There are numerous topics regarding the options of stringing textile for beadwork. Here follows an interesting report regarding the various stringing textiles and their use. One really significant lesson I acquired is that there's no one, general (comprehensive) stringing textile. Here are the leading stringing textiles along with how and when to use each of them.
Silk has a wondrous "hand" (a soft, flexible feel). This thread comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, and "carded" with an attached needle. This is a classic stringing material and forms beautiful knots between pearls and beads. But, silk tends to be relatively fragile. It can stretch, be cut by abrasive beads, rot when wet, and pearls strung on silk should be re strung every few years. It is best to use silk when stringing pearls and lightweight, smooth-holed beads, only. A needle is necessary.
Nylon thread also comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, on bobbins, and "carded" with a needle attached. Nylon can be used where-ever silk can and is not as fragile. This material knots beautifully and can be used for pearl stringing, in some strung jewelry, seed beadwork, loom weaving, for Peyote and other specialty stitches, and heishi.
Nylon stretches out a great deal less than silk, and it will not decompose once wet. Like silk, you should not employ beads with sharp edged holes or that are heavy. When you use nylon string, I would urge you coat your string with bee's wax or "Thread Heaven TM "prior to using to keep it from fraying. A needle is essential.
Bonded nylon is a a great deal stronger form of nylon string. The strings are physically attached together for added strength and abrasion protection. Altho it knots easily, it does not possess the "feel" of silk.
Bonded nylon comes in a variety of colors and smaller spools. Because of its abrasion resistance, you can use it with "hard", more abrasive gem beads; in fact this comes close to being a "Universal Thread". Brand names include: "Stringth" or "Silkon". A needle is necessary, although you can put "Super Glue" on the end to form a "Self-needle". This is a favorite beading material of mine.
Fishing Line is a strong, semi-rigid, single twine of plastic. It does not knot easy, and sooner or later sunshine or ultraviolet light might cause it to break and fall apart. Fishing line is purchased on smaller spools and is sold in sporting goods shops.
Personally, I use fishing line for two purposes. I use it to do my preliminary stringing while I am designing a necklace (I transfer the beads to a better material for the final product), and to string together "raw" strands of beads. There is no needle necessary. I would never use this material for a final beaded piece. - 15995
Silk has a wondrous "hand" (a soft, flexible feel). This thread comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, and "carded" with an attached needle. This is a classic stringing material and forms beautiful knots between pearls and beads. But, silk tends to be relatively fragile. It can stretch, be cut by abrasive beads, rot when wet, and pearls strung on silk should be re strung every few years. It is best to use silk when stringing pearls and lightweight, smooth-holed beads, only. A needle is necessary.
Nylon thread also comes in many sizes and colors. It comes packaged on spools, on bobbins, and "carded" with a needle attached. Nylon can be used where-ever silk can and is not as fragile. This material knots beautifully and can be used for pearl stringing, in some strung jewelry, seed beadwork, loom weaving, for Peyote and other specialty stitches, and heishi.
Nylon stretches out a great deal less than silk, and it will not decompose once wet. Like silk, you should not employ beads with sharp edged holes or that are heavy. When you use nylon string, I would urge you coat your string with bee's wax or "Thread Heaven TM "prior to using to keep it from fraying. A needle is essential.
Bonded nylon is a a great deal stronger form of nylon string. The strings are physically attached together for added strength and abrasion protection. Altho it knots easily, it does not possess the "feel" of silk.
Bonded nylon comes in a variety of colors and smaller spools. Because of its abrasion resistance, you can use it with "hard", more abrasive gem beads; in fact this comes close to being a "Universal Thread". Brand names include: "Stringth" or "Silkon". A needle is necessary, although you can put "Super Glue" on the end to form a "Self-needle". This is a favorite beading material of mine.
Fishing Line is a strong, semi-rigid, single twine of plastic. It does not knot easy, and sooner or later sunshine or ultraviolet light might cause it to break and fall apart. Fishing line is purchased on smaller spools and is sold in sporting goods shops.
Personally, I use fishing line for two purposes. I use it to do my preliminary stringing while I am designing a necklace (I transfer the beads to a better material for the final product), and to string together "raw" strands of beads. There is no needle necessary. I would never use this material for a final beaded piece. - 15995
About the Author:
Writer Ethan O. Tanner explains the different types of Stringing choices forBeads and Jewelryfor your beading plan.
