Seed Beaded Necklace Chains: Exploring Beadwork Techniques for Jewelry Chains

If you are looking for an alternative to a metal chain for your pendant, handmade seed beaded necklace chains are a beautiful and intricate option adding texture, color, and craftsmanship to complete a necklace. Each chain is carefully woven using tiny seed beads and thread in various stitches, from the sleek herringbone stitch to the geometric right-angle weave. 

The choice of bead size and chain closure affects not only the look proportionally when paired with a pendant, but also the durability of the necklace which will be explained in this article.  

In this post, we'll explore the different types of seed beaded chains available for special order, their construction, and how to choose the perfect one for your design.

What are seed beads?

Seed beads are tiny little glass beads and are the perfect beads to create chains for jewelry because they are durable and uniformed in sizes which allows them to create beautiful unique chain patterns using the bead weaving technique. 

If you would like to learn more about bead weaving check out this article: What is Bead Weaving?  

If you would like to learn more about the history and making of seed beads visit this article: What are seed beads made of? 

 

What size seed bead is best for making beaded chains?

There are two sizes of seed beads that I generally like to use to make seed beaded chains. Sizes 11/0 and 15/0.  15/0 are the smallest size seed beads available on the market and creates a finer weave which in turn makes a smaller sized chain.  11/0s are slightly bigger which allow more passes with the thread.  This gives the necklace chain more durability and is a great option for larger or heavier pendants.

Larger beads can be woven into the standard 11/0 or 15/0 bead chain to create decorative interest to the chain, along with using more than one color seed bead to create a repetitive pattern throughout the beaded chain.

Different Types of Handmade Seed Beaded Necklace Chains

Below are examples of bead stitches that are ideal for using in beaded necklace chains.

Flat Herringbone Stitch

• Description: A flat, V-shaped design.

• Bead size: Typically 11/0 or 15/0 seed beads.

• Chain length options: Can be made to any length, commonly used for shorter necklaces.

• Ideal for pairing with: Medium-sized pendants.

 

Twisted Herringbone

• Description: A twisted variation of the flat herringbone stitch, creating a spiral effect.

• Bead size: 11/0 or 15/0 seed beads.

• Closure options: Lobster clasp,  toggle clasp or magnetic.

• Chain length options: Can be made to any length, commonly used for shorter necklaces.

• Ideal for pairing with: Small to medium-sized or lightweight pendants

 Tubular Herringbone

 

• Description: A 3D version of the herringbone stitch, creating a hollow, tube-like chain.

• Bead size: 11/0 seed beads.

• Closure options: large Lobster clasp, toggle or barrel clasp, 

• Chain length options: Can be made in various lengths.

• Ideal for pairing with: Larger pendants due to the chain's sturdiness.

Potawatomi Stitch

• Description: A unique stitch that forms a flat, diagonal woven-looking chain.

• Bead size: Usually 11/0 or 15/0 seed beads.

• Closure options: Box clasp, Toggle clasp or lobster clasp.

• Chain length options: Ideal for medium to long-length necklaces.

• Ideal for pairing with: Medium to large pendants with large bail.

Seed Bead Daisy Chain

 

 

• Description: A fun and delicate design where seed beads form flower-like shapes.

• Bead size: Typically 11/0 or 15/0 seed beads.

• Closure options: Lobster clasp, toggle clasp. magnetic

• Chain length options: Short to medium lengths.

• Ideal for pairing with: Smaller or medium pendants

Right Angle Weave (RAW)

 

 

• Description: A versatile stitch that forms a flat decorative geometric chain..

• Bead size: Often 11/0 seed beads, but 15/0 can be used for finer designs.

• Closure options: Box, Toggle, magnetic or lobster claw clasp

• Chain length options: Suitable for any length but commonly used for medium to long chains.

• Ideal for pairing with: Larger focal pendants for a balanced look.

Cubic Right Angle Weave (CRAW)

• Description: A more complex version of RAW, creating cubic shapes for a modern, angular look.

• Bead size:  11/0 seed beads.

• Closure options: Barrel clasp, Lobster claw or toggle clasp.

• Chain length options: Custom lengths to match your design.

• Ideal for pairing with: Large, weighty pendants with large bail.

St Petersburg Stitch (singular)

• Description: A flat whimsical looking stitch which is best using two colors

• Bead Size: 11/0 seed beads

• Closure Options: box clasp, lobster claw, magnetic or toggle clasp

• Chain length options: suitable for any length

• Ideal for pairing with: lightweight pendants

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St Petersburg Stitch (Double)

• Description: A doubled version of the single St Petersburg stitch which forms a branch-like stitch. Best with two colors of seed beads

• Bead Size: 11/0 seed beads

• Closure Options: box clasp, lobster claw, magnetic or toggle clasp

• Chain length options: suitable for any length

• Ideal for pairing with: lightweight pendants with large bail

What to Consider When Adding a Pendant

Selecting the right  beaded chain for your pendant is crucial when pairing it with a pendant.  Things to be considered are:

• The size of the pendant - It is important to create the right proportions for your completed necklace.  Having a large oversized pendant suspended on a fine 15/0 beaded chain may not be the best look.  A chunky, more substantial 11/0 beaded chain would be an ideal choice.

• The weight of the pendant - The weight of the pendant is also an important consideration, as it affects the drape of the necklace. A heavier pendant requires a sturdier beaded chain—just like with metal chains, you want your pendant to be well-supported and not put too much strain on the chain, especially with a hefty gemstone pendant.

Seed Bead Color Patterns and Metallic Beads

By using metallic seed beads like antique bronze, pewter, or silver chrome you can mimic the look of traditional metal chains.  

By incorporating different colors of seed beads you can customize a beaded chain to create some interesting and unique design styles such as highlighting certain parts of the chain in intervals or creating an ombre look.  You can also use matte beads and shiny beads of the same color to create an interesting look that adds dimension.

Finishing The Chain With Bead Caps

For tubular or dimensional beaded chains such as tubular herringbone or cubic right angle weave, bead caps are a great choice for finishing the ends. These can be custom beaded to blend seamlessly with the chain’s colors, or paired with premade metal bead caps for a polished look. The bead caps feature a loop at the end, allowing a clasp to be securely attached.

Necklace Clasps

There are many options for necklace clasps, but here are my recommendations for ones that work well for beaded chains keeping security and design features in mind.

Lobster Clasp – Spring-loaded and shaped like a lobster claw, secure and easy to use.

Toggle Clasp – Features a bar that fits into a circular loop, often decorative.

Magnetic Clasp – Uses magnets for easy fastening, great for people with dexterity issues.

Box Clasp – A small, decorative box with a latch that clicks into place.

Barrel Clasp – Two pieces that screw together, cylindrical in shape.

Custom Lengths and Tailoring for Personalization

Typical necklace lengths are 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 inches, but you can customize the length to suit your needs. It's important to determine the correct length before ordering.

If you have a pendant and want a beaded necklace chain custom made, you can test the length using a necklace from your existing jewelry collection. Alternatively, use a tape measure to measure from around the nape of the neck to the chest to measure where you want the pendant to sit. This will give you an accurate measurement guide for your custom chain.

Ready to Order a Custom Beaded Chain?

A handmade beaded necklace chain is more than just a way to hold a pendant—it’s an art form that enhances the overall design of a necklace. 

Whether you are seeking a more delicate 15/0 seed bead chain that is perfect for small pendants  to a sturdy 11/0 design for larger, heavier pendants, the right choice of bead size, stitch, and color pattern can transform a simple pendant into a statement necklace piece. 

With the use of metallic beads you can mimic traditional metal chains or use bead color combinations, along with intricate beadwork, to create patterns and dimensions to the necklace.

These custom-made chains provide a level of detail and craftsmanship that mass-produced chains simply can’t match.

If you’re looking for a unique necklace chain design to complement your pendant, or if you want a beautiful beaded chain to wear all by itself, you can special order a handmade seed beaded necklace chain using the custom order request form. Let’s create something truly one-of-a-kind, tailored to your style and vision!