Pearl Knotting Tools & Techniques

Pearl necklaces are knotted. That means, if you look very closely, you’ll see tiny knots in between each pearl bead. Pearls are not the only beads strung in this fashion. Many of your finer beaded jewelry is knotted. There are two main reasons for this: knots keep the beads from rubbing against each other, and if the piece breaks, beads won’t go flying.

There are a number of tools and techniques used to accomplish Pearl Knotting, or knotting between any kinds of beads. Let’s talk about the different kinds of tools, supplies and techniques that can be used for this style of Beading

#1 Silk Thread

Silk Thread typically comes on cards and spools. These Silk Pearl-Knotting threads are available in a variety of colours and thicknesses. Size ‘D’ works well for light weight beads, size ‘E-F’ for medium weight and size ‘F-FFF’ for heavy weight.

#1 Needles

As Silk Thread is a bit thicker and may fray on the ends, it is sometimes difficult to thread through the eye of a typical Beading needle. A collapsible or Big Eye Needle are recommended for pearl and/or bead knotting.

Pearls typically have small drill holes that vary with the size of the pearl. Hole sizes generally range from 0.50mm to 0.75mm. Often the pearl hole needs to be cleared out. The Bead Reamer is an excellent tool to smooth out the pearl hole and/or increase the hole size.

There are a variety of tools available to ease and perfect the pearl knotting technique. Frequent pearl-knotters will certainly have a tool favourite. For the Beginner, the Knotting Tool might be the easiest to get started.

 Are you encouraged? We hope this small sampling of Pearl Knotting tools & techniques helps you take the plunge and dive into the world of knotting!