I'm hoping to get some of your thoughts on using stretch cord for bracelets.  Do you like it? Not like it?  How durable do you find it, is there a specific brand that is better, etc.?  Just don't want bracelets breaking all over the place! :)  Thanks!!!

I have lost count of how many bracelets brought to me for restringing that someone else made.  So I chose to not make stretch bracelets because of this.  It may have been type of material they used, I don't really know, but each one broke because the stringing material stretche to the breaking point. 

 I don't like it at all, because the only thing it does consistently is break.  I've tried several brands, and every method I can think of but sooner or later (mostly sooner) it comes to grief!   I would never sell jewellery made with this stuff, and for my own granddaughters I prefer to use memory wire.  They can pull and tug at it all they like (they are quite young) and it bounces back good as new.  If you use spacer bars you can also make good sturdy watch bands.

Thanks for your input.  I had the same thoughts about breaking/durability.  I purchased a stretchy bracelet several years ago from a jewelry party.  I wear it all the time and it holds up great...I was just wondering if there was some secret I'm not aware of...maybe it's just luck that it hasn't broken yet.  :)

 Thanks again,

Liz

I get quite a few requests for bracelets and watches made with stretchy cord - it's pretty popular with people that have problems fastening clasps.  While it's not always my first choice of materials, I think it has its uses.   I also think using stretch cord successfully depends on two things - the type of beads and the type of cord. 

Heavy beads or beads with sharp edges probably aren't the best choices for use with elastics.  Personally, I don't care for Stretch Magic or similar cords, but I've had a lot of success with Gossamer floss.  I use a big eye needle and double the floss. 

Like a lot of beaders, I got started in beading by making stretch bracelets and while some were pretty awful, I still love a few of the first ones I made.  Those are about 10 years old now and are still holding up well. 

If you decide to try it, go ahead and pay a little extra for the brand name - the big spools of no-name stuff that you can get at shows generally stretches out and/or frays easily.