How to make bead rings

Bead rings are simple and satisfying to make. You can achieve a multitude of different effects with the same basic technique, by varying the size, type, arrangement and number of beads. You don’t need huge amounts of expensive materials – just beads and wire, so they make great gifts if you’re on a tight budget. These three rings, which I’ll show you how to make today,  were made from a 100-yen-shop packet of mixed beads, and some fine steel wire which you can also pick up at the dollar store… and I still have lots left over!

With a little help, and care in selecting the beads, this would be a great craft for kids, too.

You’ll need:

• Beads – any type of beads you like. Use seed beads for a pretty delicate look, cylinder or hexagon beads for an angular contemporary style, or bling it up with some swarovski crystals.
• fine wire, nylon cord or fishing line. Most kinds of wire will work just fine, though copper may discolour the skin if worn for a long time.
• Wire cutters or strong scissors.

All three rings use the same basic technique, which you can see in this (somewhat wobbly) diagram. A foundation bead (or beads) is threaded onto a length of wire – around 30-40cm should be plenty. Side beads are threaded onto both ends of the wire, and then both wires passed, in opposite directions, through another center bead. Thread more side beads, cross the wires through a center bead, and repeat.

When your ring is long enough, pass the wire through the foundation bead(s), twist to secure, and weave the loose ends back through some of the beads before trimming off.

The ring on my index finger in the photo is made exactly as the diagram. I used cylinder beads for the center beads and silvered glass seed-beads for the side beads.

Thread a cylinder bead, and bring it to the middle of the wire. Now thread three seed beads onto each end of the wire. Thread a second cylinder bead onto one wire, and then pass the other wire through the same bead, in the opposite direction. Pull both wires tight. Now thread another three seed beads onto each wire, add a cylinder bead and pass the other wire through it in the opposite direction. Carry on doing this until your ring is long enough, and finish with three seed beads on each wire, then pass the wire through the foundation bead and fasten off.

The small ring on my ring finger is made the same way, but with two side beads instead of three.

The ring on my middle finger is slightly different – it is made the same way, but has no side beads and three center beads. This style looks good made from cylinder or hexagonal beads. To make this ring, thread three foundation beads and bring them to the centre of the wire. Thread three more beads onto one end of the wire, then pass the other wire through all three, in the opposite direction. Thread three more beads onto one wire, and pass the other wire through all three. Continue until the ring is long enough, then pass one end of the wire through the three foundation beads, and fasten off.

OK, next time we’ll be making some beaded flowers which you can use to dress up these plain rings!

P.S. I entered my plarn planter in the Instructables.com garden contest – voting opens today until Wednesday. Pretty pretty please vote for me? Onegai shimasu

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2. How to Make Beaded Flowers – Violet
3. How to do hana-ami Japanese beading – Sunflower charm