Bead Needs: Determining How Many Beads You Need
24 August 2009
Author: Tara Vander Hey
Let’s say you have a business making custom jewelry pieces and one of your most important clients has asked you to make her a Matinee necklace to wear with her little black dress. Do most of us even know what a Matinee length is and how many beads it will take to make it? Well, if you are like most, then this handy Bead Needs chart will help you figure out how many beads you need and save you from return trips to the store.
Use the chart first to find the style and/or length that best match your intended jewelry project. Then it is just a matter of deciding what bead size you will be working with the most to figure out the amount of beads needed. Use the quantity reference as a guide for when you do your bead shopping as it will give you a pretty good idea as to how many beads you will need overall. Remember to keep in mind that the quantities may vary slightly depending on the shape and size of beads you choose. Remember to account for a closure that will add additional length.
Print out a copy of the bead needs chart and take it with you whenever you shop for a beading project. You’ll never wonder how many beads you need again!