Plastic Connectors for Bracelets, Necklaces and Charms

Plastic connectors are acrylic parts with two or more holes. They aren't strung like an ordinary bead — they're the piece that gathers, separates or lines up several rows within one design.

They're used most often in multi-strand bracelets, branching necklaces, seasonal charms and decorative accessories. They keep the strands neatly apart, so the threads don't twist or bunch up in one place. Lightweight acrylic spacers don't weigh a finished piece down, which matters on chunkier designs.

How to Choose

Start with the number of holes and where they sit. A connector with two parallel holes holds two strands apart. One with several holes on one side and a single hole on the other brings several strands together at one point. That's the detail to get right if you're making a branching bracelet or charm.

What they're used for

• Multi-strand bracelets. Connectors hold the individual strands in place and help the bracelet sit more neatly on the wrist.
• Branching necklaces. A good fit when you want several strands to fan out from a single accent, or to gather in towards a clasp.
• Seasonal charms. On small handmade charms, connectors give you a sturdier build and a more interesting shape — a bracelet with several strands, a central accent or hanging decorative parts.
• DIY decorations and accessories. They also work on keychains, pendants, bag charms and any other handmade project where several threads need to meet at one point.

What to combine them with

For bracelets and charms, use elastic cord, cotton cord, beading cord or thin wire, depending on the hole size. If the holes are on the small side, a stiffer cord or wire threads through more easily than soft yarn, which bends and jams.

Alongside the connectors you can add plastic acrylic beads, metal spacers, pendants, pompoms or ready-made decorative pieces. The project looks most finished when the surrounding beads pick up a colour from the connector itself.

Cords and elastics

for multi-strand bracelets

Metal wire

fits through small holes

Metal spacers

rhythm between strands

Frequently asked questions