How to make a beaded pacifier holder
One of my first blog posts was how to make a beaded pacifier holder, and I decided to create a follow up with a new method, due to its popularity.
While M only took a pacifier for a few sanity-saving days, I always had one handy for the first three months. I made him a beaded pacifier clip while I was pregnant with him, and used it a lot. I primarily clipped it to myself when I wore him – by attaching it to the wrap carrier, where he can use it. That way, if he spit it out, it didn’t fall. I did use it sometimes when we were out and about.
Why am I telling you how we used it? Well, I know that there are lots of people who are afraid of using it, or against their use. I looked up some basic safety guidelines and here are the ones I’d suggest:
SAFETY of beaded pacifier clips:
Before you learn how to make a beaded pacifier holder, it’s important that you are aware of these three simple rules:
- Six inches: a cord is considered a strangulation hazard at longer than six inches. So keep your total length (of the part that isn’t fixed onto your baby) at that.
- Strength test: the beads used can be a choking hazard if your piece falls apart. This tutorial shows you how to make it strong, so try to mimic the strings and methods I used as closely as you can. Also, before you use it, give a quick tug to make sure there are no weak points that aren’t visible.
- Supervision: In addition, don’t allow your child to sleep with it (unless she is napping in a stroller next to you). I used it for on the go and babywearing, when I anyway kept a close eye on my child. I also clipped it to the stroller lining and sheets when he WASN’T in there to store it.
What you need to make a beaded pacifier holder:
(Affiliate links are included for your convenience)
- Beads of choice – I used 6mm and 8mm crackle glass beads
- A pacifier clip – I like the simple plastic ones as they don’t snag the baby’s clothing. You can get some cute designs too.
- Tigertail beading wire (about 20 inches with excess). Note: I use this because it’s STRONG. That being said, if you make a small cut in it, it’s not strong. So make sure you use a solid piece with no nicks. And PLEASE don’t substitute this for something weaker, such as thread or fishing line.
- Cable chain or any chain that has wide enough holes to use with a clasp (about two inches)
- A clasp – look for one that has a loop that can be opened and closed. Again, for safety, I open to use this loop to attach it to the chain and NOT the chain, as this one tends to stay stronger.
- Crimp bead or tube. I prefer the tube for this as I find it easier to close tighter, which is important for the project.
- Crimp cover. This is optional, and normally I use it for aesthetics, but in this case it does also reinforce and make it stronger.
- Tools: Flush cutters, chain nose pliers, and round nose pliers. Optional: you can use crimping pliers, but I just do that with the chain nose pliers.
How to make a beaded pacifier holder:
Step 1: Thread your tigertail into the loop on your pacifier clip.
Step 2: Place one 8mm bead over the two halves of the cord.
Step 3: Now, separate the cords, and place one 6mm bead over each one.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2-3 until you reach about 4.5-5 inches (you need to leave an inch for the chain).
Step 5: Attach your clasp to your chain. Open the ring on the clasp with your two pliers, in a forward/backward direction. Opening side-to-side weakens the loop.
Step 6: Thread the crimp tube and then the other end of the chain (without the clasp) onto both halves of your cord.
Step 7: Fold the cord over and back into the crimp tube from the direction it came out of.
Step 8: Squeeze the tube shut using pliers. Place your crimp cover over the crimp and squeeze shut.
Step 9. Trim any excess and give a few quick tugs to test for strength.
The cable chain that use to make this beaded pacifier holder allows it to be adjustable, so that you can use it both on pacifiers with rings, and those with nubs.
If you are giving it as a gift, you can print out these free printable pillow boxes to give them in. Write a cute note to go along, with a safety notice similar to that which you’ll find on various baby items, such as teething rings and pacifiers. Here’s an example:
Use only with supervision, and not on a sleeping infant. Test for strength and check for frayed or loose parts before each use.
It’s a lovely, practical gift, and even if you make the beaded pacifier clip it for yourself, you’ll love not having to pick up dirty pacifiers and finding a place to rinse them.
