My 3-strand bracelet from Intergem!

[jmtomaui]

C, I hope this link is OK. It is to a person''s pearling blog and does a good job of showing w/ photos and descriptions how to work with the clasp. Ignore the steps in the middle that call for using some special gizmo to make the knots. I have never used anything to help me tie knots.

http://handiworkjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/10/re-stringing-pearls.html

I''m trying to find the U tube video that I have also used and will post it when I do. It was referenced on another forum so I just need to find the right message to copy the url from.

Yes, I use medium gimp with doubled strands. I have a sharp pair of embroidery scissors that I use to cut the gimp. I have not had any problems with it crushing or uncoiling. Even if it does muck up the end just a bit, when I pull it tightly, the ends come out just fine.

 

[cellentani]

Date: 8/19/2009 10:10:43 PM
Author: jmtomaui
C, I hope this link is OK. It is to a person's pearling blog and does a good job of showing w/ photos and descriptions how to work with the clasp. Ignore the steps in the middle that call for using some special gizmo to make the knots. I have never used anything to help me tie knots.

http://handiworkjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/10/re-stringing-pearls.html

I'm trying to find the U tube video that I have also used and will post it when I do. It was referenced on another forum so I just need to find the right message to copy the url from.

Yes, I use medium gimp with doubled strands. I have a sharp pair of embroidery scissors that I use to cut the gimp. I have not had any problems with it crushing or uncoiling. Even if it does muck up the end just a bit, when I pull it tightly, the ends come out just fine.

Thanks for the link jmt, it gives me a much better idea about what to do. You said after stringing the gimp, you "double back down through the next 3 pearls" - does that mean you start by knotting the silk at the end, string 3 pearls, then gimp, then go back through those 3 pearls? The link shows stringing only 2, but I know people have different methods. Also, with 3 pearls, does that eliminate the need for glue, or do you use that too? Sorry for all the questions - you must be rolling your eyes by now!

I've been looking for a local class, but haven't found one yet.

 

[Indylady]

Wow, the luster on those pearls is amazing!

 

[jmtomaui]

Cellentani, believe me, I am NOT rolling my eyes at you! I am truly still learning myself and am constantly asking questions of anyone I can find with the patience to answer me. And I do have patience to help you learn along with me... We can learn together.

Let me try to explain my starting process...

I do tie a knot at the end of the thread to keep the pearls from falling off the thread. It is just a temporary knot that will be cut off in a few minutes. I then string 3 pearls on to the thread and place them near the knot but not tightly up against it - I tend to leave a couple of inches of space between the pearls and the knot. This gives me the space I need to be able to tie knots between the 3 anchor pearls but prevents them from falling off.

Once the 3 pearls are strung, I add the gimp and one half of the clasp. I push the gimp down tight to the pearl with the clasp over the gimp. I then run the thread through the pearl right against the gimp. This tightens the gimp into a half curve with the clasp attached. I use an overhand knot to tie a knot using the "needle" thread to tie around the "pearl" thread. Then I run the thread through the second pearl and tie another knot. I repeat this once more through the third pearl. I choose to tie another knot using all 4 strands but some people cut the loose thread at this point and only tie a 2 strand knot.

Now I string the rest of the pearls on to the doubled strand and then tie them off individually. When / before I get to the LAST 3 pearls, I thread the gimp and the other half of the clasp and then the last 3 pearls. Now I repeat the steps above in running threads through the individual pearls and am now tying 4 strand knots again.

If this does not make sense, or you want to ask other questions, maybe give a shout in a new pearl thread? I feel like I threadjacked from your beautiful bracelet and others may want to skip our learning lessons??

 

[cellentani]

Wow, thanks for all the help, jmtomaui! I''m excited to be off to the craft store. I''ll be back later....probably with more questions.