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It is important for the clasp to be part of the beaded work you are doing, not just a method of fastening, so keep this in mind when you are setting out on your project. It is far too easy to be distracted by the huge variety of beads that are available, your mind leaps into design mode as you select favorite colours and various shapes and sizes.

Then it is necessary to consider the best option for stringing medium, not quite so exciting as the bead selection, but everyone has experienced the broken string of a beloved necklace or bracelet at some time and the fact that restrung it never looked or felt quite the same.

As an after thought you think of how you will fasten your necklace or bracelet. If you are using an elasticated string then you can do without a clasp as long as the thread will stretch enough to pass over your head or wrist. This works quite well for simple beaded bracelets that you don't expect to last very long, where the beads are light and cost very little, so you don't feel quite so bad about throwing them away if they break. Just remember to leave the thread long enough to tie the ends firmly together. Put the cut ends together take the double thread around your finger, cross over at the front and push the ends through the loop from back to front, where your finger is, then just ease tight towards the cut end. This is a secure knot that doesn't slip and rarely unties itself if closed firmly enough.

If you want the clasp to be part of your beading design then a loop and bead could be used. You make the loop of tiny beads at one end of your work and you fasten a large bead or group of beads at the other end. It is important to make the loop so that it only just passes over the large bead or beads. If two or more large beads are used then make it so that only one bead can pass through the loop at a time, it then won't be able to come undone on its own.

Then there are quite an assortment of fastenings that can be purchased. Remember that size is of great importance, it is ugly and a nuisance if your necklace clasp is always slipping to the front because it is heavier than the rest of the beads. Too small and it will quickly break, it could also make it very difficult to do up.

So you need to match the colour and the size to the type of beads that you have used. Try to make it an intrinsic part of the design, perhaps even doing the project back to front and choosing the fastening first.

For chunky designs with bold, heavy beads look at the ring and bar options. These are very secure and robust fastenings that come in a multitude of colours and design.

If tiny beads are being used then consider the crab claws or tiny barrel and sprung push in clip. These are not as strong or long lasting but may fit with your design.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Guess.
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