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Beading Lesson

Using Leather & Suede Cord
By: Katie Hacker

Sponsored by:
Beadalon®

For tools and supplies
visit Beadalon.com


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Leather cord and suede lace is available in a variety of colors and sizes. Leather cord is typically round, while suede lace is usually flat. Both are available in natural and imitation versions. Imitation leather cord is stronger and more inexpensive than natural leather. Faux suede lace tends to be even softer and suppler than natural suede and is available in a wider range of colors.

There are lots of design options when using leather and suede cord. One of my favorite techniques is stringing small-hole beads onto beading wire and attaching that beaded section to the leather or suede cord ends.

Another simple technique is stringing large-hole beads onto the center of a piece of leather, then using coiled spring spacers to hold the beads in place. To attach a spring spacer to the cord, use chain nose pliers to tighten the first loop on the coil.

Cord ends give your designs a professional look. There are many different styles, including: spring cord ends, tube cord ends, fold-over cord ends and c-crimp cord ends. In general, use round cord ends for round leather cord and flat cord ends for flat suede lace.

Use a c-crimp cord end with suede cord. Place the end of the suede cord inside the c-crimp, then use chain nose pliers to carefully close the c-crimp. Some c-crimps come with extension chains that add extra length to your design.

Fold-over cord ends can be used on the ends of suede cord, but they're also great for attaching different kinds of cord together. Place the strands inside the cord end, then use chain nose pliers to press the sides in.

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