How To Add Thread To A Beading Project
When I first began making beaded jewelry, one of the things I was most confused about was thread. I had no idea what thread to use for particular projects and was even more confused as to what to do when thread runs out in the middle of a project. I researched the topic of adding thread nearly to the point of exhaustion, finding very little information on it.
What I realized eventually, after finding bits and pieces of information and experimenting is that different techniques require different methods. Here I will outline a basic list of beading techniques and my chosen method of adding new thread. This may not be the same method everyone employs, but it's what works best for me. Perhaps you will try these techniques and then develop your own.
Peyote Stitch
Peyote stitch is a very strong stitch. Because of its fortitude it actually doesn't require knotting. When you have a few inches of thread left (about 5 inches or so), weave the thread backwards into the piece. It helps if you weave around in circles. Once you run out of thread, cut any remaining pieces. String a stop bead onto your new length of thread leaving a tail of about 5 inches. Starting about an inch from the project edge, beginning weaving through the beads, again going around in circles until you reach the point where you left off.
The one important factor is to continue in the same direction as your previous thread. The new thread should exit from the same bead in the same direction as the old thread would have done.
When you finish the piece, remove the stop bead and weave in the tail that was left from the added thread.
The one important factor is to continue in the same direction as your previous thread. The new thread should exit from the same bead in the same direction as the old thread would have done.
When you finish the piece, remove the stop bead and weave in the tail that was left from the added thread.
Brick Stitch
Similar to Peyote stitch, Brick stitch is very strong on its own so it doesn't need to be knotted. Just to be safe, you can make a few half-hitch knots, weave back into the piece and add new thread just as you would with peyote stitch.
Netting
With netting, you will have make a knot in order to add new thread. With its lacy, delicate appearance, netting is not very strong and doesn't hold up too well if it is not secured. You will want to make sure that you are using a thin enough thread that it will be able to pass through the beads even when knotted. You can experiment with a small piece of thread before beginning your project to make sure the knot can pass through the beads.
When you have about 3 inches of thread left, remove the needle and cut another length of thread. Make a knot with the 2 threads. At this point, some people make a book-binder's knot which snaps into place. I prefer making a surgeon's knot because I feel that it's more secure. Tug at the thread just a little to make sure the knot won't move and trim excess threads.
When you have about 3 inches of thread left, remove the needle and cut another length of thread. Make a knot with the 2 threads. At this point, some people make a book-binder's knot which snaps into place. I prefer making a surgeon's knot because I feel that it's more secure. Tug at the thread just a little to make sure the knot won't move and trim excess threads.
Twisted Ropes
When making a twisted rope, the same technique applies as in netting. Make a surgeon's or bookbinder's knot and continue working.
Bead Embroidery
When you're doing bead embroidery and need new thread, simply pass the thread to the back of your embroidery material and make a few half-hitch knots. Cut and thread a new length. Knot the end of the thread and bring it back up where you left off.
Other Types of Beading
Sometimes you will have to use your knowledge and experience to know what to do. Beading is very much experimentation and intuition. If you have doubts about the fortitude of a stitch, a few well-hidden knots won't hurt. It's also a good idea to use glue or clear nail polish to secure knots when making jewelry.