed beads. Tension and thread quality matter for stitch work.

Stocking Supplies for Your Business

Supplies are the products your customers reorder most often. Cord runs out, clasps get used up, and packaging is consumed with every sale. Stock your core cords (paracord, elastic, beading wire) in bulk, keep a range of clasp styles in gold and silver, and always have packaging on hand. These are low-cost, high-frequency items that keep customers coming back between bead purchases.

Beading Supplies — Frequently Asked Questions

What cord should I use for keychains?

2mm nylon paracord is the standard for silicone bead keychains and wristlets. It's strong, knots securely, and threads through standard silicone bead holes easily. For a shinier finish, satin cord works well but is slightly more slippery to knot.

What cord should I use for stretch bracelets?

0.8mm or 1mm elastic cord is the go-to for stretch bracelets. It fits through most clay beads, silicone beads, and acrylic beads. Tie a double or triple knot and add a small dab of jewelry glue for extra security. No clasp is needed.

What tools do I need to start making beaded keychains?

At minimum: a spool of 2mm nylon paracord, a pair of scissors, and a lighter (to fuse cord ends after knotting). As you scale up, add round nose pliers for opening jump rings, a bead reamer for widening tight holes, and packaging bags for finished products.

What is a bead reamer?

A bead reamer is a pointed tool used to widen or smooth out bead holes. It's especially useful when a bead hole is slightly too small for a pen rod or a specific cord size. Insert the reamer, twist gently, and the hole opens up without cracking the bead. Essential for acrylic beads and bubblegum beads that sometimes have tight holes.

Do I need different cord for baby teething products?

Yes. For teething products, always use food-grade nylon cord rated for children's products. Standard craft cord is not tested for oral safety. Tie double or triple knots and fuse them with a lighter so they cannot come undone. Only use plain solid-color silicone beads for teething — no prints or decorations.

What packaging do you recommend for selling finished products?

Clear cellophane bags are the most versatile — customers can see the product without opening the package. Organza bags work well for gifting. For beadable pens, individual pen bags or small gift boxes add a premium feel. Display cards behind keychains and bracelets give a professional, retail-ready look at craft fairs and in online listings.