by Katie Hacker Sponsored by: Beadalon® Crimping is a jewelry
making basic. In this Beading Lesson, we’ll cover all of the
tools, materials and techniques you’ll need to make a perfect
crimp every time. Crimp beads are round like seed beads, while
crimp tubes are cylindrical. Crimp beads are great for illusion
designs or other projects where the crimp needs to be as small
and unnoticeable as possible. Crimp tubes make more surface
contact with the wire, so they’re great for attaching a clasp or
making a continuous necklace. Crimp beads and tubes come in
different sizes, which you choose based on the diameter of the
wire you’re using and the number of times the wire must pass
through the crimp. Refer to the packaging for direction. They
also come in a variety of metallic finishes. Crimp covers are
c-shaped beads that fit over crimp beads and crimp tubes to give
your designs a more finished look. There are different tools for
use with the different sizes of crimps. Most people start with a
standard crimping too