Elastic threads come in three main types: nylon/silicone, multi-strand and sheathed, each with its own specific features. Multi-strand wire offers greater elasticity and resistance, ideal for lightweight creations, while sheathed wire is perfect for hair accessories thanks to its softness. Choose your wire according to the size and weight of your beads to guarantee the durability of your creations.
A bracelet that stretches out quickly or snaps suddenly is often due to the type of cord you chose in the first place. Good news: there are just three criteria you need to consider to make the right choice, whether you’re just starting out or already making your own jewelry. Here’s how to navigate our selection of elastic cords: types, diameters, and uses.
Not all cords are suitable for every project. Three factors matter:
Before you buy, ask yourself a few questions:
💡 To compare brands, check out our comparison of Beadalon, Griffin, and Beadsmith.
Nylon or silicone elastic cord: These two cords look the same and are available in the same sizes. Silicone thread degrades slightly more slowly over time than nylon thread. In terms of elasticity and strength, the differences stem mainly from the brands’ varying manufacturing processes and only slightly from the material itself. Nylon thread is available in clear and colored versions. The different color pigments can also affect the chemical composition of the nylon and thus influence its elasticity or durability, which explains the differences in quality that may exist from one color to another within the same brand.
Multi-strand elastic cord: This is an elastic cord made up of several elastic strands. More elastic than nylon or silicone cord, it is also considered more durable because even if one of the strands breaks, the bracelet will not break immediately thanks to the other strands, unlike silicone and nylon cords, which will snap all at once. This also means that as the cord begins to wear out, small elastic strands will start to protrude from the bracelet. It is more elastic, so it loses its shape more slowly than nylon or silicone cord, provided you use small, lightweight beads. Due to its elasticity, it is not suitable for bracelets with heavy beads. It can be used for multi-strand elastic creations, but care must be taken not to weaken the thread with the needle when weaving the beads together.
Sheathed elastic thread: This is an elastic thread wrapped in a non-elastic thread. It is very elastic but loses its stretch fairly quickly over time. It’s best suited for making hair accessories because its synthetic or cotton sheath glides through the hair without damaging it. It can also be used by children to make jewelry because it’s easier to handle and tie.
Bliss Elastico elastic cord: a very attractive elastic cord to use as a decorative element in a project. Similar in composition to sheathed elastic cord. It is best suited for threading a single bead or charm or for connecting a spacer. It can also be crocheted by experienced crocheters for elastic projects or used for decoration. It has similar strength to the coated elastic thread but is sensitive to friction.
Yarn Type | Ideal for | Avoid |
Nylon / silicone | Bracelets and necklaces, beginner projects | Very heavy beads |
Multi-strand | Small, lightweight beads with smooth holes | Heavy beads or beads with rough holes |
Coated | Hair, children’s jewelry | Jewelry that needs to hold its shape for a long time |
Decorative (Bliss Elastico) | Single bead or charm, hook | Heavy beads, friction |
Choose the thickest diameter that fits through the hole without straining. The heavier the beads and the thinner the thread, the faster the bracelet will lose its elasticity. But a thread that’s too thick makes it impossible to hide the knot: check out our 3 tips for hiding a knot. If you need to use a needle, choose a thinner thread and double it.
Type of thread | Lightweight round beads | Heavy round beads |
0.5/0.6 mm nylon or silicone thread | 6 mm maximum | 5 mm maximum |
0.7/0.8 mm nylon or silicone thread | 10 mm maximum | Maximum 8 mm |
1 mm nylon or silicone thread | Maximum 14 mm | Maximum 10 mm |
0.3 mm multi-strand elastic thread | 5 mm maximum | Maximum 4 mm |
0.7 mm multi-strand elastic thread | Maximum 10 mm | Maximum 6 mm |
Yes, to a certain extent: choose a fairly thick string, pre-stretch it, and glue the knot in place. For large, very heavy beads, wire with a clasp is more reliable, since elastic has a shorter lifespan.
Choose the thickest thread that will pass through your beads without straining, leaving enough room to hide the knot. As a general rule: 0.25 to 0.5 mm for seed beads, 0.5 mm for gemstones measuring 4 to 6 mm, and 0.7 to 0.8 mm for larger beads.
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