what thread is best to use for beading?

[_Sarai_]

I'm going to start beading my costume and also making a beaded fringe. I know to make every piece of fringe seperate, so if one ripps off they don't ALL go flying... but what is the best/strongest/easiest to work with thread?

I had a tough bamboo fiber, but it turns out most of the beads don't fit over it ..cr.:

[Azhia]

I'm a huge fan of Silamide and it's the only thread I can get through beading needles. If I could finagle upholstery thread through beading needles, I'd use that.

[shahla]

I like Upholstery, Carpet, Button or Heavy thread. I don't use a beading needle, so thread thickness isn't an issue. I use an embroidery needle and find it will go through almost any bead.

[zamora]

i use upholstery on my flat work.4 lb test fishing line for fringe

[tigerb]

i use upholstery on my flat work.4 lb test fishing line for fringe

How do you knot your fishing line? I always have a problem with that.

[casbahdance]

Blasphemy, but here goes:

I use regular, doubled sewing thread for fringe. I go down to the bottom and come up again, knotting each strand. (I almost wrote "knotting each strand individually," but I realized that was a bit redundant and I'm trying to clean up my writing, although this sentence isn't a very good example of clean writing.)

I have yet to lose a strand of fringe made this way . . . (knocks on wood)

Now, if we're talkin' hooks, snaps or anything else of the "closure" variety, I use doubled button thread.

Good luck with your project, Sarai!

Deborah

[shahla]

I've never tried it, but I've heard of people using dental floss too.

[sabrinabellydancer]

i've used both carpet thread and waxed dental floss successfully.
please post pics of your project :)

[tahiradancer]

I just spent a month changing out dental floss for quilting thread on a friend of mines bedlahs. I would have used 100% cotton thread if I could have found it in the colour of her costumes. I also use button hole thread when I can find it.

What I have observed more than the kind of thread is the type of needle used. there are beads which I can use a normal sharp. others I *have* to use beading needles.

{{{HUGS}}}

[zamora]

fishing line .i knot it on the back of my work, then stick the needel in way deep.pulling the needel through, while sliding your work up the line, cut it.when your work relaxes, the cut end is deep inside your work
as far as stringing. i have a large sed bead, crystal, etc.put both ends of line in bead going oppisite directions
when pulled up, you have 2 lengthe of line you bead on, so it is double strong

[zamora]

oh, if working with buggel beard, always finish string of fringe with a smooth seed bead.the ends of buggles are sharp, and tend to cut them selves off .

[eshtabellydance]

Jean thread - it's what they use in egypt. It's what they use to sew denim. It only comes in yellow. You cannot break it. Also topstitch or DMC cotton tatting thread. That's all I use.

[mehndidancer]

I use upholstery, button or carpet thread with a quilting needle I don't use beading needles. Lots of patience is also required.
I never thought of tatting or jean thread. I may have to try them out.

Alrana

[casbahdance]

I always get such good info from everybody on Bhuz!

This <ahem> *thread* is no exception!

Deborah

[Azhia]

Will have to try embroidery and/or quilting needles!

[_Sarai_]

Jean thread - it's what they use in egypt. It's what they use to sew denim. It only comes in yellow. You cannot break it. Also topstitch or DMC cotton tatting thread. That's all I use.

I bought some cotton tatting thread because I needed red thread and that is all they had at Michaels! (JoAnn's is SO FAR AWAY) I hand stitched most of my costume with it and then when I was about to start the beading, my dog decided to eat the spool

I'll have to see what is salvagable and try that out.

[tigerb]

I bought some cotton tatting thread because I needed red thread and that is all they had at Michaels! (JoAnn's is SO FAR AWAY) I hand stitched most of my costume with it and then when I was about to start the beading, my dog decided to eat the spool

I'll have to see what is salvagable and try that out.

Are you telling us that the DOG ATE YOUR HOMEWORK???



C'mon, we've heard that one before...