Project 1105-2
 
 

Beading Lesson – Knotting Gemstones
By Katie Hacker
Sponsored by Beadalon

For tools and supplies visit:



www.beadalon.com

You’ve probably tried your hand at pearl knotting before, but have you ever thought about knotting gemstones? It’s a stylish way to enhance the natural beauty of your favorite stones. In this Beading Lesson, we’ll show you how to get started.


To make a knotted strand, you’ll need: gemstone beads, a knotting tool or beading awl and knotting pliers, silk or poly nylon cord with attached needle, scissors, French wire, a clasp, and jeweler’s cement. Gemstones are notorious for having burrs inside the holes, so you’ll also need a bead reamer to file any rough spots.

Silk cord has been used for centuries to create knotted jewelry. It's available in a variety of colors and diameters. Many people use silk cord with gemstones since it is also a natural material. It’s important to stretch silk before knotting with it. Remove it from the card and pull the ends to remove any creases. Choose the cord diameter based on the size of your bead holes.

Since the cord will pass twice through first three beads on the knotted strand, it may be necessary to enlarge those bead holes. A bead reamer is basically a round file that you can use to make holes slightly larger or to smooth any abrasive edges. Tie a knot on the end of the cord, then string the reamed beads onto it.

French wire is tiny, coiled wire that protects the cord from any abrasion that might be caused by the clasp. Cut a small piece and string the French wire and the clasp onto the cord. Place the needle back through the last bead to force the French wire into a loop. The first three beads that you string will be knotted by hand. Use a beading awl to make sure the knot is snug against each bead. Place a drop of glue on the last knot.

You can continue using the awl to help with knot placement, but a knotting tool is a faster and more consistent method. To use a knotting tool, wrap the clasp end around your hand. Hold your fingers apart and drop the clasp through the loop. Place the knotter through the loop with the point away from your hand. Pull the cord straight up to tighten the knot. Push your thumb up to force the knot off of the tool. Repeat this technique to make a knot between each bead.

Finish the piece as you started, by threading the end through French Wire, the clasp and back through the first three beads.

Links:
Silk bead cord http://www.beadalon.com/knottingtools.asp
Bead stringing glue http://www.beadalon.com/adhesives.asp
Knotting tool  & tutorial http://www.beadalon.com/knottingtools.asp

For more ideas and inspiration visit www.katiehacker.com



Guest:

Katie Hacker


 
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