Product Department

Working With Elastic

 Periodically people come into our store asking about crimping on elastic to hold a project together. We do not recommend this as eventually the metal crimp will cut through the elastic.

First, know that anything strung on elastic will periodically need to be restrung, as elastic breaks down over time. The up side to elastic is that you don't need a clasp, or need any tools.

Plan Ahead

Select the proper size elastic for your beads. Elastic comes in several diameters - 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm and 1.0mm. Select a diameter that your beads will easily slide onto.

Avoid beads with rough or sharp edges. This includes gemstones and crystals which easily cut the elastic.

Avoid heavy beads as these cause the elastic to strain and break.

When making a bracelet, string it long enough that when it sits on the wrist, the elastic is in a relaxed state.

To finish your piece, tie the two ends together in a square knot. Use Hypocement to glue the knot. Often I will let the glue dry and then give it a second coating. The thicker the elastic, the more the knot will want to pop out before the glue dries, so it is best to keep tension on the two ends until the glue dries.

If possible, make this knot next to the bead with the largest hole, so the knot can hide inside of it. It is also helpful to be able to feed the elastic ends through a couple of beads before snipping. Never cut the elastic ends off until the glue is fully dried.