- Size 8 beads in a main color (A). These are your core beads, the beads that make up the center of your rope. Working with a larger size bead is recommended when making a double spiral rope, because you will have to have room for several thread passes through each core bead.
- Size 11 seed beads in one or two colors (B). For your first spiral rope, it is helpful to use two different colors of size 11 seed beads so that you can see where each set of accent beads goes as you stitch.
- Your preferred beading thread. For a double spiral rope, you can generally use a lighter weight thread, as the multiple bead passes will create a strong beaded rope.
- Size 12 beading needle.
- Scissors or thread cutter.
To get started, cut a comfortable length of beading thread. Since it can be tricky to add and end thread in a spiral rope, use as long a length of thread as you are comfortable with. String a stop bead on one end, leaving about a 6" tail. (You can use the tail to add a clasp later.) Thread a needle on one end.
Pick up 3 A and 5 B. Pass needle back up through the 3 A and pull snugly. The 5 B should lie alongside the 3 A.