Threading Materials
The selection of thread for stringing is nearly as varied as the beads themselves, and comes in a wide assortment of materials, weights and thicknesses. Stringing cord is manufactured with a very tight twist that provides the material with surprising strength and durability, and is sometimes coated for additional protection. While it is possible this type of thread is designed for stitching through fabric, and could not bear the heavy weight of the beads; also, it would be cut through very quickly against the edges of the holes in the beads.
Stringing thread can be obtained on cards with needles attached, or on spools. The thread on cards ranges through all of the commonly used materials, weights and colours, and are approximately 75" in length, sufficient for a number of necklaces or bracelets, depending on the length of the strands and whether or not the thread is doubled. Alternatively, you can purchase thread by the spool and separate packets of needles. This approach is the more economical when large quantities are to be strung.
The most important qualities to look for when selecting thread are that the threat will pass through the smallest borehole of the beads, and that it is strong enough to support the weight of the finished strand. The needles designed to be used in the stringing of beads are very different from those used for home sewing. A stringing needle is made from very thin wire that enables the needles to pass through very small holes, and it is flexible enough to pass between beads.
The following tables describe which stringing material is best used for various beads, and the types, weights and colors of threads that are commonly available.
Applications of Stringing Material
| Pearls | Silk thread |
| Beads with smooth drillholes (amber, coral, etc.) | Silk, polyester or nylon |
| Beads with abrasive drillholes | Polyester or nylon |
| Beads that are metallic, large or have large drillholes | Tiger Tail or foxtail |
| Ropes or Woven Necklaces | Nylon |
Findings
The term 'findings' is used throughout the jewelry industry to collectively describe a variety of prefabricated items such as jump rings, bead tips, French bouillon, and clasps. These items are useful and necessary for the ease and comfort of the wearer in putting on and removing, they provide the means of connecting strands, and they add a touch of quality to your design. Chapter Four provides instructions in the use of the most common findings.
Bead Tips
Also called 'endings' bead tips are used at the end of a strand to conceal a knot, and to connect the strand to the clasp. They are available in small and large sizes; the size that is to be used is determined by the size of the knot that is to be concealed.
Bell Caps
These look just like small bells, with a loop at the top, and they are frequently in a delicate filigree design. Bell caps are commonly used when a fringe of beads, such as a tassle, is incorporated into the design, and the cap is an attractive way to collect and to conceal the ends of the fringe that is being attached.
French Bouillon
Bouillon (or wise) is a very thin wire that has been tightly coiled so that it can be threaded (similar to stringing a bead), and is generally used as a connector, either between groups of beads, or between the strand and the clasp. Bouillon is made of fine silver wire that has been copper plated and dipped in gold. It is then coiled thousands of times into a hollow flexible tubing. It is available in different weights, and is frequently sold by the yard, although shorter lengths are available.
Bouillon provides a neat, professional finish, and because it does not tarnish, this wire is preferred by many professionals.
Head Pins
The head pin is a length of wire with a flat at one end. It is used to string a bead, or several beads, then connect to the strand by making a loop at the open end.
Jump Rings
Jump rings serve as connectors either between beads alone, or as a link between the bead tip and the clasp. The jump ring is simply a small circle of wire with a slit which allows it to be opened for connecting. They come in different sizes, depending on the application.
Clasps
Clasps do just-clasp of strands together. As with the beads they are connecting, clasps come in a wide variety of sizes, and styles. Some clasps connect both ends of a single strand, some connect several strands individually, while others can accommodate a wide rope of several strands together. Generally, the clasp has one or more small loops on either side for attaching to a single strand per loop. Clasps can be simple or very ornate, all metal or covered with stones. Some clasps are made so that they are not seen as a clasp, but as part of the overall design.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Although it is certainly possible for you to make a necklace or bracelet using only the thread and needle (and your fingers, of course), therea are tools and equipement that have been specially designed for use in bead stringing, and these items definitely make the process easier, more efficient, and much more comfortable.
Awl
An awl shaped very much like a darning needle (in face, you could use that as well), and is used to help slide a knot into place, down into the cup of a bead tip or between two beads. It is very difficult to coax a knot to fit snugly into position, and without the aid of the awl, darning needle or pair of tweezers, the task can well be nigh impossible.
Pliers
A pair of pliers is a must for closing bead tips, opening and closing jump rings and it can also help tighten knots. Chain nose pliers are the most practical kind to use, because the outside of the nose is rounded, while the inside edge is flat for gripping. The tips of the pliers should be long and narrow.
Ruler
A twenty -four inch ruler, marked in millimeters as well, will be necessary to keep track of the length of the strand on which you are working.
Scissors
Scissors are another must in your jewelry-making tool kit, after all, you will be working with thread and that requires snipping off ends. The best kind to get are the ones that are not too large, and they must be very, very sharp. Dull blades have a tendency to cause the thread to ravel when it is cut, and raveled ends are nuisance to deal with when it is necessary to rethread a needle, or even in tying knots.
Tweezers
Tweezers are handy for picking up small beads, grabbing the ends of the needles when pulling through beads, and especially nice for tying knots. The kind of tweezers you will want have long, tapering ends with carefully finished points and feather light tension. They are actually better to use when holding and tying knots than the awl (and have a wide range of applications, as well).
Glue
You will want a fast-drying type of cement that the jewelers use. The glue is used on knots and for strengthening jump rings.
Magnifiers
Your vision may be 20-20, but your eyes could become tired when working for a period of time with small beads and close designs. A magnifier that fits on the head, and is adjustable, so that your hands are free for working is perfect.
Beading Board
Beading boards are a boon for the beader! These resemble trays, and enable you to layout your design with ease, without having beads rolling all ever the floor. Some designs have small compartments in which to hold the beads you are currently working with. Some boards even have a small work space that allows you to secure a strand in place while working with designs that require braiding or weaving.
THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
The importance of a good working environment cannot be stressed too much-the successful completion of a project, and your comfort, depend on how well you have selected your beading niche.
The ideal space will be well-lit, contain a sizeable work surface to provide enough room for all the beading materials and equipment, and it will be located in such a manner as to remain undisturbed when you are called away.
Beads bounce, roll and slither-therefore your work surface should definitely be of a non-slick variety. Felt, velvet, a scrap of smooth carpeting, a Turkish towel-any of these would be suitable and will aid in preventing any untimely bead escapes, resulting in frustrating searches on hands and knees!
The overall size of the work area is important too. It is amazing how much room is required for the containers of beads, assorted threading materials and supplies, in addition to pliers, tweezers and scissors.
