How to Thread a Pearl Bracelet
A pearl bracelet is a prized jewelry item in any collection. Pearls are a classic jewelry piece that set off any formal outfit. These milky beads will last for generations if properly cared for. Unlike other bracelets, they are not simply threaded onto a string. Pearls require a special knotting technique to keep the beads separated from one another and to prevent wear and tear on them. Master the technique for creating beautiful pearl jewelry.
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Silk thread, size E
- 2 crimp beads
- Clasp
- Crimping pliers
- Fine beading needle
- 24-28 pearls
- Towel
- Needle-nose tweezers
Instructions
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1
Cut two pieces of silk thread to about 30 inches. In general, you need a bit more than four times the desired length of your finished bracelet. For an average bracelet of 7 inches, use 30 inches of thread.
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2
Thread the ends of the silk through the hole in the crimp bead, then through the loop in the clasp.
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3
Fold the ends of the silk back through the crimp bead, then use your crimping pliers to flatten the crimp. Press gently on the bead until it compresses. This holds the clasp on and gives a polished look to your final bracelet.
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4
Thread the free ends of the silk through the beading needle and pull about 2 inches of thread through.
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5
Lay your pearls on a towel to prevent them from rolling away.
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6
String your first pearl onto the thread and slide it down to the clasp end.
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Hold the pearl in your non-dominant hand and use your other hand to create a loose overhand knot in the thread.
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8
Insert the tweezers into the loop of the loose knot, then pinch the thread right next to the pearl with the tweezers. As you pinch the thread, the knot will tighten around the tweezers and draw in toward the pearl.
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9
Use the tweezers to draw the knot in as close as possible to the pearl.
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Pull the tweezers slowly up and out of the knot while simultaneously pushing the knot toward the pearl with your thumbnail. When the tweezers are completely free, you will have a tight knot right next to the pearl.
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11
Thread the next pearl onto the bracelet and repeat the knotting process. Continue threading pearls and creating knots in between until all of the pearls are on the bracelet.
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12
Thread a crimp bead, then the other side of the clasp onto the thread. Bring the thread back through the crimp bead, flatten the crimp and snip off the excess thread.
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References
Resources
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