PowerPro vs Fireline Crystal or other synthetic

[strawbearlyjamms]

Everywhere online I see suggestions to use PowerPro as an alternative to Silk for threading. The synthetic fishing line offers greater durability and less strech.

I went to Dicks Sporting Goods, and they only had PowerPro in Green and Red. The small spools availble in the craft store don''t offer much for what your paying (for Silk)...

I''d like an economical alternative for a nice spool of string. I dont mind putting out $20, if I get 300 yards (enough for a lifetime of stringing pearls)...

My local Dicks suggested using Fireline Crystal as an alternative to PowerPro that is white/clear. Do you know why Powerpro in particular is recommended? It is still a synthetic braided string... Upon research, I see many bead enthusiasts use it http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/berkley-fireline-crystal-reviews?prRpp=100#bz-model-review-tabs-list

Any reason why it should not be used for pearls in particular?

TIA!

 

[Nacre]

Hi there,

I have been a pearl threader for about 5 years. I thread everyday and I thread to last. Especially with heavy pearls over 12mm!

My advice to you is to use multiple strands of Gutermann %100 Polyester thread from a sewing shop. The braided string is ''easier'' to thread but never lasts very long and you can''t get a tight knot on it. It also seems to wear much faster than 10-12 strands of the thin polyester. You need to scrape the threads together at the tip in order to thread them through a needle.

If I am threading gemstones with very fine drill holes I don''t use any needles...plus they can break the beads.

You should also try to match your thread to the material...I use a slightly darker thread as it shows up the colours of the pearls/gemstones better.

I hope that helps!

 

[jmtomaui]

You can order white PowerPro online from Dicks, Gander Mtn, Cabella''s, and others in multiple lengths and strengths for a much better selection than in the stores.

I have used silk and PowerPro and definitely prefer PP. It is much easier for me to knot tightly and securely. Not to mention, I like that it does not stretch so I don''t have to worry about restringing every few years. I learned about PowerPro from some very long experienced pearl experts and they all agree that PP is the way to go for them.

Nacre has a very valid point that each knotting project is unique and may lend itself to use a variety of stringing options. Everyone has their likes and dislikes and rather than work with something you do not enjoy, try what you do like and if all else fails, you can always restring it if needed.

I don''t do this professionally. Just for myself and family and friends so I go with what I enjoy. I''d rather have fun with it than look at it as a chore to work with materials I''m not good with.

 

[pearlie]

I use power-pro and dandyline, both are spectra fiber. I have these brands in 4 different widths.

Silk is still my favorite, and I still use it depending on the piece.

The synthetic fibers don''t stretch nearly as much as silk and polyester, and they are much stronger.

Tough on the hands, they''ll give you some wicked calouses!

happy knotting

julie.

 

[strawbearlyjamms]

what lb test do you get?

It ranges quite dramatically from 5lb to 40lb, all costing the same price, but I cant see the mm width of each of the lbs...

 

[pearlie]

PowerPro I use 10#, 20# and 30# with diameters of .006", .009", .011" respectively.

Dandyline .008" 20#, and .004" 10#.

Along with these, I also use various sizes of silk.

I double the strand, regardless of the material.


julie.