Dragon Song Necklace Tutorial

Dragon Scale Kumihimo Necklace

Skill LevelIntermediate

TechniqueKumihimo

Time4-6 Hours

Approximate Size20 1/2 Inches

The Dragon Scale Beads at the center of this necklace add a beautiful texture. I chose beads that have a bit of color variation, so I only needed two types to get the look that I wanted. author signature

Dragon scale beads create a magical look in this enchanting kumihimo necklace. Their pointed shapes add texture to a simple design and the color is truly wondrous. Learn how to make this mesmerizing necklace and add a Dragon Song to your style

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

Cut a three-foot length of FireLine. Tie a stopper bead to the end of the strand. Wrap all but one foot of the FireLine onto a bobbin, leaving the end without the stopper bead exposed. Thread a needle onto the end of the thread.

Add 25 TOHO 11/0 bead rounds in matte raku teal/blue iris, 33 Czech glass 1.5x5mm crystal blue AB dragon scale beads and 25 more 11/0 seed beads to the strand. Repeat steps one and two seven more times.

Gather the ends of all eight strands and tie them together in an overhand knot. Add the kumi weight to the knot. Place this knot inside the hole of your kumihimo disc. Then, set up the disc for an 8 warp round braid. Start the braid without beads at first. Do this until you have about one quarter of an inch of braid without beads.

Kumihimo Setup Text Tutorial
Kumihimo Setup Video Tutorial

Start adding beads into the braid. Once all the beads have been added, braid without beads for another quarter of an inch. Tie the ends off in an overhand knot and trim.

Kumihimo with Beads Text Tutorial
Kumihimo with Beads Video Tutorial

Use E6000 to secure the end of the kumihimo braid into a JBB 5mm silver-plated brass leaves swivel end cap. Allow to dry.

Cut a four-inch length of 4mm silver-plated rolo chain. Attach it to the end cap using a 5mm silver-plated 18 gauge open jump ring. Attach half of the 6mm silver-plated round magnetic clasp to the end of the chain using a sterling silver 5.85mm open jump ring. Repeat step five and size on the other end of the necklace.

List of Components:
Czech Glass 1.5x5mm Crystal Blue AB Dragon Scale Bead (10 gram pack) (BEADS-1301, qty 2)
TOHO Bead Round 11/0 Matte Raku Teal/Blue Iris (TBRD11-706, qty 1)
JBB 5mm Silver-Plated Brass Leaves Swivel End Cap (FIND-0798, qty 2)
4mm Silver-Plated Rolo Chain By the Foot (BTF-0641, qty 1)
6mm Silver-Plated Round Magnetic Clasp (CLASP-0559, qty 1)
5mm Silver-Plated Open Jump Ring - 18 Gauge (FIND-0464, qty 2)
Sterling Silver Open Jump Ring - 0.030 x .230 inches (0.75 x 5.85mm) (SS-OJR30-G, qty 2)

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Add all available items to your cart at once or edit the quantities below. Any items with quantities lower than stated minimums will default to the minimum in your cart.

Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!

The BeadSmith Kumi Weight Lite with Hook

Code SUP-0240

$11.59

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4mm Silver-Plated Rolo Chain by the Foot

Code BTF-0641

$4.17

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TOHO Bead Round 11/0 Matte Raku Teal/Blue Iris, 2.5-Inch Tube

Code TBRD11-706

$3.49

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Chain Nose Pliers

Code TOOL-106

$8.49

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Sterling Silver Open Jump Ring - 0.030 x .230 inches (0.75 x 5.85mm) - Min Qty 4

Code SS-OJR30-G

$0.43

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Beadalon Stainless Steel Rigid Beading Needles Size 10 (6 Pack)

Code SUP-0059

$3.59

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Out of stock

The BeadSmith Smoke Gray FireLine - 50 Yards (8-Pound Test)

Code FL08SG50

$13.69

Qty:

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The BeadSmith 1 7/8-Inch No Tangle Thread Bobbin with 3/8-Inch Hole - Min Qty 2

Code SUP-0051

$0.59

Qty:

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Out of stock

Clearance - Was $0.05 - 5mm Silver-Plated Open Jump Ring - 18 Gauge - Min Qty 25

Code FIND-0464

$0.03

$0.05

Qty:

Out of stock

Clearance - Was $3.77 - JBB 5mm Silver-Plated Brass Leaves Swivel End Cap

Code FIND-0798

$2.52

$3.77

Qty:

Out of stock

The BeadSmith Kumihimo Mini Thick Round Foam Disk

Code TOOL-0212

$5.49

Qty:

Out of stock