Trying to Knot Pearls (insert cuss word here)

[richipat]

I am having the hardest time. I will get about 10 inches completed with nice perfect little knots, then all of a sudden-- a tangle happens -- while I am trying to pass the whole string through. Somehow I just can't managed an almost full string.

Once it tangles, I seem to lose all control and have to start all over again.

All of the videos show the first two or three pearls being knotted. what I don't see is how to handle the fuller sting with the clasp on the end.

Anyone have any suggestions? What do you do?

 

[boo]

Where is the tangle happening? I keep the loop that will become the knot open wide (using index finger, middle finger and thumb) until the entire strand of pearls has passed through and then I start to close the loop and make the knot. Is the knot tangling or the thread adjacent to the knotted pearls or the thread nearer the needle?

 

[Cathybear]

I find as I'm knotting, the thread twists, which can cause the long thread I'm working with to twist up and tangle. If that's what is happening, you could try letting the needle and thread drop *while keeping all thread with pearls on, away ( I drape it over my knee, knotted pearls on one side, unknotted pearls on other) and gently run two fingers down the length of twisted thread so it untwists. I don't know if this makes sense.. much easier to do than describe. Knotting gets much easier with practice.
Cathy

 

[knotty panda]

What kind of thread are you using? If it's silk, twisting is the problem. Make sure you are threading the needle properly. That can cause twisting. Waxing helps to keep the thread from twisting during knotting. If you are separating two threads to position the knot, separate only about 6" above the pearl. Don't separate the whole length of thread.

 

[jerin]

I am having the hardest time. I will get about 10 inches completed with nice perfect little knots, then all of a sudden-- a tangle happens -- while I am trying to pass the whole string through. Somehow I just can't managed an almost full string.

Once it tangles, I seem to lose all control and have to start all over again.

All of the videos show the first two or three pearls being knotted. what I don't see is how to handle the fuller sting with the clasp on the end.

Anyone have any suggestions? What do you do?

Hi richipat,
when I started to string, I stood so that the pearls could hang and that way the silk or whatever stringing material you use is not likely to tangle at all! That is most usefull if you have a necklace of a length over 16 inches. Once you have practiced you can sit down again, while doing the job, I used to listen to a radio programme or watched TV (mostly listening) so I could watch my thread as well. Just make certain that the thread lies secure on your fingers, if it - heaven forbid - slids off, then you have a tough knot in the wrong place - otherwise standing is great for always having the thread perfectly even stretched (I mean BOTH THREADS).

Good luck and let us know, if it works out that way.

 

[jerin]

"All of the videos show the first two or three pearls being knotted. what I don't see is how to handle the fuller sting with the clasp on the end".

I just read your post again and there are 2 issues which probably also have to do with tangling: In the videos all pearls are on the string at the same time and you pull all of the knotted pearls through the loop, I prefer the more work intensive variation of just taking one pearl at a time, although I have the pearls on a string beside so I can see that the matching is correct.

I am not sure what you mean by how it is to handle the fuller strand with the clasp... this is the "weight" you need to have the 2 threads stretched evenly. in case of having all the pearls on your threads, the unknotted on the one side and the strung ones on the other side, the only difference is that you pull all the pearls from one side to the other, it is really hard to explain, I wouldn?t understand it myself, reading this, sorry, sigh! I still have hopes someone explains is better or do look at the video and check out the"Henrietta" book, if you have it. She teaches the one pearl at a time-method.

 

[knotty panda]

We still have no idea what she is using. Silk? Fishing line? Cord? Nymo? We're just shooting from the hip with no knowledge of what she's using.

 

[richipat]

Sorry for being slow in answering your question, I just had time to sign on. I am using silk thread. Next time I will know to put more information into my question, so you can answer appropriately.

All of suggestions sound good. It sounds like twisting is the culprit. Before I try again, I will get some beeswax and drop the needle to let it untangle. Also, I like the idea of standing up, that way the pearls don't get in the way.

I guess I just have to keep practicing and practicing. Y'all are the best!!! Thanks so much for all the help. I feel much better.

 

[danachit]

Richipat, it's normal to have re-dos when you first start knotting. I agree with what everyone has said here but would add that using a tri-cord knotter is a wonderful thing. I used to knot with my fingers but found using this little tool, knotting is much more FUN. It's a nifty little invention and makes neat knots up against the pearl every time.

 

[jerin]

It?s a bit hard on the thumb though, I might add and it takes away some of the joy when knotting completely with your own hands/fingers. Otherwise once you get used to a tricordknotter, it just works fast and makes very nice knots.

 

[knotty panda]

Also remember to thread the needle with the leading edge so the twist of the thread is correct. Think of threading a sewing machine with the spool in the spindle on top. The proper end always goes into the eye of a sewing machine. Keep track of the end which goes into the needle. Believe it or not, it does make a difference in how the thread behaves.

I haven't read Henrietta's book. Does she recommend waxing?

Standing. I know one person who does that but it takes her hours to complete a 16" strand. She also uses tweezers and head gear. Looks more like she's doing battle instead of having a knotting Zen moment. Everyone has their own style.

Speaking of waxing, anyone besides me hate Thread Heaven? Gives the thread a static electric charge. I guess that's one way to end twisting.

 

[pattye]

Brief report on my first knotting attempt--bleh! Knots too small for hole, doubled thread so had 4 threads, very bad idea, still not heavy enough, got tangled up in all that (using power pro) with 4 lines going, phone rang, nearly tripped my self with it somehow wrapped around my legs, and don't even have a cat to blame------cut it all apart and will try again another day, after being fortified with a good nights sleep and a vat of diet coke.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

 

[Nerida]

Pattye - sounds all too familiar! I think I could end up like Inge though, and actually enjoy knotting... now that I have my powerpro again..

 

[jerin]

I haven't read Henrietta's book. Does she recommend waxing?I have not seen anything about waxing in the book.

Speaking of waxing, anyone besides me hate Thread Heaven? Gives the thread a static electric charge. I guess that's one way to end twisting.

I bought some and I don?t think it works very well, at least it does not for me! I only uses it to get the thread through the eye of the needle but either my "Thread Heaven" is too old, it barely keeps the different parts of the thread together!

Standing. I know one person who does that but it takes her hours to complete a 16" strand. She also uses tweezers and head gear. Looks more like she's doing battle instead of having a knotting Zen moment. Everyone has their own style.

I do not mean to stand up ALL THE TIME but just for a while, untill your thread is not so very long and you have some pearls, giving it the weight it needs to hang straight. Once the thread becomes shorter and you have more than say 10 pearls, you can sit down again, if you so wish. But for me it worked beautifully at the beginning of my beader?s career. I am sure I saved myself many times from redoing a certain strand and my thread alwas was genrously measured to keep me from redoing it because it being too short.

I am normally sitting, but sometimes when feeling a bit restless I would "wander around" with the pearls hanging down, listening to the Radio or watching a TV-programme.
You are right of course in that this method is not the fastest one but at least one of the best ones to avoid tangles and at the same time getting the knot close to the pearl....

 

[jerin]

Brief report on my first knotting attempt--bleh! Knots too small for hole, doubled thread so had 4 threads, very bad idea, still not heavy enough, got tangled up in all that (using power pro) with 4 lines going, phone rang, nearly tripped my self with it somehow wrapped around my legs, and don't even have a cat to blame------cut it all apart and will try again another day, after being fortified with a good nights sleep and a vat of diet coke.

Pattye, it very soon will go much easier but you might need a Power Pro line with a thicker diameter? What lbs did you use? What kind of pearls? I have not yet encountered pearls with really large holes, quite the other extreme, very small holes! Or are you knotting between beads with large holes?

BTW don?t drink too much Coke, it might make you too stressed up and it is always good to be calm-minded when knotting, patience is needed to get the perfect result. I look forward to hearing from all of you new-stringers, when you get the first result that you yourselves are satisfied with.

 

[Sueki]

Hi Pattye,
Sorry to hear of your problems.
But don't worry, I am sure that happened with most of us the first few attempts.
And seeing your photos of your other work, I know you'll just get better and better at the knotting.
When I first started to knot, I couldn't believe Caitlin's posts about knotting a long rope while watching a film on t.v. and how quickly she did it, too.
It used to take me all day to string an 18 inch necklace !!
Now it takes me about an hour.

Knotty, I don't like Thread Heaven either.
Quite apart from the static, which I find makes the silk more prone to unruliness and twisting, it's very sticky. Even after removing the excess.

 

[richipat]

Pattye -- I understand completely -- sounds like my experiences. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Practice, practice, practice. I am getting better. I decided to try knotting bracelet size instead of a whole necklace. The knots are still iffy - but having one or two strands come out fairly decent is very encouraging.

 

[knotty panda]

If I may be so bold as to offer some suggestions? Don't concern yourself with gimp for the moment. Bead tips really are an acceptable way of ending a strand. Also, make a few bracelets before making any necklaces. Less thread to trip you. Make it easy on yourself. Oh, I see richipat made the same suggestion.

 

[Satine De La Courcel]

Practice is the Best answer. I have used Wax, and Thread Heaven, FOr wax use real Beaswax note hte crappy stuff sold at a local Fabric stores real beaswax and make sure its "fresh" the Older wax Crumbles and "gunks up" the Pearl holes, discolors teh thread and looks sloppy and is counter productive.

As for thread heaven, it takes a long time to get used to dealing with ttah stuff. I do not like how it "coats my Fingers" But that is the Point to all this is to "coat" the thread you use, to have the thread more durable especially for using gemstone or glass beads.

I have also used many of the other "Threads and wire threads metioned" It is really individual preference. Nothing is a cure all or perfect to use all the time.. Knotting really does take practice.

good luck Keep practicing. until you find what works for you.

 

[knotty panda]

Practice is the Best answer. I have used Wax, and Thread Heaven, FOr wax use real Beaswax note hte crappy stuff sold at a local Fabric stores real beaswax and make sure its "fresh" the Older wax Crumbles and "gunks up" the Pearl holes, discolors teh thread and looks sloppy and is counter productive. /QUOTE]


Nothing like preaching after the sermon is over but that wax thing is really true. Keeps the thread from snagging and twisting, knots glide into place no matter how careless I am. Good beeswax is pale in color and is not sweaty. If it looks hard, then it is hard. I agree about the fabric stores. Haven't purchased a good cake there yet (Hancock's, JoAnn's, etc.). I've heard quilting stores carry good stock because they are a specialty store. I get mine at my local bead store. Really expensive at $2.25 a cake and this cake will probably last me another 5 years. How do bead stores stay in business?