We love Stretch Magic. Have you ever used Stretch Magic to create a piece of jewelry? It is so simple to work with. Stretch Magic is great for a quick and easy bracelet. Stretch Magic does not require tools to finish. It is the perfect cord for a beginner or a seasoned beader that wants to design something playful and new.
Stretch Magic is manufactured by the Pepperell Braiding Company. The company was founded in 1917 as a shoelace manufacturer. They went on to make cigarette lighter wicks and candle wicks. In the late 70’s, the company moved into the craft market with macramé products. Today, Pepperell Braiding Company is still involved with the craft industry. They manufacture a number of creative products and have three factories in operation.
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Stretch Magic is a strong elastic-like cord. It is constructed of a mixture of polyester and polyurethane. Unlike some elastic cords, Stretch Magic will not fray over time. Stretch Magic does not contain any latex, rayon, or elastic. At Soft Flex, we carry Stretch Magic in Clear or Black. We carry .5mm, .7mm, and 1mm sizes.
Jewelry by
Lynn White
Photo by Nina Shields
It is recommended that you pre-stretch Stretch Magic before beginning a project. This will ensure the cord does not stretch and lengthen after beads are placed on it.
Stretch Magic is fantastic for beginners. It is forgiving and easy to string. It is durable and will last a long time. A beginner needs Stretch Magic, some beads, scissors or a bead nipper, and some glue and they have everything necessary for a jewelry design.
An accomplished beader will have fun creating a quick design with Stretch Magic. A new bracelet for the night takes only minutes to finish. Simply string your beads, knot your Stretch Magic and add a drop of glue to seal the knot. Here are some knots that work great: Surgeon's Knot, Figure-Eight knot and a Carrick Bend Knot.
We do suggest using Soft Flex Beading Wire for a design that requires strength and durability, but Stretch Magic is a blast to string with!
Ask Sara - How do I finish designs on Stretch Magic?
Question: How do I finish a design on stretch product? Should I crimp it?
Answer: We don't suggest crimping Stretch Magic, or any stretch product for that matter. It is usually pretty soft. When you compress the metal crimp, it can easily slice through the stretch product. A better way to finish off a design on Stretch Magic is to tie a square knot and use a dab of
Special T glue for security. Special T glue is non-acidic and dries fairly clear and pliable. I've also used Special T glue for gluing glass to metal, wood to wood, and on other threads and cords. I don't use the actual applicator on the bottle of glue, but instead, I unscrew the cap and us a toothpick or eye pin to pick up a drop of glue and apply it to my surface. A little goes a long way with this glue. It dries in less than a minute.
Speeder Beaders Work With Stretch Magic Too!
If you work with Stretch Magic or elastic it can be difficult to get that kind of cord through beads from time to time. Our Speeder Beaders are a great way to string fast. The Speeder Beader that is designed to accommodate our heaviest wire, .024, also works wonderfully with .5mm and .7mm Stretch Magic. If you don't want to spend a lot of time trying to get a flexible cord through your beads, check out our Speeder Beaders with the white or clear caps.
The Soft Flex Speeder Beader makes threading Soft Flex or Stretch Magic fast and simple. Push Soft Flex or Stretch Magic into the pan of the Speeder Beader at a 30-45 degree angle. The pan will guide the wire into the hollow part of the Speeder Beader. Beads slip over the Speeder Beader and onto your wire or cord quickly and easily.
Men's Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet
Designer: Kristen Fagan
My dad likes to wear jewelry yet, I seldom make it for him. Shame on me! I give my mom and sisters handmade jewelry all the time but, I don't spend much time thinking about jewelry ideas for the guys in my life. Last year, I made sure to include my dad when thinking about gift-giving. I made him a necklace for Fathers Day and a stretch bracelet similar to this one for Christmas. He loved them both. I hope this bracelet idea inspires you to think about making some jewelry for men too.
Materials
Stretch Magic - 0.7mm Clear - 13"
12mm Wood
Beads - 8
7x4mm Silver Turkish Heishi
Spacer Beads - 19
8mm Silver Saucer Bead - 1
Head Pin - 1
Tools
Scissors or
Cutters
Special T Glue
Bead Stopper
Finished Size: 8"
Instructions
Step 1: Cut 13" of Stretch Magic. Attach a bead stopper to one end.
Step 2: String 1 wood bead, 2 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 3 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 2 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 1 spacer bead, 1 saucer bead, 1 spacer bead, 1 wood bead, 2 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 3 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 2 spacer beads, 1 wood bead, 3 spacer beads.
Step 3: Remove the bead stopper and tie a simple overhand knot. Take both ends of stretch magic and cross them over. Take one end under and through the loop. Pull tight. Repeat the knot two more times.
Step 4: Add glue to the knot to make sure to stays secure. Cut excess stretch cord. Tip: Instead of using the glue bottle tip, unscrew the top, dip a headpin into the glue and use the headpin to apply glue to the knot.
Use Stretch Magic To Make A Bracelet And Earrings
Designer: Sara Oehler
Stretch Magic is pretty awesome! It is quick and easy to both use and wear. In this video, I show you how to make a simple bracelet using Stretch Magic and I also make a matching pair of earrings.
I hope that you enjoy these projects and try using Stretch Magic on one of your future designs! Enjoy!
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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