Which bead should you use for what?
(and how much cord do you need?)
Teething ring
For a teething ring, it’s best to use 12 to 14 beads of 15 mm. This makes a nice, tight ring.
If you combine different sizes or shapes, you may sometimes need a few more beads. Angular beads in particular require a slightly larger ring so that no cord is visible between the beads.
Beads smaller than about 15 mm are less suitable. One exception is spacer discs: they can be useful if, for example, you want to thread a longer name while keeping the ring nicely round.
Always use at least 1 meter of satin cord for a teething ring. Having a little too much cord is easier to work with than having just too little, especially since you’ll thread through the same bead several times when making a teething ring. This also means a beading needle is essential.
Pay close attention to the shape of the beads:
Do not use beads with thin parts or protrusions that could be bitten off, and avoid beads that deform significantly when the cord is pulled tight.
Summary – teething ring
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± 12–14 beads of 15 mm
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No small or fragile shapes
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At least 1 meter of satin cord
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Beading needle required
Pacifier clip
For pacifier clips, I always use beads that are at least 14 to 15 mm. Beads larger than 19 mm can quickly make a pacifier clip heavy and bulky.
On average, you’ll use 9 to 12 beads. Using more beads can quickly make the clip too long.
Always follow the safety guidelines:
a pacifier clip may be no more than 22 cm long, including the loop but excluding the clip. Keep in mind that a pacifier clip may stretch slightly during use.
You need at least 1 meter of satin cord for a pacifier clip, but I recommend ordering 2 meters. This makes knotting easier. You’ll also need a lacing needle and small pliers, as you’ll thread through the same bead several times. I don’t use the melting method myself. (With this method, you melt the satin cord together into one continuous “loop,” then thread the beads onto it and finish by knotting a loop.)
Always use safe, compact shapes for pacifier clips.
My exclusive shapes, such as the teddy bear, bird, and owl, are specially designed for this. Hexagons are also suitable. Do not add extra accessories, such as rings, as this means a pacifier clip is considered a toy.
Summary – pacifier clip
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Beads at least 14–15 mm
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9–12 beads on average
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Max. length: 22 cm
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Preferably 2 meters of satin cord
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Safe, compact shapes only
Easy to assemble and measure? Order a bead board for pacifier clips.
Keychain
You can make keychains in two ways:
with keychain rods (where you only need to slide the beads on), or with satin cord and a key ring or lobster clasp.
The advantage of working with cord is that you determine the length yourself. With rods, the beads have to fit exactly, which can sometimes take a little figuring out. It can help to look for inspiration online; more and more keychains with silicone beads are being made.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll add examples to the website. Unsure whether a combination will fit? You can always ask me.
Pen
Making a pen works the same way as making a keychain with a rod: you slide the beads onto it.
Here too, it’s important that the combination fits exactly. Good to know: combinations that fit on pens also fit on keychain rods. There’s just a little more room on pencils.
Examples of the pens will also be added to the website. And if you're unsure, I'm happy to help you think it through.
Children's necklace (3+)
Children's necklaces are intended for children aged 3 and up. This means they have a (nearly) complete set of teeth, including sharp little teeth. Therefore, beads smaller than 15 mm are not suitable for this.
Order 1 meter of satin cord for a children's necklace.
Thanks to the safety clasp, the necklace comes undone if a child gets caught on something.
If you're making a necklace for a child who really bites the beads, carefully check for damage before each use. For strong biters, I recommend not using angular beads; edges quickly invite chewing.
Summary – children's necklace
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3+ only
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Beads ≥ 15 mm
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1 meter of satin cord
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Check regularly for damage
Nursing necklace
A nursing necklace is intended to be played with during feeding and to satisfy the need to bite as the first teeth come through. In principle, all beads are suitable for this.
If you tie knots between the beads, you will need 2 meters of satin cord.
Without knots, a length of about 85 cm is standard, and 1 meter is sufficient.
You should always wear a nursing necklace yourself. Never give a necklace loose to a child; a necklace is much too long for that.
Finally: safety
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Teething rings are considered toys → testing is mandatory for sale
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Pacifier clips must comply with guidelines → testing is strongly recommended for sale
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Necklaces are not toys
Only let children (3+ at all times) wear necklaces under supervision and check them regularly for wear and tear