7 Best Ways To Finish Cord Jewelry You Need To Know

Discover simple and affordable ways to finish cord jewelry. There are several options e.g. using various findings or even tying knots.

There are some instances where you might choose to add cord to your bead weaving projects.

I do this quite often with beaded pendants. After creating the pendant, I need to hang it on a necklace. And, sure I could make a beaded necklace to pair with the pendant but, more often that not, I string it onto a piece of cord.

Doing this makes the pendant the star of the show and it’s a quick, easy and affordable solution.

There are several types of cord that you can use ranging from leather to rattail. If you decide to go this route, you’ll need to know the different cord ends you can use to finish your cord jewelry.

How To Finish Cord Jewelry

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, there’s absolutely no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclosure Policy here.

1. Tie A Knot

Tying a knot is probably the simplest way to end a piece of cord jewelry. It’s perfect for long necklaces that you just want to slip over your head.

All you need to do is gather the ends of the cord and tie a simple overhand knot. Trim the ends neatly, if necessary and you’re done.

An additional bonus is that you don’t need to add a clasp when using this method.

2. Use A Slip Knot

If you want the ability to adjust the length of jewelry, a slip knot could be a good solution. No clasp is needed if you choose to do this.

Here’s a tutorial showing you how to tie this kind of knot:

3. Use Coil Cord Ends

Coil cord ends are basically coils of wire with a loop on one end where you can attach a clasp. The other end is open and it’s there that you insert the piece of cord you’re using.

These come in various sizes and metal finishes. They are suitable for round cords e.g. leather cord.

You can add a little glue before inserting the cord but it’s not absolutely necessary. After inserting the cord, use a chain nose pliers to squeeze the last loop of the coil. This secures it onto the cord and prevents it from slipping off.

Here’s a quick demo showing you how to use coil cord ends:

4. Create A Wire Coil

If you prefer, you can DIY something similar to a coil cord end:

• Simply take a short piece of wire.
• Fold over the end of your cord to create a small loop with one long end and a short end.
• Tightly wrap the wire around the cord to form a coil, making sure it goes around the short end.
• Trim the excess wire.
• Repeat on the other end of the long piece of cord.
• Attach a jump ring to the cord loop and use that to add your clasp.

5. Attach Fold Over Crimp Ends

Fold over crimp ends are flat pieces of metal with a flap on two sides. They have a loop on one end and a tiny spike on the other end. The spike digs into the cord and secures it.

You can add a little glue to the inside of the fold over crimp end and then insert the cord. Use a flat nose pliers to squeeze the flaps over the cord, one at a time. Alternatively, you can use a Fold Over Crimping Pliers.

The shape of the fold over crimp end might make you instinctively want to use it for flat cords only but you can certainly use them to finish round cords.

Here’s how to use these findings:

Here’s the Single Third Hand With Pointed Tweezer Work Bench Tool shown in the video.

6. Add Glue-in End Caps

Glue-in end caps are hollow tubes that are enclosed on one end. Some have a loop on that closed end so you can attach any type of jewelry clasp you prefer.

These are a good option when you have a special clasp that you want to use for the piece of jewelry.

Add a strong glue to the inside of the end cap and insert the cord jewelry. Let it dry for the time recommended by the manufacturers before use.

7. Attach Glue-in Clasps

Glue-in clasps are very similar to the glue-in end caps. The only difference is you don’t need an additional clasp. Just follow the same steps as you would to attach a glue-in end cap.