Making Daisy Chain Necklaces

Making Daisy Chain Necklaces

There are a lot of beautiful options when it comes to making your own necklaces and working with small beads, especially seed beads. One fantastic and beautiful option is a daisy chain necklace. There are a wide range of great options for making daisy chains and using these various options can make for a great variety of looks.

 

Basic Daisy Chain

The basic daisy chain is one that has a small “daisy” that is separated by a few beads which are meant to look like a vine of “leaves”. This look is simple and yet charming and beautiful. You have a wide range of options according to colors, textures, and even bead size. These choices can change the look of your daisy chain in a huge way, but for the most part are up to you and your imagination.

You will need-You will need beading thread, bead thread conditioner or wax, a thin beading needle such as a size 10 or 12, a clasp of your choice, bead glue (I highly recommend Bead Fix because it is strong, dries quickly, dries clear, and doesn’t leave a film or residue on beads or findings), and two to three colors of small beads. Often times seed beads are used for all colors, but they don’t have to be and small glass beads, pearls, or e-beads can be used, especially for the center of the “daisies”. You will have one color that is the “leaves” or the connecting beads, one that is the “petals”, and one that is the center of the flower. You can use the same color for the “leaves” as for the center and still maintain a great look. For example, you could choose black “leaves” and center beads and white petal ones for a great black and white look. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You could choose green “leaves”, pink “petals”, and yellow “centers”. The choice is all up to you and colors and beads choices will change the look of the piece.

Directions-Cut about four feet of thread. You will need to start this piece by conditioning your thread. Do this by holding your thread against the wax or thread conditioner with your finger or thumb. Pull the thread through. Then turn the thread around and repeat the process three or four times to get a well conditioned thread. Finish conditioning the thread by running it between your forefinger and your thumb.

Next thread it through your needle and add your clasp to the end. Knot it a few times. How many beads you use is going to depend on the type of beads and the look that you want. However, the basic pattern out of seed beads works as follows. String five “leaf” beads. Then string five “petal” beads. Now go back through the first “petal” bead. This will make a small circle at the end of your “leaves”. Next string a single “center” bead. Run your thread through the the third “petal” bead at the top of the flower. You will now have a tiny “daisy”. Continue by adding the “leaf” beads, the “petal” beads, and then running the thread through the first “petal” bead. Then add a “center” bead and finish by running the thread through the third “petal” bead.

Continue this way till you have reached the desired length. Add your other half of clasp and then tie the thread off. Run the end through a few beads and trim short. Run the other end through a few beads and trim short. Finish the piece off with a drop of glue.

Tips on Variations-You can easy adjust the number of beads that you are using as “leaves” and even “petals”. This will give your daisy chain a different look. It should also be noted that the most popular place to add beads that are not seed beads is in the center of the daisy. This will change the number of beads needed for petals. You will then want to use the number that makes the flower look fullest. You will want to count halfway through and run your thread through that bead on every flower to make sure that your “leaves” all look the same. If you want more leaves you can add leaf shaped beads to your stringing or form small loops (same as the flowers without a center) in the “leaf” color for a different look.


Double Stem Pattern

One variation of this great project is to have two “stems” or “leaves” connecting the “daisies”. This is a little more complicated, but it gives the piece a more substantial look to it. It is still beautiful and well worth the time.

You will need. All of the daisy chain variations require bead thread, bead conditioner or wax, a thin needle, a clasp, glue, and two or three colors of small beads. The beads are still up to you.

Directions. You will want to start this piece by cutting about five to six feet of thread. Then condition it in the same manner as in the basic daisy chain. Add one half of your clasp and tie it on. Then add six “petal” beads and run your thread back through the first bead. Then add a “center” bead and push it into the center of the circle. Run your thread through the top “petal” bead. Next add six “leaf” beads and one “petal” bead. Add six more “leaf” beads and run your needle through the top “petal” bead of the last daisy. Finish your stems by running your needle through the six “leaf” beads and the one “petal” bead. Add five more “petal” beads and run your needle back through that first “petal” bead. Next add a “center” bead and finish your second daisy by running through a top “petal” bead.

You will continue by adding the two sets of stems after each daisy. When you have finished with the length you desire add a last daisy. Then add the other half of your clasp. Tie it off at the base of the clasp. Then work some thread through a few beads and trim close. Work the thread of the other side through a few beads and trim close. Add a drop of glue to each knot.

 

Single Joint Daisy Chain

This variation of the daisy chain eliminates a third “leaf” color. Instead of having stems or leaves that connect your flowers, each flower is connected to the next one with a little work. While this pattern isn’t more complicated it does have a more complicated feel about it. It is more elegant then the daisy chains listed above but not as “cute”.

You will need. You will need thread, thread conditioner or wax, a bead needle, a clasp, glue, and two colors of beads. This pattern looks particularly nice with larger beads such as 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm beads. They can be round or faceted. You can even use crystals or glass pearls if you want to. The directions will use eight “petal” beads, but this can be adjusted according to the size of your beads.

Directions. Cut five to six feet of thread. Condition it well. Add your clasp and tie it on the thread (leave a four or five inch tail). Add eight “petal” beads. Run your thread through the first “petal” beads to form a circle. Add a “center” bead pushing it into the center of the circle. Run your needle through the top “petal” bead (it should be bead number four). Add another “petal” bead and run your thread back through the fourth “petal” bead of the previous flower. Finish the joint by running your thread back through the first “petal” bead of the second flower.

Add seven more “petal” beads and run your thread back through the first “petal” bead. Add a “center” bead and then run your thread through the fourth “petal” bead of the second flower. Keep working by adding a connecting “petal” bead and then making the flower.

Finish this piece after it gets to the length you desire. Add your clasp and knot your work. Then run your thread through a few beads and trim close. Repeat this step on the other side and add a drop of glue to each knot. You now have a single joint daisy chain!

Making Daisy Chain Necklaces

Double Joint Daisy Chain

While this option isn’t really that much different it looks very different and is often seen as something really beautiful. It doesn’t take more work and you can change it up for a different look or choose the option that is your favorite.

You will need. You will need bead thread, bead conditioner or wax, a thin beading needle, a clasp, glue, and two colors of beads. This is another option that works really well for non-seed bead beads. Have fun with your bead choices. You can use seed beads if you want or choose something completely different for a little fun.

Directions. Cut five to six feet of thread. Condition it well. Add your clasp and tie it on the thread. Add eight “petal” beads. Run your thread back through the first two “petal” beads. Add your “center” bead and then run your needle back through “petal” bead number four. Add another “petal” bead and then run your thread through “petal” bead number five from your first flower. Add another “petal” bead and then run your thread back through “petal” bead number one for the second flower. Finish the section by going through beads four and five of the first flower and two and one of the second flower.

Add six “petal” beads and run your thread through the first two “petal” beads. Add a center bead and then finish flower number two by running your thread through “petal” bead number four. Continue by building your second double joint and working by repeating this process of flowers and joints.

Once your necklace is the desired length add a clasp and knot your work. Work your thread through a few beads and trim close. Repeat this process at the start of the necklace. Make sure you add glue to your knots.

Embellishments. You can add a little extra to your daisy chain for a different look or a little extra. You can do this at each joint. Once your joint is in place and you have gone through the “petal” beads of the second flower add a couple smaller beads to your thread and then run the needle through the fourth and fifth “petal” beads of the first flower. Add the same number of small beads and then run your thread through the first and second “petal” beads. Then add your six “petal” beads to your needle and run your thread back through the first two “petal” beads. Continue by adding your “center” bead and then through the fourth “petal” bead. Continue by making your joint and adding your embellishments. You can even make them green for leaves.

 

Continuous Daisy Chain

For an even easier daisy chain you can make it continuous. This way you don’t have to make joints or stems. It can be quick and easy. You can do it in one color or two. For making it easier we will still call them “petal” beads and “center” beads. However, you can have lots of different colors or stick with your favorite.

You will need. You will need bead thread, thread conditioner or wax, a bead needle, a clasp, glue, and the beads of your choice. This is an easy way to choose a variety of bead types and colors. Have fun with it and see what you can come up with.

Directions. Cut about four to five feet of thread. Condition it well. Add your clasp and knot the thread. Add six beads (or how many you need for the beads you are using). Run your thread through the first “petal” bead. Add a “center” bead and make sure it is in the center of the circle of “petals”. Run your thread through the third “petal” bead in this first flower. Add five “petal” beads and run your thread back through the third “petal” of the first flower which is also the first “petal” bead of the second flower. Add a center bead and then run your thread through the third “petal” bead of the second flower. This will also be your first “petal” bead of your third flower.

Work your way through the necklace till it reaches the desired length. Then add a clasp and tie it off. Run your thread back through a few beads and trim close. Run the thread at the beginning through a few beads and trim close. Add a dot of glue to each knot for added security.

Make them leaves. You can make the flowers in the middle leaves if you wish. To do this follow this pattern. Add six “petal” beads and then run your thread through the first “petal” bead. Add a center bead and run your thread trough the third “petal” bead. Add a green bead, two “petal” beads, and a second green bead. Run your thread through the third “petal” bead of the first flower. Then add a green bead and place it in the center (just as if it were a “center” bead). Run your thread through the first “petal” bead on the other side. Now you have three “leaf” beads between the first flower and the start of a second flower bead. Make your second flower by adding four “petal” beads and running the thread through the first two “petal” beads. Add a center bead and run the thread through the third “petal” bead. Make the next set of leaves and work your way through the daisy chain.


Beads

With so many choices of how you are going to use the daisy chain you also have a huge variety of beads you can use. Any round bead from 1mm (most seed beads are about 1.2-1.4mm) to 4mm will work. You can choose several colors for an interesting look and don’t have to have a single “petal” color. Some great color options are red, orange, and yellow flowers with centers that are opposing colors (such as a red center with a yellow flower, and orange center with a red flower, and a yellow center with an orange flower). You can do two different blues with yellow centers. You can use a different color for each flower and make them from glass beads, crystals, pearls, glass pearls, or even wooden beads. Have fun with the options!

With so many choices you can make hundreds of necklaces using this stitch and never run out of fun, beautiful, or exciting options. With a little work you can soon be whipping these great necklaces out left and right. Make a few for your own collection, give them as gifts, or even sell them. There are so many options and your imagination is really the only thing holding you back! Have fun and enjoy making great jewellery.

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