Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Beading Threads (from a Beader's Perspective)

Now that needlepointers have become bead addicts, we are all suddenly quite interested in finding a beading thread that works for us.  The Collection and Sundance both sell beading threads plus we have also used wire, waxed and unwaxed silk and even cotton threads to attach our beads.  Then there is fishing line like Fireline that some folks use for beading.

A friend who does quite a lot of beadwork and jewelry recommended this article.  She warned that although Fireline 6 lb. test is used in beadwork, you need to be careful about putting it over a finger and pulling as it can cut.  I think that 6 lb. is a bit heavy for beadwork on needlepoint myself, judging from a visit to Walmart's fishing section where I inspected their stock but then I often use size 14 and 15 beads instead of the larger size 11 beads.
http://www.beadingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2012/05/28/the-great-thread-debate-nymo-vs-fireline-for-beadweaving.aspx

Hopefully this will give us even more options.  Personally, I think lots of options are great as no one beading thread is going to work in every situation.

Thanks, MR!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

4 comments:

Stephanie Wong said...

I've been using 4-lb.Fireline to basketweave bead with Delica beads on some ornaments -- worked well for me, especially when I needed to unstitch a bead. The braided thread is very durable when I was picking it out with the sharp beading needle.

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

Good to know, Stephanie. I was curious but Walmart only sells Fireline in huge spools!

pamelaric said...

When buying fishing line, just be sure to read the package very carefully. Some of these lines break down (read disintegrate) when exposed to sunlight.

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

AWK! Thanks for the tip, Pamela. That's certainly something to watch out for!!!!