Pearl stringing advice needed

[Diamondsareforever]

I kind of took a break from stringing pearls and am suddenly having issues with the tied knot part of strand, at the beginning and ending of the necklace, where it needs to be cut. I need to know your secrets please
Multiple times I’ve accidentally cut the knot, and other times I just can’t get it to look uniform. This never was an issue with me before and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or differently.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

What are you cutting the tail of thread with? I use a Thread Zap. I insert the thread tail to be cut off into the wire loop of the Thread Zap, then angle both the thread and the Thread Zap so that the wire is pressed against the edge of the thread, keeping the thread I don't want to cut well away, so it doesn't get cut by accident. It does take a bit of dexterity.
If it's too hard to picture I'll make a photo to demonstrate it.

 

[Diamondsareforever]

What are you cutting the tail of thread with? I use a Thread Zap. I insert the thread tail to be cut off into the wire loop of the Thread Zap, then angle both the thread and the Thread Zap so that the wire is pressed against the edge of the thread, keeping the thread I don't want to cut well away, so it doesn't get cut by accident. It does take a bit of dexterity.
If it's too hard to picture I'll make a photo to demonstrate it.

A photo would be cool if you have time. I use common thread cutting scissors, will look into this

 

[Pearl Dreams]

One advantage of the Thread Zap is that it melts synthetic thread, so the cut end doesn't fray. But don't use it on silk-- it chars.

I'll post a photo later.