As you learn how to get creative with your jewelry projects, you’ll be mastering fundamental jewelry techniques along the way. But instead of just learning the skills with the usual how-tos, you’ll also get more familiar with different stringing materials.
There are many types of materials that are available in a wide range of colors, thicknesses and finishes which we have discussed in our part I of stringing materials .
To get you acquainted with more stringing materials, here’s part 2:
Rattail. A satin cord which is best used for kumihimo braiding and Chinese knotting techniques, Rattail is easy to work with, has soft qualities and is fantastic when used for stringing beads with large holes.
Hemp Cord. Sturdy and eco-friendly, natural hemp cord is another great material to use for jewelry-making. Apart from stringing your favorite jewelry, you can also utilize hemp cords for scrapbooking designs, home decors and macrame. As with any other types of cord, you can utilize the cord ends to finish off your project or just simply knot them.
Beading Thread. When you want to experiment with tiny seed beads, opt for beading threads like Nymo or Silamide. These two are perfect for bead embroidery projects and beadweaving. Use a special beading needle, one that will fit perfectly through the bead holes. With beading threads and seed beads combined, you can create arts and crafts, purses and miniature beaded animals.
Silk. When you work with freshwater pearls or other delicate beads, silk thread is the best material to use. You can easily knot in between beads with a silk thread as it allows you to protect the beads from friction. Soft and stretchy, you can buy silk threads in different colors and sizes.
Cotton Cord. If you’re not a fan of leather, waxed cotton cord is a good option to use for necklaces and bracelets. Cotton cords are excellent materials for stringing and knotting and they are typically in a regular color and size. You need not worry about the cords breaking down as they are water resistant.
When you choose the right stringing material, you can really see the difference it makes on your finished piece of jewelry. Keep in mind that not all types of materials will suit your designs. At times, you might find that the beads or findings will clash with the stringing material especially if you don’t use the right one. A thread with a thinner diameter do not fit large beads. Some beads do not fit onto a cord. Hence, make sure you’ll familiarize yourself with different stringing materials so you can effortlessly work on your jewelry designs.