Beading for Beginners: Letter Beads, Name Bracelets and More

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-19

On 2026-10-19

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Beading is one of the easiest crafts to start: no tools, no mess and quick results. Letter beads let you spell names and words, so a simple bracelet becomes a personal gift. This Haanz Art Guide covers the beads, thread and findings we stock and how to make your first name bracelet.

Letter beads

Letter Beads Pack, Large: large alphabet beads for names, initials and words on bracelets and keychains.
Letter Beads Pack, 25 pcs: a smaller pack of alphabet beads for short names and words.

Tip: check that you have enough of each letter for your names before you start threading. Vowels and common letters run out first.

Coloured and decorative beads

Mixed Colour Pony Beads Pack: chunky beads with large holes that are easy for children to thread.
Mixed Colour Beads Pack, Large and Mixed Colour Ball Beads Pack: colourful beads for bracelets and decorations.
Metallic Beads Pack, Silver and Copper Beads Pack and Oval Shape Gold Beads Pack: shiny accents between letters.
White Beads Pack: a clean, simple spacer colour.
Plastic Oval Shape Beads Pack and Plastic Bulb Shape Beads Pack: fun shapes for kids’ craft.

Thread and findings

Beading Thread, 5.5m roll: strong thread for stringing beads into bracelets, necklaces and anklets. Easy to knot.
Silver Charms and Pendant Pack, 10 pcs: add a charm to a bracelet or necklace.
Jewellery Making Accessory, 4 packs: assorted findings to finish jewellery.
Colour Yarn: soft yarn for tassels, pom poms and kids’ threading activities.

See more in Other Resin Materials. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

How to make a name bracelet

Measure the wrist and add about 1cm so the bracelet isn’t tight.
Cut thread about 20cm longer than that, so you have room to tie the knot.
Lay out the beads in order on a towel: a few colour beads, the name, then more colour beads.
Tape one end of the thread to the table so beads don’t slide off.
Thread the beads in order, checking the letters face the same way.
Tie a secure knot: tie a double knot, then a third knot on top. Pull tight.
Hide the knot inside a bead with a larger hole if possible, and trim the ends.

Ideas to try

Friendship bracelets with each friend’s name.
Party favours for birthdays, with the guest’s name.
Keychains with a name, a charm and a tassel.
Kids’ threading with pony beads on yarn, great for small hands.
Matching family bracelets with “MOM”, “DAD” or initials.

Safety with young children

Small beads are a choking hazard. Supervise children while beading, and choose large pony beads for younger kids.

Keeping beads organised

Sort beads by colour and type in a box with compartments, such as the Plastic Container Box.
Keep letter beads in alphabetical order so you can find letters quickly.
Work on a towel or tray with a raised edge so beads don’t roll away.

Combining beads with resin and clay

Beads pair well with resin charms and polymer clay pendants. Thread a resin heart between letter beads, or add clay beads you made yourself. See Resin Pendants and Charms and Polymer Clay Earrings.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop the beads falling off while I work?

Tape the thread end to the table or clip it with a clothes peg.

How many beads do I need for a bracelet?

It depends on the bead size and wrist. Lay beads in a line next to a ruler: an adult bracelet is usually around 16–18cm, a child’s smaller.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose beads.

More Haanz Art Guides