Trying to Knot Pearls (insert cuss word here)

[Sueki]

I buy my beeswax from a beekeeper for about the same price as you pay, Knotty.
His honey is nice, too....

 

[Satine De La Courcel]

Knotty,

Due to busy life, I am not online daily as many are these days I am behind in my reading. so if the "horse is beaten" I appreciate you give some room. Summer is my Buys time, lately I would rather spend my days here on PG with everyone but.. Life has a way.....

Anyway back to cathcing up so not to make anyone else annoyed..

Cheers
Ash

 

[thesparklingstarfish]

my own knotting method

my own knotting method

Hi folks.. I dont know how great my method is but it's quick, simple and painless. I have some decent customers who think it's great but maybe it's a case of 'what do they know??"

I use Griffin # 2 or 3 (depending on pearl size) and it comes with the attached needle. It's silk already twisted for strength. I tie on the one part of my clasp..glue the knot and cover it with a sterling crimp cover bead. Then I string on one pearl at a time making the knots as I go. Wrap the thread around and through the loop..pinch the thread by the pearl with a pair of Revlon (red coated) tweezers (under $8 at Walmart) and pull the loop tight. I let go and let the string hang just before I let go with the tweezers..then use them to push the knot down next to the pearl. Works great every time!! Get to the end of the strand and tie on my other end of the clasp, glue it and cover with a bead and voila.. done!

I've watched so many videos and read so many how-to's on knotting but a gal showed me this method last year and I've taken off with it. I got so confused with those other ways. And I cant' for the life of me understand how to get 2 strands through those holes with a needle. They are so tiny! But then I'm not a professional

 

[Cathybear]

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 like Thread Heaven, but I really only use it occasionally, to ease a needle through pearls when they are a tight fit. When I need it I just run the eye of the needle and surrounding thread over the little block. If Thread Heaven doesn't help then I need to go down a size in the silk thread.
Cathy

 

[Cathybear]

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.

When I started knotting I remember feeling as if I had two left hands.
The only way to remedy that is to .... wait for it.. practice, practice, practice lol.
Starting with bracelet length is a GREAT idea! I wish I'd though of that when I was starting (would have been less to CUT UP when I had to start again)
Cathy

 

[jerin]

Hello Sparkling Starfish (what a lovely name) and welcome to the forum!

I still think to knot without tweezers is easier and when I knot heavier pearls I use Power Pro and no glueing is needed as I burn the knot with the thread ends so no pearl will get lost in case the otherwise used glue would get into the drillhole. Flexible needles with a large eye are easy to use with double thread, buy from Bead Shack...

 

[dkan 168]

I just bought a Tri-cord knotter, and after a bit of practice and getting used to the technique, I am glad to report this gadget gives very good consistent results which are much better than my previous efforts using an awl.

I believe the tool is less likely to scratch the pearls due to mishaps, like the awl slipping etc..

All in all, I consider this gadget as money well spent

BTW, I bought directly from Tri-cord, and the package consists of a DVD, the tool itself, 2 booklets on how to string pearls, 4 wire needles, a card each of Size E Black and White Silk threads, good value for money IMHO

DK

 

[pearlescence]

Hi. I use wax from my own bees, so it is there when I need it so long as I ask nicely.

I use griffin and a very fine darning needle (longer than an ordinary needle). I found that a bigger needle, never mind an awl, did make the knots loose and sloppy. I've never scratched a pearl with one. (though I have jabbed my fingers several times)

I looked at those tri knotters - they look complicated

Whatever method one uses (and I think there are as many ways to knot as I have pairs of sock) there will always be an improvement over time. I cringe and reach for the snips when I see some stuff from a few years ago.

But that is the beauty of pearls - you can very easily dis-assemble the piece and start again.