Tutorial: How to String Beads with a Toddler

Doing crafts and making decorations and gifts together is always a great activity for families to enjoy during the holidays. It’s a great way to pass on a love of art and the goodness of handmade to a new generation, while making memories, too!

With the help of a very small beader, we created our very own beaded garland for our Christmas tree. Here’s how we did it:

Step 1: Cut a generous length of soft stringing material like yarn, twine, embroidery thread or dental floss.

Step 2: Stiffen one end of the string by wrapping it with a small amount of tape. Cut away any excess tape, and trim the end at an angle to help with passing through the beads.

Step 3: String one bead at the other end, and use the tail to tie a few square knots around the bead to lock it in place. If you have a lot of string to fill, roll up the excess into a ball to keep it from tangling.

Step 4: Pour an assortment of large beads into a tray or dish in your craft area.

Step 5: String a few beads, and show your toddler how it’s done. Encourage him to give it a try.

Step 6: Realize that he’s not ready to hold the string and put beads on. Hold the string for him and encourage him to add a bead.

Step 7: After a few beads have been added, realize that he’s not interested in putting the beads on. Ask him to pick out beads for you to string.

Step 8: Repeat phrases like “What bead should we put on next?” and “Help me pick out a new bead?” while he pushes a toy car around the bead tray and makes bulldozer noises.

Step 9: Finish stringing the rest of the beads yourself.

Step 10: Tie a few knots around the final bead and trim any excess thread.

Step 11: Spend several minutes collecting beads from the floor.

Step 12: Decorate the tree with the bead garland and hope that it won’t be pilfered by little hands when you’re not looking.

Step 13: Give your helper a big hug!

So that’s how it’s done around my craft table. I’d love to hear your funny kid craft stories, too! If you found this tutorial helpful, you might also enjoy How to Wrap a Present with a Cat.

Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season to all of my beading friends and jewelry lovers!

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading
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