Tutorial: Adding Beads to Cords and Tassels

 

Sometimes you just want everything to sparkle, not just the ornament itself but the cord and tassel too... but what if you don't have enough beads to fully bead a hanging cord? Then you can go half way by adding beads to the thread cord (you can find a tutorial on how to make cords here)!

How to get the beads on the cord:

• First measure your cord as per the tutorial mentioned above. 
• Then pull one strand out and thread it on a needle that will fit through the beads you wish to use.
• Thread 2"-3" / 5 - 7.5 cm of beads onto that thread. You can do more or less if you prefer. 
• It's probably a good idea to use something like a peg or clippy thing to make sure the beads don't fall off the other end of the thread.

• Then take the needle off the thread.
• Line up the end of the thread with one end of the other five threads that you took this one from and tie a knot.
• Take the clippy thing off the other end, line it up with the other end of the thread and tie a knot in that end. 
• You should now have a length of thread with a single strand that's got the beads on.

How to make the cord:

• Fold the thread in half.
• Place both ends together and tie a knot.
• Hook the loop end of the thread over the hook of the Custom Corder or around the pencil
• If using a pencil: tuck the pencil behind the spokes of a chair or get someone to hold it for you. (This is how I made my cords till I got my Custom Corder so I know it works)
• Pull the thread taut.
• If using the Custom Corder hook the knotted end onto the Custom Corder hook and give it two or three turns
  
• If using the pencil then twisting the cord between your fingers a few times, which direction doesn't matter much as long as you keep twisting the same way the whole time.
  
• Having made a few turns it's time to spread the beads out 
• Make sure to skip the first inch or so of each end as you'll need that space in a bit to make a knot. 
• When everything is more or less evenly spread out continue making the cord as per the cording tutorial
  

It should look something like this when completed. Don't forget to tie a knot in the other end to anchor it in your embroidery!

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How to add beads to a tassel:

• First of all make your tassel as per the tutorial with one big change: Tuck one of the threads that you used to tie the top of the tassel together in with the main tassel threads, you only need one end to add the beads to.
• Grab a bit of sewing thread - or a single strand of embroidery thread (it will be discarded afterwards so perhaps use a scrap of embroidery thread) and thread a needle that will fit through the beads.
• Thread five or so beads onto the end of the sewing thread.

Loop the sewing thread around the end of the tassel and slide the needle into the beads.

Pull the needle through the beads making sure to keep the tassel end in the loop.

Hold both ends of the thread in one hand and pull the beads down the sewing thread and onto the tassel end.

Carefully keep pulling the beads down onto the tassel end...

Until all the beads are onto the single thread of the tassel end.

Tie a knot to stop the beads from falling off - a single knot might not be large enough to anchor it into the embroidery, so you may need to do two on top of each other.

I hope this was helpful for you!