How to String & Knot Pearl Necklaces
- 1). Cut a length of silk thread four times as long as the desired necklace length. For instance if you are making or restringing a 12-inch long necklace, cut a length of silk thread 48 inches long. This gives you enough length to knot the thread and attach a clasp. Silk thread is flexible and quite strong.
- 2). String three crimp beads onto the thread. Crimp beads are metal beads with an open side so they look like a C from above.
- 3). Pull the thread through the ring on the necklace clasp and fold the thread so it forms a loop. Slide the crimp beads up so they hold the loop closed and crush the crimp beads closed with needle-nose pliers.
- 4). String the loose end of the thread into a wire beading needle but don't knot it. String the pearl beads onto the thread in the desired order. String on four crimp beads and the other end of the clasp. Pass the wire needle and thread back through the crimp beads and the nearest pearl.
- 5). Tug on the thread until the clasp and crimp beads are snug but not taut against the first pearl. You'll need some room to maneuver. Separate the first pearl from the pearl next to it and tie the loose thread with the needle into a single knot right next to the first pearl. Pass the needle and thread through the second pearl and push it snug against the first knot. Tie a second knot next to the second pearl.
- 6). Continue stringing and tying knots until you reach the end. Tie a tight knot next to the last pearl and snip of the excess with a pair of scissors, leaving a small tail. Push a crimp bead over the tail and the main thread and crush it closed with the needle-nose pliers. Crush the crimp beads at the other end of the necklace closed as well.
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