When I’m making my beaded wrap bracelets, I like to use Fray Check on the ends of my cord. This makes a needle-like tip which passes easily through the beads. I cut the tip off the bottle of Fray Check, run the end of the cord about two inches into the solution for 2-3 seconds, repeat on the other end, then hang the cord to dry.
I will do several cords at once which means that I’ve always got one ready when the urge to bead strikes.
Fruit of These Hands 