Clear beaded tinsel draped on a Christmas tree with warm lights

Make your own beaded Christmas tinsel

BOBBLESPRIG
Clear beaded tinsel draped on a Christmas tree with warm lights

A little light for your tree

Make your own beaded Christmas tinsel

Choose the length. Choose the beads. Make clear glass strands that catch daylight and Christmas lights.

7 steps0.4 mm non-stretch cordYour choice of length
Explore the bead box

Watch the beaded tinsel tutorial

Watch on YouTube

Before you begin

A few materials, plenty of choices.

Start with about 50 cm.

This is a suggested starting cord length. Make longer or shorter strands to suit your tree.

Leave extra cord for locking both ends. Combine the bead sizes and shapes however you like.

This tutorial demonstrates clear bead strands. Finished decorations are not included with the loose bead supplies.

1

Choose beads and cut the cord

Start with the beads you like. About 50 cm of cord is a useful starting point.

A spool of clear cord held above the open bead box.
A spool of clear cord held above the open bead box.
Different rondelle sizes compared in one hand.
Different rondelle sizes compared in one hand.
  1. Gather clear AB glass beads, 0.4 mm non-stretch clear cord, scissors and a ruler.
  2. Cut about 50 cm of cord for this example. Make it longer or shorter for your tree.
  3. Allow extra cord at both ends for the return passes.

Check before you continue.
The 50 cm measurement is the starting cord length, not a fixed finished length.

2

Thread two small beads and one large bead

The three end beads will hold the first end of your strand.

Two small beads and one larger end bead on the clear cord.
Two small beads and one larger end bead on the clear cord.
  1. Thread two small beads, followed by one larger end bead.
  2. Call them A, B and C in threading order. A and B are small; C is large.
  3. Keep a short tail for locking this end. Save the long cord for the strand.

Check before you continue.
The order is A → B → C. Keep enough tail to pass back through the holes.

3

Lock the first end with return passes

Use the short tail for both return passes. Keep the long cord free.

The cord returning through the two small beads beside the larger end bead.
The cord returning through the two small beads beside the larger end bead.
The second return pass through a small bead, with the cord visible between the hands.
The second return pass through a small bead, with the cord visible between the hands.
The three end beads pulled together after the return passes.
The three end beads pulled together after the return passes.
  1. Turn around C and pass back through B, then A.
  2. Turn around A and pass through B, then C.
  3. Pull the cord snug so the beads sit together. Check the lock, then trim only the short tail.

Check before you continue.
Route: A → B → C; return B → A; turn around A, then pass B → C. No separate knot is added.

4

Build a pattern you like

There is no single required bead order or strand length.

Several beads being added to the growing strand.
Several beads being added to the growing strand.
The longer strand after repeated threading, with its working end still unfinished.
The longer strand after repeated threading, with its working end still unfinished.
  1. Continue threading on the long cord. Combine small rondelles, larger beads and teardrop shapes as you like.
  2. Repeat a small group for a gentle rhythm, or vary the mix between strands.
  3. Stop at your preferred length, leaving enough bare cord to lock the other end.

Check before you continue.
Make longer or shorter strands for your tree. Leave working cord before the second lock.

5

Lock the second end the same way

Use the same two-small, one-large arrangement at the other end.

The first return through the small beads at the second end.
The first return through the small beads at the second end.
The second return pass beside the larger end bead.
The second return pass beside the larger end bead.
  1. Add two small beads, then one larger end bead. Call these A, B and C again.
  2. Turn around C and pass back through B and A.
  3. Turn around A, then pass through B and C. Ease out slack and pull snug.

Check before you continue.
Each end is locked separately. Do not connect the two ends into a closed loop.

6

Check both ends and trim the tail

Finish one complete strand before deciding how it will hang.

Scissors trimming the short cord tail after the lock is tightened.
Scissors trimming the short cord tail after the lock is tightened.
The completed strand folded over a hand, with two separate beaded ends.
The completed strand folded over a hand, with two separate beaded ends.
  1. Gently check both locks. The beads should stay together without obvious slack.
  2. Trim the remaining tail, taking care not to cut the main strand.
  3. Lay the strand out or fold it over your hand to check its length and drape.

Check before you continue.
Finished length is your choice. Starting cord and finished strand lengths are different.

7

Drape it over a Christmas tree branch

Let both beaded ends hang from the branch.

A beaded strand resting over a tree branch after the hand releases it.
A beaded strand resting over a tree branch after the hand releases it.
  1. Lay the middle of the strand over a branch and release it gently.
  2. Adjust the two hanging lengths to suit the branch.
  3. Make more strands with your chosen lengths and bead combinations. Space them around the tree.

Check before you continue.
The middle rests over the branch. Both ends hang freely; no end-to-end join is needed.

Make it your way

One technique. Your own tree.

Try different strand lengths and bead combinations. Look at the glass in daylight, warm lights and colored lights.

Beaded Christmas tinsel in daylight
In daylight
Beaded Christmas tinsel with warm lights
With warm lights
Beaded Christmas tinsel with colored lights
With colored lights

Beaded Christmas tinsel questions

How much cord should I cut?

About 50 cm is a suggested starting cord length. Leave extra cord for locking both ends.

Your finished strand will be shorter. Adjust the starting length to suit your tree.

Which beads and cord does this tutorial use?

Use clear AB glass beads in your chosen mix and 0.4 mm non-stretch clear beading cord.

The end lock uses two small beads and one larger bead. Choose sizes that allow the return passes.

Do I tie a separate knot?

No separate knot is added in this tutorial. The short tail follows two return passes through the end beads.

Turn around C and return through B, then A. Turn around A and pass through B, then C.

Should I join the two ends together?

No. Lock each end separately, then rest the middle of the strand over a tree branch.

Both beaded ends hang freely.

Are finished decorations included with the bead supplies?

No. These are loose bead supplies for making your own decorations.

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