Heishi Bead Necklace Tutorial

This DIY necklace tutorial shows you how to make a heishi bead necklace using vinyl african heishi beads. These beads are bright, colorful and look spectacular paired with brass beads. You can also use vintage sequins or stone heishi beads for other variations. I love using bright colors mixed with warm brass beads, staggered for a unique and unpredictable pattern. You could also mix up colors too, if you’re feeling extra adventurous. Read on for the full free necklace tutorial, and make sure to sign up for the newsletter to hear about new DIY projects, or follow us on Instagram. Note: Post may contain affiliate links.

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Materials Needed for Heishi Bead Necklace

To get started gather up your materials. You’ll need:

Secure Your Necklace

Tie a double knot around seed bead at the end of the thread.

Cut Thread

Cut the thread to the desired length of the beaded segment of your necklace. Be sure to leave about 1.5 inches extra for tying your final knot.

Add Your End Cap

Slide on 1 end cap, so that it’s facing the bead. This tutorial uses an end-cap enclosed around a knotted seed bead for extra strength and durability. A bead tip is a jewelry component that you use at the end of thread to secure the ends. It has a split domed opening, with a loop on the end, so that you can secure your end by tying a knot that gets enclosed inside the end cap.

String Your Heishi Beads

Add on your vinyl beads/sequins and your brass beads in an alternating pattern.

Add Another Bead Tip

When you’ve added all your beads, add another bead tip with the opening facing away from the beads.

Start to Secure Your End

Thread on another seed bead, and start to tie a loose knot around it.

Pro Tip!

To get the knot/seed bead as close to your end cap, here’s a neat trick — Stick a sewing pin through the loop of the knot before you tighten it.

Secure Your Heishi Bead Necklace

Pull the needle down, as it carries the knotted seed bead with it. Pull your pin out and tie another knot around your seed bead.

Seal Your Necklace Ends

On both ends, dab a drop of clear fingernail polish or glue on your knotted thread. This makes your necklace extra secure by sealing the knot. Let the polish dry.