Help with the size of Needles

[Frost Me]

I have some needles that I am trying to use to practice knotting see pictures. I have know idea the size of the needle, I have tried to pass this needle with a double beaders thread but it bunches up and will not pass through. The needle will pass through the pearl without the beader thread. Hole must be small I think its 0.8mm. Maybe I am doing it wrong with the double thread. Any suggestions on a size I need.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Frost, I use these from pattye: https://www.etsy.com/listing/180141023/beading-needles-long-open-eye-fine?ref=shop_home_active_2

 

[LBoone]

Frost, I think what you have are needles for sewing with beads. I could be wrong but that's always what I thought they were for. I have some as well from when I was trying to work with seed beads... I use needles similar to what JerseyPearl suggested. The package I'm looking at right now is the Beadsmith brand, says "Flexible Twisted Wire Beading Needles." It's these, I have a 10 count pack. I think I got them at Rio Grande....

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I also use flexible wire needles. Michael's crafts carries Beadalon collapsible eye beading needles in fine, medium and heavy sizes.

 

[Frost Me]

Thanks all of you, I am such a newbie to this. I placed an order from Pattye yesterday. Just a little frustrated and excited to knot. Using needles that won't work. Ugg.

I have been to 4 locations looking for the Power Pro in White, Cabela's, Walmart, Academy Sports, Target, all carry Moss. I thought I might try it also. My pictures shows a pink pearl with Topaz Beaders Secret very pretty! Ok Michael's here I come.

Again Thanks Jersey, LBoone and Pearl Dreams!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Frost, what will you be making?

 

[Marianne]

Copper wire (cut up an OLD electrical cord) and strip out the tiny wires. Bend one 5" length in half lay in your thread then twist the end. Not as sturdy as a pre made wire needle, but fast and cheep!!! (That might hold you over till your order from Pattye arrives )

 

[LBoone]

I have been to 4 locations looking for the Power Pro in White, Cabela's, Walmart, Academy Sports, Target, all carry Moss. I thought I might try it also. My pictures shows a pink pearl with Topaz Beaders Secret very pretty! Ok Michael's here I come.

I have used the Moss Power Pro to string some citrine beads and it looked great! It also looks good with dark pearls. My husband and I own a sporting goods store (of a sort) so I get what the marine wholesalers have, large spools of moss green!! They only recently started carrying the white, I got some just last week. I hope to use it for the first time on my next project!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I have bought white Power Pro from Artbeads.com and from eBay.

 

[JerseyPearl]

LBoone, green and yellow! A wonderful combo.

 

[Frost Me]

Jersey, I am just beginning to learning to string pearls. I have a few Tahitian strands I have added pearls to on wire and need them strung. I feel it's time for me to try! I had pretty good luck today with the Beaders Secret I could undo knots that were not tight, that was encouraging!

 

[Frost Me]

That is brilliant Marianne, thanks for the tip!

 

[amti]

I had pretty good luck today with the Beaders Secret I could undo knots that were not tight, that was encouraging!

Beader's Secret is really a great thread for pearling! I love that I am able to get the knots tight... sometimes a bit too tight so I have to relax a little.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Yes, I completely agree on Beader's Secret! I also love the variety of colors and sizes. One thing I've noticed, I really like using a heavier thread on my Tahitians...not sure why, but I feel that the weight of the beads is better supported and there is less movement of the pearls between the knots. But I've also used the medium weight with great success. If your drill holes are at 1.0mm then try the heavier weight.

 

[Frost Me]

Good to know JP. My PP Tahitians have spaced out so much, but it is silk. I will most likely order the heavy Beaders (thanks to you) and send to PP. My knotting skills will not be up to par for the Tahitian rope, and I want to wear it now! Since my strands were purchased from PP, the stringing is discounted.

Again thanks for the tip Jersey

 

[Katbran]

Frost- just remember the larger thread might not work with the smaller drill holes so they may need to redrill. Order both sizes , you will use it if you are going to knot. Send them both sizes and let them work it out.
I do have some of those needles and they will work on some drill holes so just set them aside.
If you don't have one , a little hand drill is very useful. You can buy sets of drill bits that run from .5-1.0 and it's very useful to be able to redrill the three pearls on each end . Those drill holes are best to be a bit bigger since you end up with 4 strands by the time you go back through them.
It's great to be able to make your own jewelery , well done for giving it a go !

 

[Frost Me]

Katbran, excellent advice. I am not sure what PP standard drill hole size is 0.8 or 0.9. Thanks so much!