Tutorial: Bead Slide with Chain to Single Toggle Clasp

Weave any loose ends into the beadwork and finish as you normally would for your choice of thread.  Do not remove the final working thread from the beadwork at this point, in case you need to adjust the bracelet length.

For this bracelet I used two miyuki 35mm bead slides and then attached a toggle clasp with chain.  These bead slides take size 11 beads and I used the same delicas I used for the bracelet.  They also have two attachment loops whereas shorter tubes only have one.

I like to finish the existing thread and begin a new thread for the clasp.  This means that if the clasp thread should wear through, the beadwork will remain intact.

Working at the end marked start in the diagram above, add a new thread and exit the bead highlighted in the close up below.

Thread through to the first bead of the last row (highlighted in blue) and thread through it.

Pick up the first bead slide bead (bead slide beads are shown as being larger to highlight them but all beads used are the same size).

Thread through the previous bead from the original beadwork (highlighted in blue) in the same direction as before (brick stitch).

Stitch through the beadwork to the next high bead (highlighted) and pass the thread through it.

Carry on adding the bead slide beads in the same way across the end of the beadwork and finish the thread off.

The bead slide consists of a tube with a slot in the side.  At the ends of the tube there are bendable flaps.  These tubes have two rings for affixing clasps.  

Make sure one flap is tight to the tube and the other one is open. Slide each of the bead slide beads in to the tube so that the threads between the bead slide beads and the peyote bracelet beadwork fit into the slot.  All the peyote delicas sit outside the bead slide.  Once you have worked all the bead slide beads into the tube, close the second flap of the bead slide.

The beadslides have two rings attached so you can add two catches if you wish.  I decided to attach chain between the two rings using a jump ring, but you can also use a split ring.  Split rings require a special tool to open easily but this means there is no chance of things slipping through gaps accidentally.  If you use jump rings open them with pliers, by moving one end to the side as this does not stretch the ring and allows it to be easily closed by flattening it with pliers.

Thread the chain and one of the bead slide rings into your jump ring or split ring.  Attach a jump or split ring to the main part of the clasp and then thread the chain through the ring attached to the clasp.

Decide how long you want your chain and then use snips to cut it.  Use another jump or split ring to join the free end of the chain to the second bead slide ring.

Add jump or split rings to the toggle of the clasp so that it has enough length to fit up in to the main part of the clasp.  For my toggle I added three rings.  Add chain to the rings of the beadslide in the same way, threading the toggle on before adding the chain to the second ring of the bead slide.

At this point, I like to check the length of the bracelet and ensure it is a good fit, now I know the length of the clasp exactly.  If necessary, add or remove rows with the remaining working thread and then finish the thread.

Add a new thread and brick stitch bead slide beads on to all the high beads on the end of the beadwork in the same way, before sliding the bead slide beads into the tube and sealing it closed.

If the attachment loops to either parts of the clasp are perpendicular to the clasp, the addition of a second jump ring will allow the clasp to sit flat instead of twisting.