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

[pattye]

Yes!! I agree also! Flush cutters are the way to go! Those cutters look terrific, PD! I haven't tried Swanstrom but highly recommend investing in quality tools if one gets serious about making jewelry.

 

[softnsunny]

This is my Favourite. Thread. Ever. (pun intended)

​​​​ I have been knitting pearls (and other beads) for many years. I have tried dozens of threads, knots, and a few different techniques. My "most" reliable technique required a 3 times pass of thread through a bead for the final end knots but ... BUT!!! ... this meant that the knot itself was too small, even with an extra loop. It was more often sheer luck, that I found a combination that worked. And this was a performance that occurred every time

Now, I have found a new method (not so different that it's a headache) that truly truly works. Well, so far.
Thank you SO much Pearl Dreams. And Pattye, who has supplied me with lovely thread. (My bad, I dislike silk with the needle, and PowerPro) And thanks too to all the others who have contributed to this thread. You are all awesome, and dressed in stunning pearls too! Bonus points.

If there are any tips re knotting the first pearl after the second lhalf of the clasp, that would be welcome. The double sided sticky tape is a good assistant, but if anyone has any other tips besides practice, that'd be great. I've had Lotsa practice.

And a supplier for the 50 pack of fine collapsible beading needles??? I live in Australia, some US vendors don't ship.

Again THANK YOU all
Ruth

 

[Marianne]

Hi softnsunny, So glad you found Patty's Serafil thread to meet your needs. I love it too! When back knotting through the last pearls on a strand, I leave three or four unknotted. Then add the gimp and clasp. I lay them flat on the table and ease the thread through while applying light pressure on the last pearls to keep them in place while tightening the gimp up against the last pearl. You do not have to plan a gap, There will be enough room to do half hitch knots between the unknotted pearls. If you run the thread through the next pearl before cutting, you have a neater finish. Hope this makes sense. Please show us a picture of your work!
Pattye also sells several excellent beading needles.

 

[pattye]

Softnsunny, on page 1, post #9, PearlDreams gives instructions and some photos for adding the 2nd half of the clasp and finishing the last 4 pearls. I'll add here additional photos tomorrow that might be helpful, with a slightly different view.

Did you find a source for the 50 pack beading needles? I might be able to help.

 

[pattye]

Congratulations to all who have accepted the challenge of learning to knot pearls/beads and carry on the legacy of stringing and knotting as a practical skill and art form.

 

[pattye]

Sometimes I only knot back through 3 pearls as I show here on this bracelet. On necklaces I do 4 pearls. Using the thinnest pin (.4mm) to make a channel through the last pearl has saved my sanity and many needles from destruction! Hope this posts ok!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Ooh Pattye, Thank You for the detailed tutorial! Those last 3 pearls and that channel get my hands every time. Making a space with a thin pin ... brilliant. Thank You

 

[Pella]

Pattye thank you so much for this hint about using a rigid pin to make a channel. I had never thought to do that believing that if it wasn't going to take the finest needle it wouldn't allow for anything else, not taking into consideration the rigidity. I will give this a go in future.

softnsunny I too am in AU and have private messaged you about needles.

 

[pattye]

You're most welcome, Cathy and Pella!

 

[softnsunny]

Thanks for the photo tutorial ... great tips.
Never stop learning!

 

[softnsunny]

And thanks for the mesaages for AU suppliers of the collapsible needles

 

[Pegleit]

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 mini-strand for practice first. Make one 10 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or any bead), and keep on knotting and adding pearls until you feel comfortable with your knotting technique. Then cut the pearls or beads apart to reuse them.


If you don't understand anything here, please post, or message me.
I can always add more photos if any step is still unclear.


Which thread to use
You can use silk or another thread if you prefer, but I am going to recommend synthetic threads, specifically Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret and Power Pro.
*Edit: See pages 4 & 5 where I tested Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret, sold on Etsy; particularly recommended for colored pearls when you want matching thread. Also recommended if you do not want to use tweezers to seat the knot correctly-- this thread is slippery and the knot glides into place when the 2 threads are pulled apart.


Why Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret or Power Pro instead of silk? Power Pro, Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret don't stretch out and stay cleaner than silk (but can be washed or worn in the shower.) They are strong and durable, make tight, elegant knots and don't twist and tangle while you are working with them, as twisted silk thread does. You can sometimes even unpick an accidental knot, which is nearly impossible with silk.

Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret come in many colorfast colors. Colors of Power Pro are limited, however. Use Moss Green for black or dark pearls and White for other color pearls.
If you need to use very fine white thread, Power Pro 10# test is very strong and preferable to silk. I have had fine silk break when tugging the doubled threads apart to seat the knot, whereas 10# (thin) Power Pro won't break when tugged firmly. The finest size of Serafil is also good for very small pearls.

_________________________________________________​

Abbreviated Instructions-- to show you it is not really so complicated!

I will expand on these instruction in the tutorial below; after you have made your first strand, this abbreviated version may be all you need to remind you what to do the next time.


1. Cut a length of thread 5 times the anticipated final length of the knotted strand.
2. Thread the needle, double the thread and make a large knot, then string on the first 4 pearls in reverse order.
3. String on a bit of gimp, then pass the needle through the clasp and back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread + gimp + clasp carefully.
4. Make an overhand knot with the thread around the existing thread between the end pearl and the next pearl.
5. Use a pair of pointy tweezers (or an awl or darning needle) to guide the knot next to the pearl. To seat the knot, pull the two threads apart firmly. EDIT: Tweezers are not necessary when using Serafil / Beaders Secret thread. The knot slides into place when the two threads are separated firmly.
6. Pass the needle through the next pearl, knot, then the 3rd pearl and knot.
7. Pass the needle through the 4th pearl but do not make a knot yet. Trim off the original knot close to the pearl.
8. Now make a knot after the 4th pearl. Keep going, knotting between each pearl until you get to the last 4 pearls from the other end-- just pass the needle through all 4 of them without knotting.
9. String on gimp, then the other end of the clasp, then pass the needle back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread.
10. Knot between the end pearl and second pearl. Pass the needle back through the 2nd pearl from the end, make a knot, then repeat with the 3rd pearl, knot.
11. Pass the needle one more time through the 4th pearl, but do not make a knot. Just trim thread close to the pearl. The trimmed-off tail will thus be concealed inside the 4th pearl, for a neat look.

5/30/22 I updated the links. They seem to have been broken when PG changed platform.
If I see any other other links that are broken, I'll update them.

For knotting an "endless" strand (without a clasp) see post #42, on page 3 of this thread.

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

Thanks. I used the flame so far on Powerpro as my glue hardened, but it is a bit dangerous. I think I will move to glue and crimp beads now that I am mostly done with high carat gold.

www.pearl-guide.com

To string on all the pearls at once, and then knot in between (this is the way I do it nowadays) see post #31.

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

Please thank your daughter again for us also! We get often get inquiries about stringing, so it's great to have some good basic info right here!

www.pearl-guide.com

For knotting a strand with thread and silicone bead bumpers (it's quicker-- fewer knots!) see post #153:

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

Excellent suggestion Cathy!!!

www.pearl-guide.com

Edit: I'm adding a link to LloydJewelry's YouTube video entitled:

How to Hand tie a Pearl necklace no tools Japanese Method​

Hi! I’m new to the forum and also all things bead. I started restringing a necklace and ran out of thread. (NONE of the tutorials I found explained where to start with the clasp.) now I am almost finished and don’t have enough thread. I left about 20” free on tha back end, which MAY be enough but I don’t know if I need that for finishing, or how to attach it if I don’t. Do I REALLY have to start over?

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Try to finish! But if you still don't have enough thread, then yes, you will need to start over. You need to cut a piece of thread that is 5x the intended finished length of your necklace.

If you have to redo it, try to be philosophical about it-- think of it as a learning curve. I have restrung strands after deciding I didn't like the color thread I used! Others restring if they don't like how their knots came out.

Do you now understand where to start with the clasp, after reading this tutorial? If not I'll try to explain better.

 

[Pegleit]

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 mini-strand for practice first. Make one 10 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or any bead), and keep on knotting and adding pearls until you feel comfortable with your knotting technique. Then cut the pearls or beads apart to reuse them.


If you don't understand anything here, please post, or message me.
I can always add more photos if any step is still unclear.


Which thread to use
You can use silk or another thread if you prefer, but I am going to recommend synthetic threads, specifically Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret and Power Pro.
*Edit: See pages 4 & 5 where I tested Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret, sold on Etsy; particularly recommended for colored pearls when you want matching thread. Also recommended if you do not want to use tweezers to seat the knot correctly-- this thread is slippery and the knot glides into place when the 2 threads are pulled apart.


Why Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret or Power Pro instead of silk? Power Pro, Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret don't stretch out and stay cleaner than silk (but can be washed or worn in the shower.) They are strong and durable, make tight, elegant knots and don't twist and tangle while you are working with them, as twisted silk thread does. You can sometimes even unpick an accidental knot, which is nearly impossible with silk.

Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret come in many colorfast colors. Colors of Power Pro are limited, however. Use Moss Green for black or dark pearls and White for other color pearls.
If you need to use very fine white thread, Power Pro 10# test is very strong and preferable to silk. I have had fine silk break when tugging the doubled threads apart to seat the knot, whereas 10# (thin) Power Pro won't break when tugged firmly. The finest size of Serafil is also good for very small pearls.

_________________________________________________​

Abbreviated Instructions-- to show you it is not really so complicated!

I will expand on these instruction in the tutorial below; after you have made your first strand, this abbreviated version may be all you need to remind you what to do the next time.


1. Cut a length of thread 5 times the anticipated final length of the knotted strand.
2. Thread the needle, double the thread and make a large knot, then string on the first 4 pearls in reverse order.
3. String on a bit of gimp, then pass the needle through the clasp and back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread + gimp + clasp carefully.
4. Make an overhand knot with the thread around the existing thread between the end pearl and the next pearl.
5. Use a pair of pointy tweezers (or an awl or darning needle) to guide the knot next to the pearl. To seat the knot, pull the two threads apart firmly. EDIT: Tweezers are not necessary when using Serafil / Beaders Secret thread. The knot slides into place when the two threads are separated firmly.
6. Pass the needle through the next pearl, knot, then the 3rd pearl and knot.
7. Pass the needle through the 4th pearl but do not make a knot yet. Trim off the original knot close to the pearl.
8. Now make a knot after the 4th pearl. Keep going, knotting between each pearl until you get to the last 4 pearls from the other end-- just pass the needle through all 4 of them without knotting.
9. String on gimp, then the other end of the clasp, then pass the needle back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread.
10. Knot between the end pearl and second pearl. Pass the needle back through the 2nd pearl from the end, make a knot, then repeat with the 3rd pearl, knot.
11. Pass the needle one more time through the 4th pearl, but do not make a knot. Just trim thread close to the pearl. The trimmed-off tail will thus be concealed inside the 4th pearl, for a neat look.

5/30/22 I updated the links. They seem to have been broken when PG changed platform.
If I see any other other links that are broken, I'll update them.

For knotting an "endless" strand (without a clasp) see post #42, on page 3 of this thread.

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

Thanks. I used the flame so far on Powerpro as my glue hardened, but it is a bit dangerous. I think I will move to glue and crimp beads now that I am mostly done with high carat gold.

www.pearl-guide.com

To string on all the pearls at once, and then knot in between (this is the way I do it nowadays) see post #31.

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

Please thank your daughter again for us also! We get often get inquiries about stringing, so it's great to have some good basic info right here!

www.pearl-guide.com

For knotting a strand with thread and silicone bead bumpers (it's quicker-- fewer knots!) see post #153:

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

Excellent suggestion Cathy!!!

www.pearl-guide.com

Edit: I'm adding a link to LloydJewelry's YouTube video entitled:

How to Hand tie a Pearl necklace no tools Japanese Method​

Try to finish! But if you still don't have enough thread, then yes, you will need to start over. You need to cut a piece of thread that is 5x the intended finished length of your necklace.

If you have to redo it, try to be philosophical about it-- think of it as a learning curve. I have restrung strands after deciding I didn't like the color thread I used! Others restring if they don't like how their knots came out.

Do you now understand where to start with the clasp, after reading this tutorial? If not I'll try to explain better.

Thank you for your responses, both here and in conversation. I have posted my answer and further questions there. Its easier for me to find.
Yes, I did try to finish but still have 32 pearls to go and 3” of thread on the needle side. I blooped pretty bad.. I‘m learning it all up front. Starting over now.
Many thanks and I look forward to learning more!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

The first few posts of new members have to be manually approved; that's why you were having trouble finding replies here on the thread. I did reply in private conversation but feel free to post on the thread again.

 

[Pegleit]

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 mini-strand for practice first. Make one 10 pearls long just so you can practice how to knot the end 3 pearls on each side and attach the clasps; the middle pearls are easy to knot.

To just practice knotting (without bothering with clasps), make an overhand knot, string on a pearl (or any bead), and keep on knotting and adding pearls until you feel comfortable with your knotting technique. Then cut the pearls or beads apart to reuse them.


If you don't understand anything here, please post, or message me.
I can always add more photos if any step is still unclear.


Which thread to use
You can use silk or another thread if you prefer, but I am going to recommend synthetic threads, specifically Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret and Power Pro.
*Edit: See pages 4 & 5 where I tested Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret, sold on Etsy; particularly recommended for colored pearls when you want matching thread. Also recommended if you do not want to use tweezers to seat the knot correctly-- this thread is slippery and the knot glides into place when the 2 threads are pulled apart.


Why Pattye's Serafil, Beaders Secret or Power Pro instead of silk? Power Pro, Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret don't stretch out and stay cleaner than silk (but can be washed or worn in the shower.) They are strong and durable, make tight, elegant knots and don't twist and tangle while you are working with them, as twisted silk thread does. You can sometimes even unpick an accidental knot, which is nearly impossible with silk.

Pattye's Serafil and Beaders Secret come in many colorfast colors. Colors of Power Pro are limited, however. Use Moss Green for black or dark pearls and White for other color pearls.
If you need to use very fine white thread, Power Pro 10# test is very strong and preferable to silk. I have had fine silk break when tugging the doubled threads apart to seat the knot, whereas 10# (thin) Power Pro won't break when tugged firmly. The finest size of Serafil is also good for very small pearls.

_________________________________________________​

Abbreviated Instructions-- to show you it is not really so complicated!

I will expand on these instruction in the tutorial below; after you have made your first strand, this abbreviated version may be all you need to remind you what to do the next time.


1. Cut a length of thread 5 times the anticipated final length of the knotted strand.
2. Thread the needle, double the thread and make a large knot, then string on the first 4 pearls in reverse order.
3. String on a bit of gimp, then pass the needle through the clasp and back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread + gimp + clasp carefully.
4. Make an overhand knot with the thread around the existing thread between the end pearl and the next pearl.
5. Use a pair of pointy tweezers (or an awl or darning needle) to guide the knot next to the pearl. To seat the knot, pull the two threads apart firmly. EDIT: Tweezers are not necessary when using Serafil / Beaders Secret thread. The knot slides into place when the two threads are separated firmly.
6. Pass the needle through the next pearl, knot, then the 3rd pearl and knot.
7. Pass the needle through the 4th pearl but do not make a knot yet. Trim off the original knot close to the pearl.
8. Now make a knot after the 4th pearl. Keep going, knotting between each pearl until you get to the last 4 pearls from the other end-- just pass the needle through all 4 of them without knotting.
9. String on gimp, then the other end of the clasp, then pass the needle back through the end pearl. Snug up the thread.
10. Knot between the end pearl and second pearl. Pass the needle back through the 2nd pearl from the end, make a knot, then repeat with the 3rd pearl, knot.
11. Pass the needle one more time through the 4th pearl, but do not make a knot. Just trim thread close to the pearl. The trimmed-off tail will thus be concealed inside the 4th pearl, for a neat look.

5/30/22 I updated the links. They seem to have been broken when PG changed platform.
If I see any other other links that are broken, I'll update them.

For knotting an "endless" strand (without a clasp) see post #42, on page 3 of this thread.

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

Thanks. I used the flame so far on Powerpro as my glue hardened, but it is a bit dangerous. I think I will move to glue and crimp beads now that I am mostly done with high carat gold.

www.pearl-guide.com

To string on all the pearls at once, and then knot in between (this is the way I do it nowadays) see post #31.

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

Please thank your daughter again for us also! We get often get inquiries about stringing, so it's great to have some good basic info right here!

www.pearl-guide.com

For knotting a strand with thread and silicone bead bumpers (it's quicker-- fewer knots!) see post #153:

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

Excellent suggestion Cathy!!!

www.pearl-guide.com

Edit: I'm adding a link to LloydJewelry's YouTube video entitled:

How to Hand tie a Pearl necklace no tools Japanese Method​

I’m a total idiot! I got my Pattye’s Serafil thread but I guess it’s too thick. #2 silk is 0.45mm thick so I ordered #20 serafil, that said it also was 0.45mm. But when I threaded my needle and strung the pearls according to the video, I could not get the needle back through the hole with the thread. Pulling it through made it temporarily 3 threads thick and that was just too much. Is there a special way to thread the needle that I don’t know? Sorry for being so stupid but…

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I normally use #30 Serafil, the medium size, for pearls that have 0.8mm drill holes. (This is basically all my pearls, the largest of which graduate up to a center pearl of up to 12-13.8mm.) I would reserve #20 for pearls that have 1 mm drill holes, as some larger pearls do.

It's not just the size of the drill hole. It's also a matter of proportion-- smaller pearls look better with smaller knots between them, and larger pearls look better with larger knots between them. (The thicker the thread, the larger the knot it makes).

Assuming your pearls are not huge, I'd bite the bullet and buy the #30 thread. Otherwise you will probably have to get a reamer and ream out the end pearls (enlarge the hole). But that will mean they will always have to be end pearls.
It's easier to buy the #30 thread.

 

[Pegleit]

Woops again! I ordered the fine. I think it will be OK, won’t it? Thank you so much for your support - I am totally out of my element in this!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Fine? #40? I'd really go with Medium #30 unless the pearls are really tiny. I've only used Fine #40 for my 3-7mm necklace.

 

[Pegleit]

Fine? #40? I'd really go with Medium #30 unless the pearls are really tiny. I've only used Fine #40 for my 3-7mm necklace.

Yipes! Glad I ordered the card and not the spool. Here I go again….