Pre-Stretching Your Elastic

BySarah June 2, 2026June 2, 2026

Remember this is jewelry, not tug-of-war!

Pre-Stretch Your Elastic

Before you start stringing your beads, give your jewelry elastic a gentle pre-stretch. Not a full-on gym workout, just a few light pulls along the length of the cord.

Why?

Because jewelry elastic has a habit of relaxing and settling after it’s been stretched for the first time. If you skip this step, your beautifully made stretch bracelets can end up a little looser than planned after a few wears.

Nobody likes a baggy bracelet.
A bracelet should sit comfortably on the wrist, not slide halfway down your hand every time you reach for a biscuit! 🍪

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Hi there

i'm Sarah

Jewelry maker, bead hoarder, refinement nerd, and the 'i' behind Jewel & i. I’ve been creating and selling jewelry online for over 20 years through Oh So Cherished (and somehow still get excited over a particularly nice pair of pliers.

These days, I share practical beading tips, jewelry-making techniques, honest tool recommendations, and the small refinements that can take a piece from 'homemade-looking' to beautifully 'professional-looking'.

From bead choices and wire drape to findings, finishing touches, and selling handmade jewelry online… I’m slightly obsessed with the details that make all the difference.

Basically, if you love beads, beautiful jewelry, and over analysing spacer beads, you’re probably in the right place. Read more...

Pre-Stretching Your Elastic

Remember this is jewelry, not tug-of-war!

Pre-Stretch Your Elastic