Size of Thread

by Barb
(New York)

Hi,


I'm a new at this. I'm trying to restring a 5mm size pearls with a pretty tiny hole. I bought no.4, 0.60 mm Griffin silk cord. I could not pass 2 strands through the hole. Can you suggest the size thread I should be using?

Also, with your technique, four strands would have to pass through the hole when stringing the beads, or am I misunderstanding the instructions.
Lastly, how do you make a knot small enough to pass through the needle on your enlarged loop when stringing the beads.

Appreciate any help you can supply.
Thanks, Barb

Comments for Size of Thread

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fire Mountain is one option
by: Kari

Hi, Fire Mountain has a large stock and many choices. It is a good place to start your search.
Kari
Dec 27, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Restringing pearls
by: Mary

Hi, where could I buy silk thread and needles to restring my pearls?

Thanks
Oct 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stick to basics
by: Kari

Hi Barb,

If you are new to stringing pearls, I suggest you stick to the basics. You can always do them over once you have more experience. Going back through the first & last three pearls gives a more professional appearance, but the basic method also works. Often the holes are too small for backtracking and must be reamed bigger. This can be done with a pearl reamer which is a tiny file type tool that can be used to file the hole larger.

The kind manager of Mikimoto in London on elite Bond Street explained to me that the Mikimoto pearls usually are strung with this technique.


Gimp is nice, but basics also work. As I said above, you can always do them again. I suggest getting the basics down pat...then go to other methods.
Oct 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Stringing Technique
by: Barbara

Just curious to know if you would recommend as even more secure the technique of returning through the first three and last three pearls for more security. I'm sure it is more challenging and I'm wondering how to deal with the 6 thicknesses of thread that would have to pass through a small pearl.Also, I've heard that using gimp at the clasp is also preferred.
I can't figure out what method was used on the broken strand I am hoping to reknot, but the knots are very small and even, broken at the clasp and as I take it apart they look waxed.
Oct 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		"D" or "E" Gudebrod Thread
by: Kari

Hi Barb,

If you're using Gudebrod silk thread either "D" (0.3048mm) or "E" (0.3251mm) work for me with 5mm pearls for the method I've described on this page.

I don't know the name of the knot I use for the tiny thread loop I first put on the needle, I just hold the threads together and make a knot. Since I only use a tiny thread for this loop the knot will go through easily. Using this loop on the needle enables the 2 or 4 strands to easily slip through the pearl hole.

If all else fails one can also "go Asian" and forget the knots. I discovered while examining pricey Mikimoto pearls in downtown Ginza, Tokyo that Asian women prefer their expensive pearl necklaces without knots!

Send a photo of your results, Barb. We'd love to see you accomplishments!
Oct 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thread Size
by: Barb

Hi, Thanks for your help. The Griffin Size 4, 60 mm thread was prethreaded and composed of only two strands. I think I will be better off trying an unthreaded cord like Gudebrod. What size, in mm, silk cord do you usually use for small 5 mm pearls? I plan to use the two thread method.

Also, what kind of knot do you make to close the loop on your threading needle?

I know it will take alot of practice to do a good job, but first I have to get the thread size correct.

Thanks again.
Barb
Oct 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		thread size
by: Kari

Hi Barb,

Thread sizing is totally confusing. There are so many brands and systems. Yes, .60mm would be too large, so I suggest you split the threads or divide them up until they fit through. If you're like me, you don't want to waste money on unused thread. Try splitting them up. Thread usually comes in about 4 strands.

The system I was taught does have 4 strands going through the pearls. If the thread is small enough, it works fine. (But, if the thread is too small the knots are also too small and slip through the pearls.) Doing it that way allows one clasp to be looped on and not tied, but if you tie on both clasps you only need to pull through 2 strands.

It's difficult to learn pearl knotting from written instructions. I learned by watching and watching and watching, then finally trying it myself and asking lots of questions.

The first big loop I put on the needle is of very tiny thread (only 1/4 of the entire strand) so the knot made is also very small and easily passes through the holes.

I should try making a video, maybe that would help...but I'm more comfortable behind a camera than in front of one :).

Thank you for your question, Barb, and I hope this helps some.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Pearl Knotting.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.