Beaded Hat Pins Made Simple

After you've compiled a collection of beads for decorating your hat pins, you are ready to begin assembling your pins!
You may have a question: how to keep those beads staying put and not sliding down the pin~ SIMPLE!
First: thread selected beads onto the hat pin, add one open-end clutch to the end of your beads, twisting them on to begin, (the clutches are tight) then add a second clutch to the bottom to secure the pin to the hat or garment.
*TIP: The clutches we are supplying are extremely tight at first. Here's what you can do when adding them to the pins: First, secure the clutch by holding the pin firmly near the end of the point, bead side down. Gently twist while guiding the clutch over the point until the point is just clear of the open end. Then gently grip the point with your pliers as it emerges from the open end, then slide the clutch down the length of the pin, taking care not to force the clutch or bend the pin.
You can also use a pair of chain nose or flat nose pliers to gently coax the pin through the clutch.

Another way to secure beads to your pins is to take a 2x2 crimp bead either Sterling silver or gold filled. We carry both and in smaller quantities when needed. Simply bead onto the hat pin, add the crimp on the end of the last bead, and taking your crimping pliers tighten the crimp, apply a little adhesive (clear nail polish works well in a pinch) and add the clutch to the bottom so you don't stick yourself. The clutch aids in keeping the pin securely in place on a hat or lapel.

*TIP: Sometimes the hole in a metal bead or bead cap is just a tiny bit too tight for a hat pin. You can open up the hole just enough to accept a hat pin by using a Bead Reamer Tool. The fine diamond tip is just the thing for opening up a hole so you can use a larger variety of beads on your hat pins!

Roses and Teapots Teapot Stick Pins

You will need the following components:

1. Hat pin blanks, the size of your choice:
2. 1 small teapot bead cap (left), 1 large teapot bead cap (right)
3. Accent beads for top and bottom: Combo Bead Packs work well!
4. 2 clutches, 1 barrel style hole through, and 1 bullet style closed end.

Hole-through Barrel style clutches

Bullet style closed end clutch

Beginning with the top bead, I've used a 4mm silver corrugate bicone for the smaller pin, and a 4mm silver corrugated round bead for the larger teapot. These represent the finial on the teapot's lid. This is an optional bead, not necessary, I just liked the look :-)
Bead the teapot cap on next, followed by the accent bead for the body of the teapot. Then add the bottom of the teapot bead cap, followed by another silver bead (I used an 8mm filigree ball bead on the smaller pin) and then slide one clutch up to meet and hold all the beads in place. Finish with an end clutch and your pin is ready to wear!

Email or call if you have any questions at all, we're here to assist!

We also have Hat Pin Kits for starting out! Once you begin making hat stick pins, you can't STOP!