Hiding the Knot in Beading

There are ways to hide knots when making beaded jewelry.

It is easier to use cording or string to hold beaded jewelry together, but using using these materials leaves unsightly exposed knots. However, there are ways to conceal or diminish the appearance of a knot in beaded jewelry, giving your jewelry a more professional appearance even if you are just a beginner.

Bead Pattern

Before stringing the beads, think about the pattern or order of the beads, so you know in advance how to place them. Try different color patterns until you are satisfied. Snip the cord or string about three or four inches longer than what you need to account for knots and stretching. The string or cord needs to be long enough to hold the beads, but not thicker than the bead opening. Tie a knot in one end of the bracelet or necklace. The knot should be large enough so the beads do not slide off.

HIding a Knot

Keep sliding beads onto the cord or string until there in about three inches of the cord or string visible. The last bead you slide on should have a large enough opening so you can push the knot through it at the end. Slide all the beads together and grab the end of the cord and bring the ends together. Push the beads in the opposite direction from the first knot you tied. Secure the two ends together with a square knot and make sure it is tight. Place a drop of glue on the knot and allow it to dry. Clip off the ends of the strings and push the knot inside the bead to conceal it.

Tying a Knot Around a Bead

Another way to hide a knot is to tie a knot around a bead. Tie a knot in one end of the string. Keep stringing beads until you are about three inches from the other end. Push the last bead to the center of the string. Grab both ends of the string and tie the knot, keeping the bead just inside the knot. After you have crossed the strings, the bead will be at the center of the knot and will help conceal it.

Considerations

Make sure you do not pull too tightly around the bead or you could break the string.
Try to enhance a focal bead and place it in the center of the strand, rather than setting it on the ends and downplaying it. Hemp is less durable than cord or string and colored hemp is even less durable.

References

• Making Jewelry: How to Use a Stretch Cord
• Unique Beaded Jewelry: Tying a Knot?
• "The Bead Jewelry Book"; Stefany Tomalin; March 1, 1999