Home:How-To: knotting-pearls

Knotting-Pearls
A Very Simple Technique

There are different techniques for knotting-pearls, most of them require some practice. Here is a very simple technique with no practice to string pearls like a pro!

Unfortunately it is time consuming compare to other techniques!

This method is called the double needle method with a square knot in between each beads.
It is perfect if you are a beginner in making jewelry, if you want to string or restring pearls easily.

Beside pearls/beads, you will need

  • bead-tip or half bead-tip.
  • Threads: Please, feel free to download our free e-book about our favorite supplies. Among them, we propose pre-carted silk/nylon thread with a twisted beading needle attached to the thread. ( the thread's length is 2mm)
  • Nylon, polyester or silk thread.
  • Needles: You can use English beading needles; They are strong but can be challenging to thread.( You can dab a little nail polish at the end of each thread, let it dry and it is easier to thread.
  • You can also use twisted beading needles, they are easy to thread.
  • Or you can use no needle at all! This is perfect for beads with small or very small holes where it can be difficult to string with a needle.

We prefer to use the technique with no needles, but if you choose to use them, pay attention to the size: You will need 2 needles and they need to go through the bead's hole with ease.
Same thing for the thread. Don't forget that the thread will need to go through the bead's hole twice with a tail (except for pre-carted silk/nylon thread and the no needle technique). So try your thread and needles before knotting your pearls/beads.
Choose beautiful freshwater pearl, gemstones, any other types of beads and let's go…

How To

Look at the video or/and read the explanations below.

Decide the length of your jewelry.
You need to cut 2 pieces of thread. Each thread's length is is three time as long as your wanted finished jewelry.

For this double needle method, you can make your own needle with nail polish ( or glue): You can apply some nail polish to the end of your thread to stiffen it. Wipe the excess and let it dry.

As we said pay attention to the thread' size: the 2 threads must go through the bead's hole with ease, also if you want to use this technique with gemstones, don't forget that they are heavier than freshwater pearl.

knotting-pearls

Make a double or triple knot, dab it with glue or nail polish and string on the bead tip.
Make a square knot (see pictures below) close to the bead tip.

knotting-pearls

String a pearl and make a square knot. String another pearl, make a knot until the end.

This article does not cover how to "add a new thread", if you want to make a long necklace for example, make sure you have cut enough thread when you start your jewelry.

knotting-pearls

When you work is completed, cut the excess of thread, trim the tail in the bead tip, make sure the knot is well nested the "the cup". Close the bead tip.
Attach the bead tip to a jump ring and this one to a clasp. As easy as 1-2-3!
You can also use an awl for knotting- pearls. We use this technique with pre-carted thread mostly for "fancy" jewelry making. Here is an idea.

How To Make a Square Knot

Right thread over left,

knotting-pearls

and make a knot.

knotting-pearls

Then, left thread over right and make a knot.

knotting-pearls

 

Where can you find threads and more?

HERE!

Looking for books on knotting-pearls?

 

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