Q I made the pattern Follow the leader , and the description says to sew it to a metal cuff. How do I do this? A The Patterns section of our website offers readers two extra projects each month; one for subscribers and one for registered users on our site. Patterns are popular for making bracelets, and most bracelets of any stitch can be finished in the following ways. For Follow the leader , you would work the loomed pattern and finish the ends ...

Q I am making an illusion necklace with small bicone crystals and clear fishing line. I don't want the crimp bead to be that noticeable - what size should I use? If I use glue to hold the beads in place, what kind of glue should I use? –cnpainter A There are three good ways to make an illusion necklace, a style that usually involves a single bead or a group of beads suspended at intervals along a stringing material . The first thing to consider...

Many questions and comments popped up after my last post about beginning a crochet rope. I guess it got some readers thinking about trying crochet, raising more questions about what sizes of hooks work best with which thread or cord. To answer you, I had to search a bit. I came across Linda Lehman's Expert Advice article in the October 2008 issue of Bead&Button (read on to learn more). And if you are a subscriber to Bead&Button magazine...

Q Anna, I've been crocheting with yarn and thread for more than 50 years, but I cannot seem to get the hang of bead crocheting. I look closely at the pictures, but after the first or second round, I can't figure out where to put the hook. Even when I thought I had it right, I got lost after the second or third round and couldn't figure out which was the last round and which was the round below. It never looked nice and smooth like the...

Q Is Ndebele stitch the same as herringbone stitch? Marlene Ackerman, FL A Hi Marlene, Thanks for your question. Yes, those are the same stitches. The Ndebele herringbone stitch, derived from the Ndebele tribe in Africa, is often shortened to just herringbone stitch, the way peyote stitch is sometimes called gourd stitch, and Comanche stitch is also referred to as brick stitch. We have videos on our website demonstrating different herringbone techniques...

Q I have trouble with clasps falling off the ends of my bracelets and sometimes my necklaces. What am I doing wrong and how can I achieve a more professional finish? A Good question, and the answer depends on the techniques you are using. If you are stitching, here are some tips: • Find a clasp that suits your design. If you have a large cuff bracelet, find a slide clasp that spans the width of the bracelet. If you try to stick a small toggle or snap...

Q I purchased several art-glass beads from a bead show, and I'm not sure what to do with them. I want to hang them vertically from a necklace. Do you have any suggestions for how to do this? – Nicole A Adding fringe and a bail to art-glass beads is a great way to suspend a focal bead from a necklace and enhance the bead's colors and design. When I design a necklace for Spotlight , I often pick a bead that has bold colors or a strong pattern...

Here is a question from me to you. I struggle with this question because it seems like "a place for everything and everything in it's place" would be a good idea (especially according to my dear Grandma Gloria), but when I clean and clear my work station before starting a project, my mind goes blank. Then, as I rummage through drawers and bins of all the treasures I've collected over the years, a spark of an idea is sure to appear...

Q Aloha, Anna! Why do my necklaces keep spinning around my neck, so that the clasps are in the front? It is annoying and unsightly. It doesn't seem to matter what kind of chain or clasp or jewelry design. Is my neck too fat? My hair too long? My jewelry choices bad? Help! Tangled in Volcano, Laura A Aloha, Laura! That is a common problem with many necklace designs. If the necklace is relatively the same weight all around, there is nothing to hold...

Q When stringing gemstone briolettes in a necklace, I have had trouble with the briolettes flipping to the inside of the necklace. I am constantly fussing with the briolettes to turn them to the outside when I wear the necklace. Is there a way to prevent this? A There are a couple of ways to remedy this situation, especially if you are willing to try other techniques besides stringing . If you are simply stringing a necklace, leave a little slack...

Q I am a beginner at making jewelry, and I have a question that I need some help with. I am trying to make a bracelet with four strands of beads, and I want to finish the ends off with a bead cap. How do I do this? It gets too bulky to put a loop at the end of each of the strings to pull them through the bead cap. There must be a better way. Help! – Ann, San Diego, California A Good question, Ann, and I have two answers for you. But before you get...

Q Dear Anna, How can you calculate the number of beads you will need in a tubular herringbone stitch (straight or twisted) or tubular peyote stitch rope? I am asking because sometimes you find great mixes of beads with the mention of "make sure to buy enough for your project" because of dye lot or because the mix may be retired. I tried to make a necklace in twisted herringbone stitch, and I had to convert it into a bracelet due to the lack...

Q How do I attach a toggle clasp to the end of a crocheted rope? - Joie Son A That is a good question Joie, and I have a simple answer for you. You'll need your finished rope, a tapestry needle, two bead caps or small cones, two decorative beads, and about 12 inches (30 cm) of 22-gauge wire. Stitch the wrapped loop to the end of the rope. Leave 8-in. (20 cm) tails at the ends of your finished rope. Thread the tapestry needle on one tail. Cut a...

Q Is there a chart somewhere detailing the number of 11/0 cylinder beads needed per size of rivoli when bezeling it? It was mentioned by our instructor at the Bead&Button Show, but I've not been able to find it. Thank you. Libby Ungar A Thanks for your question, Libby. Our online Resource Guide lists important information and extras from Bead&Button magazine and our special issues like Brilliant Crystal Jewelry 2 . Many of the projects...

Q How do you add thread to continue a project? I realize this would depend on the project, but I'm new to beading and am "testing the waters" with square stitch and peyote. Thanks, Gary Hawkins A Great question, Gary, and an important one too. If you don't add and end thread properly, you will compromise the integrity of your work, or end up with bulky and obvious areas of thread and knots. When you are stitching with square or peyote...