Calculating total cord diameter

[gmhanvyphotography]

I'm designing a triple cord necklace using two cords of the genuine suede lace (3.2mm x 1.5mm) and one cord of the fine suede lace (1.5mm x 0.4mm).  I want to run these three cords through a bail.  How do I calculate the total diameter of these three cords together so that I will know if they will fit through the bail opening?  Thanks!

[Polly]

If you stack them all together, they would be about 3.2mm vertically x 5mm thick.  However, they'll probably want to shift around a little to more comfortably fit the available space (unless you glue or lash the stack together), so they could also fit in bail with, for example, a 6.5 x 3-4mm loop.

They can be compressed slightly, but it's best not to count on that, because that might make them fit too tight in the bail.

--Polly

[gmhanvyphotography]

So, if I'm trying to decide between the folded filigree (41-149-05-3) or the SS Heart Shape bail (41-549-02), it sounds like I should go with the filigree.  Thanks so much!

[Polly]

I agree, the folded filigree bail will work nicely, but the sterling heart bail would be too small.