Ask A Bead Babe
Attaching a Toggle Clasp to Chunky Beads
Q. How do I make a Bracelet made of large wood beads and with a t clasp?
Jaime, Singapore
A. Be sure to use at least a half inch of small beads on the end that will attach to the bar of the toggle. These small
beads should be able to pass through the ring of the toggle along with the bar.
Q. How do I make a Bracelet made of large wood beads and with a t clasp?
Jaime, Singapore
A. Be sure to use at least a half inch of small beads on the end that will attach to the bar of the toggle. These small
beads should be able to pass through the ring of the toggle along with the bar.
What are pinch bails?
Q. I was wondering what a pinch bail is used for?
Amiee
A. I pinch bail is an alternative way to hang a pendant. It offers a more decorative finish than just a wire wrap. We
carry a beautiful sterling silver leaf pinch bail.
Q. I was wondering what a pinch bail is used for?
Amiee
A. I pinch bail is an alternative way to hang a pendant. It offers a more decorative finish than just a wire wrap. We
carry a beautiful sterling silver leaf pinch bail.
Keeping the Focal Piece from shifting.
Q. How do I keep my necklace that has a pendant as the focal point from shifting to the side after it has been around
the neck for a while. Do I need to do something to keep it balanced? All my necklaces shift to the side for some
reason. What am I doing wrong?
Marcelle, Jacksonville
A. I have found this to be a problem myself. I'd mind the weight distribution through out the necklace. Is your focal
piece the heaviest piece, or do you have other components competing with it. You might also think about the weight
of the clasp. Sometimes it's nice to have it balanced with the focal piece so they keep each other in place. Try a toggle
clasp for certain pieces. The toggle clasp is good for a piece with heavy weight because the weight is what pulls the
toggle together.
Q. How do I keep my necklace that has a pendant as the focal point from shifting to the side after it has been around
the neck for a while. Do I need to do something to keep it balanced? All my necklaces shift to the side for some
reason. What am I doing wrong?
Marcelle, Jacksonville
A. I have found this to be a problem myself. I'd mind the weight distribution through out the necklace. Is your focal
piece the heaviest piece, or do you have other components competing with it. You might also think about the weight
of the clasp. Sometimes it's nice to have it balanced with the focal piece so they keep each other in place. Try a toggle
clasp for certain pieces. The toggle clasp is good for a piece with heavy weight because the weight is what pulls the
toggle together.
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Choosing Thread for Knotting
Q. What's the best sized thread to knot my pearls? There are so many sizes and kinds around, I just don't know
where to start!
Julie, Ohio
A. Pearl Knotting has always been a mystery to many people. We've found the best size thread for standard pearls
is Gudebrod Silk (or similar) that comes on a card, in size E. If you're using tiny pearls, try size D. Make sure you
don't buy a woven silk, like Griffin. This is best saved for pearl and gem floats.
Remember silk will stretch over time, so try to stretch it out before you start knotting by hanging a weight from it
overnight. For more on Pearl Knotting, try our downloadable PDF handout
Q. What's the best sized thread to knot my pearls? There are so many sizes and kinds around, I just don't know
where to start!
Julie, Ohio
A. Pearl Knotting has always been a mystery to many people. We've found the best size thread for standard pearls
is Gudebrod Silk (or similar) that comes on a card, in size E. If you're using tiny pearls, try size D. Make sure you
don't buy a woven silk, like Griffin. This is best saved for pearl and gem floats.
Remember silk will stretch over time, so try to stretch it out before you start knotting by hanging a weight from it
overnight. For more on Pearl Knotting, try our downloadable PDF handout
Home > Learning Center > Ask a Bead Babe > page 4
Gemstone Knotting
Q. What is the best stringing material to use when knotting gemstones like you would pearls? I love silk but I'm
afraid the piece will have a short life when using harder beads.
Rebecca, Houston
A. I recommend the Superlon Thread. It's the perfect nylon thread in size D for almost every project, Superlon
(aka Nymo) is now available in a range of colors and packaged in cute little stacks.
Originally designed to use with seed beads, this thread is the answer to your prayers when it comes to knotting little
gemstones. Used by designers in our Intermediate and Advanced Knotting classes, these threads stand up to
emeralds, tourmaline and sapphires.
Q. What is the best stringing material to use when knotting gemstones like you would pearls? I love silk but I'm
afraid the piece will have a short life when using harder beads.
Rebecca, Houston
A. I recommend the Superlon Thread. It's the perfect nylon thread in size D for almost every project, Superlon
(aka Nymo) is now available in a range of colors and packaged in cute little stacks.
Originally designed to use with seed beads, this thread is the answer to your prayers when it comes to knotting little
gemstones. Used by designers in our Intermediate and Advanced Knotting classes, these threads stand up to
emeralds, tourmaline and sapphires.