Here are five beautiful designs using Soft Touch Beading Wire. Soft Touch is our premium beading wire. Soft Touch is 50% softer than Soft Flex. That is - it has the same strength, the same durability as Soft Flex, but the drape is 50% softer. Soft Touch cascades down the wrist or neck like silk. It is a wonderful wire if you love the look of thread but want the strength of stainless steel.
We have a design for each diameter we carry in our Soft Touch line: Very Fine (.010), Fine (.014), Medium (.019), and Heavy (.024).
Each diameter is fantastic. We suggest the finer diameters for smaller, less abrasive beads or weaving and stitching. We suggest using the heavier diameters for more abrasive bead channels and jewelry that takes a lot of punishment, like bracelets.
Our first project is a design strung using our Very Fine (.010) diameter. Very Fine is ideal for embellishing, weaving, crocheting and stringing very small beads. We suggest finishing with 1x1mm crimps.
Very Fine Design in White
Designer Sara Oehler
Skill Level Beginner
Materials
White
Soft Flex Wire .019 diameter - 18"
White
Soft Touch Wire .010 diameter - 15"
Sterling Silver
Clasp- 1 set
2x2mm Sterling Silver
Crimp Tubes - 2 pcs
1x1mm Sterling Silver
Crimp Tubes - 16 pcs
Delicas - 1 small tube
Accent
beads in several sizes (I used clear crystals)
Tools
Crimping Pliers
Micro Crimping Pliers
Cutters
Bead Stoppers
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Soft Touch™ Wire, .010 diameter, into two 1 1/4" pieces, two 1 1/2" pieces, two 1 3/4" pieces, and one 2" piece.
Step 2: Use the 2" wire to string 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, forming a loop large enough to fit over the .019 diameter wire. Repeat with all of the remaining .010 diameter wire pieces.
Step 3: Use the 2" wire to string about 6 Delicas, 3 accent beads, about 4 Delicas, 3 accent beads, and one 1mm x 1mm crimp tube. Snug the beads, crimp the tube, and trim any excess wire. Repeat with each of the remaining pieces of .010 diameter wire, using accent beads and Delicas to give each pair of wires a different pattern.
Step 4: Attach one Bead Stopper to one end of the .019 diameter Soft Flex® Wire. String about 5 Delicas, the loop of one 1 1/4" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of one 1 1/2" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of one 1 3/4" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of the 2" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of one 1 3/4" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of one 1 1/2" wire, 1 Delica, the loop of one 1 1/4" wire, and about 5 Delicas.
Step 5: String one 2mm x 2mm crimp tube and one half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Remove the Bead Stopper and attach the other end of the wire to the other half of the clasp, making sure to adjust the wire so that the necklace is just longer than a choker, falling on your collarbone.
Our second project is a design strung using our Fine (.014) diameter. Fine is ideal for soft materials, seed beads and fresh water pearls. We suggest finishing with 2x2mm crimps.
Watch the video here:
Our third project is a design strung using our Medium (.019) diameter. Medium is an ideal all purpose wire. Great with glass, mineral, and metal beads. We suggest using Medium for the majority of your projects. It is strong enough to deal with the most abrasive materials and small enough to fit through the smallest bead channels. We suggest finishing with 2x2mm crimps.
Aquamarine Flower Necklace
Designer Virginia Magdaleno
Skill Level Intermediate
Materials
Soft Touch Beading Wire .019 diameter - Approx. 18"
Soft Touch Beading Wire .010 diameter - Approx. 8"
2x2mm Sterling Silver
Crimp Tubes - 2 pcs
1x1mm Sterling Silver
Crimp Tubes - 4 pcs
Thai Silver
Flower - 1 pc
Sterling Silver Lilly
Toggle - 1 set
Faceted
Aquamarine Nuggets - 10 pcs
Oval
Mother of Pearl - 32 pcs
Crystal Pearl Treasure Beads - varies
Tools
Micro Crimping Pliers
Crimping Pliers
Cutters
Instructions
Step 1: Use Soft Flex® Professional Flush Cutters to cut two 4 inch pieces of Soft Touch™ .010 Wire from the spool.
Step 2: Use 1 wire to string the hole of the Thai Silver Flower Pendant. Use both ends of wire to string one 1mmx1mm crimp tube. Snug the tube next to the pendant and secure the crimp tube using Micro Crimping Pliers.
Step 3: Use the edge of the Chain Nose Pliers to gently skim the wire so that it coils slightly.
Step 4: Use 1 wire to string enough Treasure beads to nearly fill the wire. String one 1mmx1mm crimp tube and use Micro Crimping Pliers to secure the crimp tube to the very end of the wire.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-6 using the other 4 inch wire.
Step 6: Use Soft Flex® Professional Flush Cutters to cut 18 inches of Soft Touch™ Wire, .019 diameter from the spool.
Step 7: String one 2mmx2mm Crimp Tube and one half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and secure using crimping pliers. Cut off excess wire at the crimp using Flush Cutters.
Step 8: String 5 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, 4 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, 3 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, 2 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, 1 Pearl, 1 Aquamarine, 1 Pearl, the Thai Silver Flower, 1 Pearl, 1 Aquamarine, 1 Pearl, 1 Aquamarine, 2 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, 3 Pearls, 1Aquamarine, 4 Pearls, 1 Aquamarine, and 5 Pearls.
Step 9: String one 2mmx2mm crimp tube and the other half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and secure using crimping pliers. Use Flush Cutters to trim excess wire.
Our fourth project is a design strung using our Heavy (.024) diameter. Heavy is a workhorse wire. It can carry the heaviest burdens and shoulder the harshest beads. It is ideal for the most abrasive materials, large stones, lamp work and bracelets. We suggest finishing with 2x3mm crimps.
Altering Connections
Designer Virginia Magdaleno
Skill Level Beginner
Materials
Satin Silver
Soft Touch Wire .024 diameter - approx. 57"
22 gauge Non-Tarnish Silver Plated Soft Flex Craft Wire - approx. 4"
Sterling Silver
Toggles - 3 sets
2x3mm Sterling Silver
Crimp Tubes - 10 pcs
Sterling Silver 3 Hole Connectors - 2 pcs
3mm Sterling Silver
Round Beads - 61 pcs
4mm Sterling Silver Round Beads - 28 pcs
5mm Sterling Silver Round Beads - 27 pcs
3x5mm Silver Plated Oval Melon Beads - 84 pcs
9mm Black
Tourmaline Round Beads - 12 pcs
6mm Round
Pearls - 13 pcs
Tools
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Bead Stoppers
Instructions
All three pieces are interchangeable and can be used to make one long necklace, or a necklace and bracelet.
For Necklace/Attachment
Step 1: Cut three strands of Soft Touch™ Wire from the spool, each about 14" long.
Step 2: String one strand of wire through a 2mm x 3mm Sterling Silver Crimp tube, through one loop of a Sterling Silver connector, and back through the crimp. Secure crimp using Crimping Pliers (click here for Crimping Pliers Instructions). Cut off excess wire at the crimp using Flush Cutters.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 for the other two strands of wire.
Step 4: On the first strand (Strand A), string 1 - 3mm Silver bead, 2 - 3x5mm Melon Beads, 1 - 4mm Silver bead, and 2 - 3x5mm Melon beads.
Step 5: Repeat step 4, 8 times. End strand with 1 - 3mm Silver bead.
Step 6: Repeat step 2 for Strand A, into the corresponding loop of another connector.
Step 7: Using the second, middle strand (Strand B), string beads in the following order: 2 - 3mm Silver Beads, 1 - 3x5 Melon bead, 2 - 3mm Silver beads, and 1 - 4mm Silver bead.
Step 8: Repeat step 7, 9 times. End strand with 1 - 3mm Silver bead.
Step 9: Repeat step 2 for Strand B, into the middle loop of the connector.
Step 10: For the last strand (Strand C), repeat steps 4, 5 and 6.
Step 11: To attach the connectors to the toggle, cut a 2 inch piece of 22 gauge Soft Flex® Craft Wire.
Step 12: Connect the Soft Flex® Craft Wire to the connector by doing a wire wrapped loop. (Click here for Wire Wrapped Loop directions).
Step 13: Place 1 - 3x5mm Melon bead onto the Soft Flex® Craft Wire and close the end by inserting the end through the toggle, and doing another wire wrapped loop.
Step 14: Repeat steps 12 and 13 for the other end of the necklace piece, using the other end of the toggle.
For Tourmaline Bracelet/Attachment
Step 1: Cut a strand of Soft Touch™ Wire from the spool, about 10 inches long.
Step 2: String the wire through 1 - 2mm x 3mm Sterling Silver Crimp tube, through one end of a Sterling Silver toggle, and back through the crimp. Secure using Crimping Pliers. Cut off excess wire at the crimp using Flush Cutters.
Step 3: String beads in the following order: 1 - 5mm Silver bead, and 1 - 9mm Tourmaline bead.
Step 4: Repeat step 3, 11 times. End strand with a 5mm Silver bead.
Step 5: Repeat step 2 to complete the bracelet/attachment.
For Pearl Bracelet/Attachment
Step 1: Cut a strand of Soft Touch™ Wire from the spool, about 10 inches long.
Step 2: String the wire through 1 - 2mm x 3mm Sterling Silver Crimp tube, through one end of a Sterling Silver toggle, and back through the crimp. Secure using Crimping Pliers. Cut off excess wire at the crimp using Flush Cutters.
Step 3: String beads in the following order: 1 - 5mm Silver bead, and 1 - 6mm Pearl.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 12 times. End strand with a 5mm Silver bead.
Step 5: Repeat step 2 to complete the bracelet/attachment.
Our final project is a design strung using our Very Fine (.010) diameter of Soft Touch and Heavy (.024) Soft Flex Beading wire. Sara created this bracelet using a Macrame Board. This design is featured in our Bracelet Projects Booklet written by Sara Oehler and Kristen Fagan.
Watch the video here:
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Blog contributor Thomas Soles is the Trade Show Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. His favorite stones are Lapis and Pietersite. His favorite hobby is day dreaming. And his favorite mustache is Tom Selleck's. As you can see, he has a healthy (or possibly unhealthy) sense of humor. You can write to him at Thomas@SoftFlexCompany.com