Here is a list of some (and by no means all) of the stringing media now available and what type of beads work best with it.
Silk
A well-known classic for bead stringing, silk thread is most often used for pearls. Some beaders also like to use it with stone beads. We rarely use silk because we find that it frays easily. However, we know a few people who do pearl bead stringing for a little extra cash, and they use silk exclusively for their pearls. Silk is a higher quality thread than nylon. So, when you’re charging people to hand-knot their pearl strands, it only makes sense to use a good quality thread. You can purchase silk on large spools or cards with attached twisted needles. It also comes in a variety of colors (white, black, gray, pink, etc.) and sizes (#1-#8).
Nylon
When knotting long, stone bead necklaces, nylon works very well. Nylon can also be purchased in long rolls or on cards with attached needles. Since Nylon is a synthetic fiber, it doesn’t stretch or fray. We like the way nylon makes stone bead necklaces drape, even if you’re not knotting between the beads. Nylon also comes in different colors and sizes. Most often, we use size #4. It seems to work well with 6mm and 4mm beads, which we use a lot. For small beads, we use size #2.
Monofilament
We’ve seen this in craft stores labeled as “Jewelry Thread.” But, yes, it’s that same stuff they use on a fishing pole. When we first started string beads, we used 20 lbs. test filament for everything. Today, I’m a lot more experienced and, therefore, a lot more particular. However, we still think this is okay to use for those cheap $3 bracelets that are sold as impulse items. Most people who buy a $3 bracelet are going to wear it for a few months and then get tired of it. However, we would never string beads that could cut or stretch the monofilament such as hematite or crystals. Even a $3 bracelet should not break too easily. Though I’ve never had anything break using a filament, and I’ve got some old stuff we made ten years ago using it that we still wear sometimes, the cord will eventually become oddly shaped if stored twisted up. So, use your judgment. If you’re making a bunch of stuff to stick in your bargain bin, you might want to use it. However, if you’re making a necklace, you’re going to sell in a gallery, we would consider another type of cord.
Nymo
It is a staple item in most seed beaders’ bead boxes. It comes in a good range of colors and various sizes. You can buy it in large rolls or tiny bobbin sized rolls. Most often, beaders use the smaller rolls for portability, and so they can have more colors. It must be waxed using either beeswax or a product call Thread Heaven. Though we seed bead, we’re not into nymo after being introduced to silamide. Nymo is used mostly for seed beads, but can also be used with pearls or heishi.
Silamide
This thread is also used with seed beads. However, it is pre-waxed with strands twisted together, so it’s convenient and strong. Originally, many seed beaders weren’t very impressed because the color selection was very limited. However, it now is available in all kinds of colors like pink, mustard, turquoise, etc. Another reason some seed beaders don’t like it is that it can be difficult to thread through a needle since it is twisted.
Coated Wire aka Beading Wire
Probably some of the best products in recent development for bead stringing are the various types of coated wire threads now available. You’ve probably heard of Soft Touch, Beadalon, Accuflex, and Soft Flex, which are trade names for this type of material. Depending on the manufacturer, there are various sizes and colors available. This cord works great with crystals, all types of stone beads, and even the thinner sizes can be used with some pearls. The smaller sized cords can be knotted on the end to be used with bead tips (clam shells), but they are most often finished off with crimp beads. This cord is also great to use when making illusion necklaces.
Tiger-tail
Before the coated wire came along, tiger-tail was the way to go when it came to heavy-weight beads such as hematite. It is also a nylon coated wire cable. However, it is much stiffer than the cords described above. It also comes in various sizes. However, it comes in only a steel color. It is very strong since it consists of many strands of thin steel wire. We still use it, though sometimes the other cord is so soft it can be difficult to use. But, we think it might just take getting used to it.
Leather Cord
It is great to use for those heavy necklaces that use stone donuts. Plus, it is attractive enough to be incorporated into part of the bead design without having to worry about covering it up with beads. Usually, you’ll find it in 1 and 2 mm sizes, and it comes in all kinds of colors, so you don’t have to use brown or black any more. If you are uncomfortable with using leather products, there are also a number of imitation products available today as well.
Waxed Linen Cord
It is often used for macrame designs. It doesn’t come in a huge assortment of colors and most often will be found only in black or brown. It is pretty strong since it’s waxed. If you want to make long necklaces with heavy beads, this would be a cord to consider.
Hemp
Not that long ago, you could only find hemp available in one boring light tan color. But today, you can find it in black, blue, green, purple, etc. I’ve even seen it available in the craft department of our local department store. It is also good to use with macrame and is pretty strong. It works nicely with large beads and the colors can be coordinated well with polymer clay beads too.
Kevlar
This thread is used to make bulletproof vests. It’s often used in seed beads when weight is a consideration. It is very thin but only comes in a few colors. Yellow is its natural color, but I’ve also seen it in black. Another drawback is that it can’t be bleached white. Believe it or not, this is just a smattering of bead stringing media available for you to use. You can find all kinds of bead stringing supplies from most vendors who sell beads under the Beading Supplies section of this site.
