UNTYING the SECRETS of KNOTTING

Knots are so important in beadwork and jewelry making. In beadwork they can be used when adding, ending and beginning thread. The type of knots used can vary depending on the stitch you are using, the type of thread and bead sizes. Using the right knot and making it correctly can help prevent your thread from unraveling and keep your creations intact. We encourage you to take the time to review these knots and practice making them.  While it can be tricky to learn how to tie a good knot when doing beadwork, it will greatly improve the quality and durability of your work.  Here we go!

for the Jewelry Creation to fit exactly!

COMMON BEADING KNOTS SUMMARY

#1 SURGEON KNOT

The origin of the Surgeon knot is used to secure suture threads during surgical procedures. In beading, the Surgeon knots are ideal to use with elastic or stretch cord. The extra pass through at the base will help to keep the knot in place while you are tying the second half of the knot. It also makes the knot less likely to untie. Surgeon's knots also work well with beading thread such as Nymo or FireLine. They can be used to add thread to a component or bead thread. A Surgeon's knot can also be used on the thread end to make a bulkier knot that resists slipping through the beading foundation.

#2 WEAVER’S

#3 SQUARE

Square knots can be used to add new threads in beadwork. They are a good choice when working in open weave stitches such as netting and right angle weave stitches. They are very secure, and easy to hide in between beads or even inside of seed beads. These knots are used in a variety of beadwork and jewelry making projects mainly to secure cord ends or attach new cords.

#4 OVERHAND

An overhand knot is frequently used and is a very simple to tie. In bead stringing, it is used to make knots between beads for decorative effect or to keep them secure. It is also used in stringing at the end of a cord or to attach a cord to a clamshell beading tip. Overhand knots can also be used on cord that is doubled to create a loop that can be used to make a clasp, such as when working with leather cord.

#5 LARK’S

A lark's head knot is a very easy knot to tie. It is used to attach cords in beadwork, macramé and jewelry making. These knots can be useful as well as decorative. They are a good knot to use to add a pendant to a necklace or a focal to a bracelet because they look pretty as well as being secure.

#5 HALF HITCH

A Half Hitch knot is one of the most commonly used knots in beadwork. It is used to add a new thread as well as tie off and end threads with most beadwork stitches. The Half Hitch knot works very well when used in multiples to add and end new thread in your beadwork, and with a small drop of glue or fresh, clear nail polish can be just as secure as a Square knot or Surgeon's knot.

Knots can also be decorative in addition to being functional. While learning how to make the appropriate knot can be a little tedious, we assure you that your time is well worth the effort! Your finished designs will look professional AND your creations will remain intact and beautiful!