Bead Stringing Wires, Beading Wires & Tiger Tail Wires
Bead stringing wires or beading wires are made from micro fine steel filaments, intertwined to form strands, which are then grouped and twisted together to form a core which is coated in clear or tinted nylon sleeves. The beading wires with the most strands are more flexible, with flexibility providing better drape and durability, whilst reducing the risk of kinks. The thinnest wires can be knotted but stringing wires are normally finished with crimps ends. Our Beadalon bead stringing wires and generic Tiger Tail wires, offer different sizes, colours and finishes, including precious metals. New additions to our bead stringing wires, beading wires and tiger tail are featured on our social media pages
Before branded products, Tiger Tail would be a good first choice, and it remains a cost effective, multi purpose bead stringing wire. It is similar in construction, but simpler in design, with three to seven strands of stainless steel. Branded products, such as Beadalon bead stringing wires, are no thicker than Tiger Tail, but with more intertwined strands of steel at their core they are more durable and flexible.
Choose beading wires based on the amount of drape your design needs, bead hole finish, weight, and your budget. Beadalon 49 Strand Wires are the highest quality and are soft and supple ensuring an elegant drape. Beadalon 7 Strand Wires are not as flexible but still have good drape, whilst being economical, with the widest choice of colours and finishes. If you are a bead stringing novice, or uncertain as to the flexibility required, then Beadalon 19 Strand Wires are a good compromise, providing a balance of strength, flexibility and expense. Tiger Tail is cheaper than the branded products and works well with beads that are heavier or have rough holes, where strength and resilience is more important than drape. Once familiar with the qualities of each wire, refining your selection lies in choosing the thinnest stringing wire that is strong enough to support your design, thereby ensuring maximum fluidity for the desired drape.
For more information about stringing wires read the Big Bead Little Bead guides to Cords, Threads & Wires and Beading Techniques.