Doing “pearl surgery” while knotting?

[amsev89]

I am trying my second stringing/knotting project and running into issues with loose knots. I have had to reinforce and re-knot some sections. Will this hold up or is it wiser to re-start the project?

Thank you for sharing any tips or experiences! I am a beginner clearly

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I would start over. Your knotting will improve with practice!

Do you double your thread? I can't make tight knots unless I use doubled thread, personally. Pulling the two threads apart slides the knot close to the pearl, seating it properly.

Link to tutorial explaining this, with photos:

Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls! If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a...

www.pearl-guide.com

 

[amsev89]

Thank you Pearl Dreams, I think I will have more luck using the double thread method. I find it super tough to get those knots close enough. I appreciate the tutorial, hopefully I can get this way to work.

I am also curious if glue is necessary? I am trying to avoid it.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Some people use glue but I do not. Since I back-knot for 3 pearls, there is adequate security. Sooner or later (depending on how often it is worn) even the best-knotted necklace will need to be re-strung, and I find that glue makes it harder to cut the necklace apart to redo it. If the glue seeps into the drill hole it can be especially problematic, and I don't want to have to drill out the hole.

 

[pearlescence]

A tiny touch of glue stops the cut end of the thread from walking itself back out of the last drill hole if/when there is some movement on the silk by the pearl.

 

[jeg]

Good luck with your project, amsev89! You’ll find a technique that works for you in tightening the knots with a little practice. I agree with Pearl Dreams in not using glue. I also back knot at the ends then use a thread burner, so eventually if an end knot comes loose, it is not going to break apart because of the additional knots. I have had a lot of frustration with restringing strands that have been glued by other stringers, so you would just want to be careful to only get a little on the thread. I have a little stash of pearls with stuck thread. Fortunately I can wear shorter strands or it would be a problem not being able to use some of the end pearls.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I use a thread zap tool also to cut the final thread. It does prevent fraying of the cut thread.

When I went to restring my metallic white FWP I could not get the glue out of one of the end pearls, and as I do not have a drill, that pearl was not usable when I restrung the necklace. I think if I buy another necklace from a vendor I will request that glue not be used in the stringing.

 

[amsev89]

Thank you Pearl Dreams, Pearlescence and Jeg. I really appreciate hearing everyone’s methods.

I have a ton of these purple dyed pearls (not even really sure what they are but I got them a couple years ago in a 32+ inch rope at a vintage store) so I can mess around with them a lot and maybe glue toward the end knots.

It sounds like I should find a zapping tool. It doesn’t sound like anyone here uses a knotting tool so that’s another good thing to know.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thread Zap II is what I use.
Don't use it on silk, though. Just synthetics.

 

[amsev89]

Thanks Pearl Dreams! I am using Pattye’s Serafil so it should be ok

 

[amsev89]

Okay! I don’t want to speak too soon or be overconfident but I am really liking the double thread method so far. I kind of winged it a little at the beginning but think it’s going ok so far.

I don’t have a thread zapper or glue yet but was ready to get started.

I don’t know how you guys can cut apart and restring projects…it was a little emotional for me! But, I think this method will not cause nearly as much frustration.

Thanks so much Pearl Dreams, Jeg and Pearlescence.

 

[pattye]

I, too, prefer the double thread method, the same as in Pearl Dream's excellent tutorial. If pearls are very small, I may use a tiny dab of G-S Hypo Cement between the threads to make sure the tail doesn't work out. It doesn't stick like superglue.

Because you are using a variety of pearls, some may have various size drill holes, which can add to the knotting challenge and finding the best size thread.

Your knots are looking great here, Amsev; thanks so much for using Serafil!

 

[amsev89]

Thank you for the kind words and the excellent thread, Pattye. I had such a hard time choosing from all the colors!

I do not mix well with super glue so I tend to shy away from it. I will check out the cement that you recommended.

 

[amsev89]

I would start over. Your knotting will improve with practice!

Do you double your thread? I can't make tight knots unless I use doubled thread, personally. Pulling the two threads apart slides the knot close to the pearl, seating it properly.

Link to tutorial explaining this, with photos:

Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro

How to string (or restring) your pearls on doubled Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret, and Power Pro This is not hard-- really! It is harder to describe it than to do it. Anyone can learn to string their own pearls! If after reading through this, it sounds too daunting, I suggest making a...

www.pearl-guide.com

This tutorial was amazing, Pearl Dreams!

 

[jeg]

Your new start looks great, amsev89! You’ll be a pro in no time!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

This tutorial was amazing, Pearl Dreams!

Thank you! I went through it last night fixing some dead links and adding back in a photo that was lost when PG changed over to a different platform last year. Websites change all the time, so if anyone ever finds any more dead links, send me a message and let me know.

 

[amsev89]

Thank you! I went through it last night fixing some dead links and adding back in a photo that was lost when PG changed over to a different platform last year. Websites change all the time, so if anyone ever finds any more dead links, send me a message and let me know.

This is very kind of you. I appreciated it and I am sure many others do as well!

I am now enjoying knotting instead of getting frustrated using the methods you show.

 

[amsev89]

Your new start looks great, amsev89! You’ll be a pro in no time!

Thanks so much Jeg! That is a big compliment! You do amazing things and I am impressed with how creative you are with pearls.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Do you still plan to knot on either side of the metal beads? (I wouldn't.)
The metal beads are small enough that they can function as a knot for the purpose of flexibility for the strand.

 

[amsev89]

Hi Pearl Dreams,

I did add knots, but I am kind of regretting it a teeny bit because it adds so much negative space and is eating up my thread.

Thank you for the suggestion and all of your advice!