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Determining Strand Length/Clasp Sizes

By Stuller Technical Team | April 02, 2012

Below are a couple of guides on how many beads should be used for knotted vs unknotted bracelets or necklaces.

 

How many beads for knotted?

Counts were calculated by stringing with #5 silk cord. Numbers may vary depending on knot tightness. For other strand lengths, mulitply the 1" number by the intended length of the finished strand. Remember that finishing knots and the clasp will add approximately 1" to the total length.

Bead 1" 7" 16" 18" 24"
3mm 6.3 44.1 100.8 113.4 151.20
4mm 5.1 35.7 81.6 91.8 122.4
5mm 4.2 29.4 67.2 75.6 100.8
6mm 4.2 29 67 76 100
7mm 3.5 25 56 63 84
8mm 3.2 22 51 57 76
10mm 2.5 18 40 45 61
12mm 2.1 15 34 38 50

 

How many beads for unknotted?

Use this guide to know how many beads you'll need to complete a uniform unknotted bead strand. Please note: knots add 1" to 3" or more to your finished strand depending on its length and the size of the beads.

 

Bead 1" 7" 16" 18" 24"
3mm 8.4 59 134 151 201
4mm 6.3 44 100 113 151
5mm 5.1 36 82 92 123

For a 32" strand, double the number of beads in the 16" column.

For a 36" strand, double the number of beads in the 18" column.

 

Number of beads per inch (BPI)

MM BPI
2.00 12.70
2.25 11.29
2.50 10.16
2.75 9.24
3.00 8.47
3.25 7.82
3.50 7.26
3.75 6.77
4.00 6.35
4.25 5.98
4.50 5.64
5.00 5.08
5.50 4.62
6.00 4.23
6.50 3.91
7.00 3.63
7.50 3.39
8.00 3.18
9.00 2.82
10.00 2.54
11.00 2.31
12.00 2.12