One of the most common questions from new beaders is: what do I string my beads on? Thread, cord, and wire all look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently — and choosing the wrong one can affect how your finished piece looks, feels, and holds up over time.
Beading Thread
Beading thread is a thin, flexible fiber — usually nylon — designed for needle and thread beadwork like peyote stitch, brick stitch, and loom weaving. It's soft, nearly invisible between beads, and passes through small holes multiple times without fraying.
- Best for: Seed bead weaving, bead embroidery, off-loom stitches
- Not ideal for: Heavy beads or strung necklaces that need structure
- Popular brands: Nymo, Toho One-G, Miyuki
Beading Cord
Cord is thicker and stronger than thread, making it a great choice for knotted jewelry, macramé-style designs, and stringing larger beads with bigger holes. C-Lon is one of the most popular beading cords and comes in a huge range of colors.
- Best for: Knotted pearl necklaces, large-hole beads, leather-style designs
- Not ideal for: Tiny seed beads or fine beadwork
- Popular brands: C-Lon
Beading Wire
Beading wire (also called stringing wire or cable wire) is a twisted stainless steel cable coated in nylon. It's the go-to choice for strung necklaces and bracelets because it's strong, kink-resistant, and drapes beautifully. It requires crimp beads to finish — not knots.
- Best for: Strung necklaces and bracelets, heavy beads, gemstones
- Not ideal for: Needle beadwork or knotted designs
- Popular brands: Beadalon, Soft Flex
Quick Reference
| Material | Best Use | Finish With |
|---|---|---|
| Thread | Bead weaving | Knot or thread burner |
| Cord | Knotting, large beads | Knot or glue |
| Wire | Strung jewelry | Crimp beads |
Browse our cord and thread collection to find the right stringing material for your next project.