PEARL KNOTTING/STRINGING

[cellentani]

I''ve noticed that there are several of us who are experimenting with stringing our own pearls, and I thought it might be fun to start a thread where we could post our experiences. I''ve watched a few online videos and tutorials, and quickly realized that there are several ways to knot: single strand, double strand, Japanese style (2 strands, but only 1 is knotted), etc. Please feel free to join in - I don''t want to be the only one!



I had some pearls left over from a bracelet I had strung at Intergem, and really wanted to try knotting. I only had half a strand of pearls to work with, but here is my first attempt. The knots at the first end are pretty good, but there''s too much space between pearls in the middle. I didn''t use any gadgets, and it''s a lot harder than I thought! The only silk I could find in local B&Ms was Griffin (on the card), and I hate it - the twisted threads don''t allow the silk to slide freely, and it was really hard to get the knots close to the pearls because of it. Of course, I''ll eat my words when I can''t do any better with another brand....

I did like the very thin, twisted wire needles that came with the Griffin silk, but they were attached and not re-usable. I''ll be looking for a package of those next!

 

[cellentani]

Here''s a close-up of the good end.

 

[cellentani]

From top to bottom: Intergem bracelet, my attempt, Griffin silk, and a remnant of Gudebrod silk that the Intergem seller used. I would love to try the Gudebrod, but so far I can only find it online. I was hoping to find it locally so I could better determine what size I need.

Also, notice that the intergem bracelet is just knotted to the jump rings. I would like to try french wire - I think it looks better.

 

[Fly Girl]

Hi cellentani - I think your first attempt looks pretty good. I was going to get PowerPro thread for my first attempt, but I haven''t tried my local beading shop yet, so we''ll see. I did find that it is available on-line. Link

 

[cellentani]

Date: 8/31/2009 2:34:32 PM
Author: Fly Girl
Hi cellentani - I think your first attempt looks pretty good. I was going to get PowerPro thread for my first attempt, but I haven''t tried my local beading shop yet, so we''ll see. I did find that it is available on-line. Link

Hi Fly Girl, I saw that you were going to try knotting - how exciting! I''ve only heard of PowerPro, and haven''t used it - isn''t it like fishing line? I''d be very interested in your opinion afterwards.

 

[megeve]

Wow, cellentani, that looks pretty impressive!

What size are your pearls and what size thread do you use? You are going to spun us on to knotting our own pearls soon!!

 

[pearlie]

Good job on your first attempt. Very well done.

I use a double strand of PowerPro, after using silk for a decade, I just switched over this year. Still use silk with the smaller pearls, but anything over 7mm I go with P.Pro. Less stretch over time, much less stretch.

However, it is much more abrasive on your hands than silk is. And you''ll need Fiskar scissors to cut it and a thread burner to finish the ends.

I cut off a piece of thread about 3 x''s the length of the necklace I''m creating. So if I want to complete an 18" strand, I use 72" of thread. Thread the long flex needle and double over the string. I put all the pearls onto the thread first, and then one by one with a simple over hand knot, I slide the pearl up, knot it, pull each end of the string tight, and start again.

You can use a corsage pin to slide the un-tightened knot closer to the pearl before snugging it down tight.

You''ll have to experiment on finishing the piece. Some people use bullion wire, some use bead tips. Whichever, it''s best to use something between the necklace and the clasp - you want to avoid tieing off directly on to the clasp.

Good luck and have fun!

.julie.

 

[D&T]

That looks incredible Cellentani

 

[Indylady]

Cellentani, it looks great!! What kind of pearls are they?

 

[cellentani]

Date: 8/31/2009 2:47:39 PM
Author: megeve
Wow, cellentani, that looks pretty impressive!

What size are your pearls and what size thread do you use? You are going to spun us on to knotting our own pearls soon!!

Thanks megeve! My pearls are 8mm, and I used size 3 thread (.5mm). I do hope more people try knotting!

 

[cellentani]

Date: 8/31/2009 3:07:48 PM
Author: pearlie
Good job on your first attempt. Very well done.

I use a double strand of PowerPro, after using silk for a decade, I just switched over this year. Still use silk with the smaller pearls, but anything over 7mm I go with P.Pro. Less stretch over time, much less stretch.

However, it is much more abrasive on your hands than silk is. And you''ll need Fiskar scissors to cut it and a thread burner to finish the ends.

I cut off a piece of thread about 3 x''s the length of the necklace I''m creating. So if I want to complete an 18'' strand, I use 72'' of thread. Thread the long flex needle and double over the string. I put all the pearls onto the thread first, and then one by one with a simple over hand knot, I slide the pearl up, knot it, pull each end of the string tight, and start again.

You can use a corsage pin to slide the un-tightened knot closer to the pearl before snugging it down tight.

You''ll have to experiment on finishing the piece. Some people use bullion wire, some use bead tips. Whichever, it''s best to use something between the necklace and the clasp - you want to avoid tieing off directly on to the clasp.

Good luck and have fun!

.julie.

Wow pearlie, sounds like you have tons of experience! Your knotting technique sounds practically the same as what I like to do. I may have to try Power Pro, but something about learning the more traditional method really appeals to me. I''ve also seen dark burn marks on thread (other pieces I''ve seen), and that makes me hesitant to use a thread burner. I hope you chime in often - I''m sure I could use your advice.

 

[cellentani]

Thanks D&T!

szho7 - these are 8mm freshwaters that I picked out at the last Intergem show. I only needed 1.5 strands for my bracelet, so I have 39 extra pearls to play with. Hey, I know you''ve done some knotting - I''d love to see some of your finished pieces!

 

[bebe]

I think you did a fantastic job with your stringing project.
Thanks for posting the pics, it helps to "see" what is being
talked about. Pretty pearls

 

[jmtomaui]

cellentani, I think you did a wonderful job! Especially for your first time knotting - and with silk! Great job!

I knot just like Pearlie does. Same materials and style.

PowerPro is a fishing line but it is not the old nylon/monofilament line that most of us are used to. It is a very finely braided line that is round in "shape" for lack of a better word. As Pearlie said, it is rougher on your hands than silk. It is not too bad. I knotted / strung a 10 foot rope a few months ago and didn''t have too much trouble w/ my hands.

 

[pearlie]

Cellen..., odd that you''re seeing burn marks on thread. Are you certain they''re burns? Could they just be dirt? When using a thread burner, it rarely darkens the thread, just gently melts it. I then finish off the last couple knots with some hypo tube cement to seal them.

Keep knotting away.

knot one, pearl two......


julie.

 

[cellentani]

Date: 8/31/2009 6:20:58 PM
Author: bebe
I think you did a fantastic job with your stringing project.
Thanks for posting the pics, it helps to ''see'' what is being
talked about. Pretty pearls

Thank you bebe, glad you found the pics helpful.

 

[cellentani]

jmtomaui - thanks for your enthusiasm! I feel kinda silly, but is PowerPro only found in a tackle store (or in the fishing section of Walmart)? I went to a craft store today, and couldn''t find any.

Also, has anyone used Dandyline by Beadalon? It sounds similar to PowerPro - they claim it''s a synthetic braided thread with near zero stretch.

pearlie - I guess the dark spots I''ve seen could have been dirt or something. I''ve never used a thread burner - do you feel it''s superior to glue (which leaves the knots hard and crusty if you use too much)?

 

[pearlie]

Beadalon is a multi-strand steele cable, great for stringing heavy beads with rough edges, not used for knotting. I haven''t used dandyline. You can find PowerPro in 3 different widths at fusionbeads.com

I find it necessary to use a thread burner with P.Pro, to seal the end of the thread. I still put a spot of glue on the knots. I use hypo-tube cement, which is a more flexible glue, doesn''t harden as others do.

Also when working with PPro, get yourself some Fiskar scissors. Those are the blunt nosed, colorful handeled, $2.00 scissors that all kids use. It''s the only blade that can cut this stuff.

I''m sure dandyline would work fine, there are also synthetic silks and silk blends that work well. Just use a double strand, and cinch those knots up close before tightening. A thread conditioner helps lubricate the thread. Thread Heaven works well, draw the thread over the conditioner several times. This helps to coat the thread as well as get any stretch out of it prior to knotting.

PPro will give you some wicked calouses, so if your hands aren''t ready for that you may want to start with something else.

good luck, always here to help if I can.

.julie.

 

[jmtomaui]

Date: 9/1/2009 5:20:28 PM
Author: cellentani
jmtomaui - thanks for your enthusiasm! I feel kinda silly, but is PowerPro only found in a tackle store (or in the fishing section of Walmart)? I went to a craft store today, and couldn''t find any.

Also, has anyone used Dandyline by Beadalon? It sounds similar to PowerPro - they claim it''s a synthetic braided thread with near zero stretch.

pearlie - I guess the dark spots I''ve seen could have been dirt or something. I''ve never used a thread burner - do you feel it''s superior to glue (which leaves the knots hard and crusty if you use too much)?

Cellentani,

You can find PowerPro online at Dick''s Sporting Goods, Cabella''s, Gander Mountain, etc. Usually fishing departments (including WalMart) sell it in the stores but generally only in the dark green. The dark green is great for dark pearls. They have red and neon yellow but it bleeds from what I have heard. I found it to be cheaper in the sporting good stores than the beading sites.

I copied the following from another site I belong to and found it interesting. I trust the site for it''s knowledge, experience and pearl design so think it will work but I cannot speak to the source or validity of this through experience. I am going to try it on some lesser priced fw''s and see what happens...

"Different color Sharpie pens. You can color the Power pro and create your own custom thread! (Run the pen along the powerpro 2-3 times then wipe by running thread through paper towel several times. Let dry for a few hours and wax before knotting). I think proper dry time and wax helps seal the sharpie color into the powerpro. I also run the thread 5-6 times through a paper towel or cheesecloth to take off any extra color. Repeat color and wiping if you want deeper hue. I have never had a problem with color bleeding or fading. That being said, I have only been coloring the powerpro for about 3 months, so I do not have any long term experience."

 

[kas baby]

cellentani- you go girl! those pearls look great! I can''t wait to see more of your projects.

 

[akmiss]

Date: 8/31/2009 3:07:48 PM
Author: pearlie
Good job on your first attempt. Very well done.

I use a double strand of PowerPro, after using silk for a decade, I just switched over this year. Still use silk with the smaller pearls, but anything over 7mm I go with P.Pro. Less stretch over time, much less stretch.

However, it is much more abrasive on your hands than silk is. And you''ll need Fiskar scissors to cut it and a thread burner to finish the ends.

I cut off a piece of thread about 3 x''s the length of the necklace I''m creating. So if I want to complete an 18'' strand, I use 72'' of thread. Thread the long flex needle and double over the string. I put all the pearls onto the thread first, and then one by one with a simple over hand knot, I slide the pearl up, knot it, pull each end of the string tight, and start again.

You can use a corsage pin to slide the un-tightened knot closer to the pearl before snugging it down tight.

You''ll have to experiment on finishing the piece. Some people use bullion wire, some use bead tips. Whichever, it''s best to use something between the necklace and the clasp - you want to avoid tieing off directly on to the clasp.

Good luck and have fun!

.julie.

I use bullion wire (also known as french wire or gimp.) I think it makes for a better looking final product. Also using a double strand stringing method is much easier (and faster) than the single strand method. You can pull the knots tight with a double strand and most of my knots come out perfect.

Let me warn you - Knotting is ADDICTING

addicting

 

[mochi]

That''s really nice! I''m very interested in stringing pearls and have a few pearls purchased just for that purpose.

 

[fafa]

Wow...you did very good for the first time. I just started to string my own pearls 2 months ago. I have to agree that it''s very addicted. I just finished my 7th necklace today. It''s a 30" long lavender pink coin and keishi nugget pearl necklace. I''m having so much fun creating these pieces. Looking forward to see your finished product.

By the way, I use Dandyline. I prefer it over PPro. It''s not as stiff as PPro and is more friendly to your hands. I also like to use french wire to give a more profession finish to the piece.

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 9/4/2009 3:35:25 AM
Author: fafa
Wow...you did very good for the first time. I just started to string my own pearls 2 months ago. I have to agree that it''s very addicted. I just finished my 7th necklace today. It''s a 30'' long lavender pink coin and keishi nugget pearl necklace. I''m having so much fun creating these pieces. Looking forward to see your finished product.

By the way, I use Dandyline. I prefer it over PPro. It''s not as stiff as PPro and is more friendly to your hands. I also like to use french wire to give a more profession finish to the piece.

Fafa - That sounds awesome. Could you please post some pictures of your creations? I''m just dipping my toe into the pearl pool, and I''d love to see your work.

 

[fafa]

Date: 9/4/2009 9:42:16 AM
Author: Fly Girl

Date: 9/4/2009 3:35:25 AM
Author: fafa
Wow...you did very good for the first time. I just started to string my own pearls 2 months ago. I have to agree that it''s very addicted. I just finished my 7th necklace today. It''s a 30'' long lavender pink coin and keishi nugget pearl necklace. I''m having so much fun creating these pieces. Looking forward to see your finished product.

By the way, I use Dandyline. I prefer it over PPro. It''s not as stiff as PPro and is more friendly to your hands. I also like to use french wire to give a more profession finish to the piece.

Fafa - That sounds awesome. Could you please post some pictures of your creations? I''m just dipping my toe into the pearl pool, and I''d love to see your work.

I only have pictures of 2 necklaces. I will post more once I have a chance to take photos of the others. Here''s the 30" lavender pink necklace I mentioned above. It''s hard to capture the color. It changes under different light conditions. These pearls have metellic luster and great orient.

 

[fafa]

This is a 17" golden champagne baroque. I bought the baroque loose strand and the seller sent me 11 free small stackers. I put them together and love how they look.

 

[fafa]

I still couldn''t captured the lavender pink in this picture. The golden champagne one shown up quite acturate. For size reference, the coin pearls range from 10-12mm.

 

[cellentani]

Wow, fafa, you did a beautiful job on those!

The luster is just gorgeous on both, and they look very professionally strung. Did you use french wire on both? I was really scrutinizing the champagne baroque necklace to see how much you used - I tried knotting last night with some .6mm (too thin, I think) and some .8mm french wire. I think I used a smaller length than you did, and after I threaded the piece of french wire and doubled back through the pearl, I had a hard time pulling the french wire into a round shape - it didn''t want to bend. Also, do you use any kind of beeswax (or substitute) on the Dandyline? I found it to be a little hard to grip.

 

[fafa]

Thank you, cellentani. Yes, I used very thin (0.5mm) french wire on both end. They''re about 1/4" long. It''s a tad longer on the side which connected to the clasp because the loop on the clasp is thicker. I will take a close up picture of the clasp later. I use the thread with no beewax.

 

[fafa]

Here''s a close up picture of the french wire and the jump ring. I pulled it real tight until all the thread diappeared. I hope this pic help.