Just curious if anyone here is familiar with the Griffin silk thread which has two needles attached to each end? I find the two needle method of stringing (where you start the stringing of the pearls in the middle of the thread) is much more secure as there is no need to cut the string on both ends only one end when you complete the stringing.
Just curious does anyone string their pearls using the Griffin silk thread with two needles attached to end of the thread?
- Thread starter Betty Bho
- Start date
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Not sure I understand. Wouldn't you have to knot off both ends, then trim the thread?
It appears this 2-needle Griffin thread only comes in white. I'm not seeing what the advantage would be? Pearl Dream's stringing tutorial (find it under Lowly Beaders' Club) showing how to knot back 4 pearls at beginning and ending of strands is extremely secure. I use this technique every day and highly recommend!
With the two needle method you only need to cut one end of the strand.
I am sure the usual method is secure but I find the two needle method much neater more secure and of course there's no need to cut both ends because the strand is started in the middle of the thread.
It's hard to explain the method in words, but there are two needles on each end of Griffin silk thread, start the stringing in middle of silk thread , once the clasp and first four pearls have been threaded continue stringing pearls through both needles, don't thread the last four pearls through both needles when finishing the necklace because the thread will be too thick when back threading.
There was a tutorial on this method over ten years ago on YouTube, when I tried to find it I couldn't see it anymore.
If anyone has wondered why Griffin would make silk thread with two needles attached it's because it is meant for people who want to use this technique in their bead stringing.
I am sure the usual method is secure but I find the two needle method much neater more secure and of course there's no need to cut both ends because the strand is started in the middle of the thread.
It's hard to explain the method in words, but there are two needles on each end of Griffin silk thread, start the stringing in middle of silk thread , once the clasp and first four pearls have been threaded continue stringing pearls through both needles, don't thread the last four pearls through both needles when finishing the necklace because the thread will be too thick when back threading.
There was a tutorial on this method over ten years ago on YouTube, when I tried to find it I couldn't see it anymore.
If anyone has wondered why Griffin would make silk thread with two needles attached it's because it is meant for people who want to use this technique in their bead stringing.
No, you only need to cut one end, you could try how this works without buying the Griffin with two needles attached on both ends... thread two stringing needles onto some thread then tie the ends together, there will then be two needles on each end of a doubled thread. Start the stringing process of first four beads and clasp, in the middle of the thread. String the rest of beads through both needles.
Hi Pattye, how can I post a video on this forum showing the two needle method?
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
Post it on YouTube and then attach the link here using the Media icon you see above the posting field.
The Media icon looks like this:
The Media icon looks like this:
Most youtube...you can copy the whole address and put it in here with the icon. But I get it what you are saying. You use each needle to thread back thru the pearls and knot & end. I could use 2 of Pattye's long wire needles on each end...I just move the needle to the second end if needed. Her's have big eyes that collapse thru the pearl...I just make them big again with a big sewing needle. But I much prefer the Serifil poly. (Pattye has it) over Silk. I love silk, but it is weaker when wet and I like to wash my pearls. Also Poly lasts longer..and less degraded by skin oils.
BWeaves
Well-known member
I used to use Griffin silk, and I have not tried the 2 needle version. I got rid of all my silk stringing thread because it would knot where I didn't want it to knot and break right before I finished. I replaced all my stringing thread with Serafil from Pattye, and it works so much better than silk. Even Mikimoto has started stringing with poly thread instead of silk.
Found this online, Betty, is this the method you mean? Are there some steps that differ?
Griffin double-needle silk thread is explicitly designed for simultaneous two-way knotting, allowing you to attach a clasp at the exact center of the cord using a reef knot. Each card comes pre-wound with two stainless steel needles integrated at both ends of a single, continuous white silk thread. [1]
Preparation
[Needle 1] ====(Silk Thread)==== [Needle 2] Had to remove part of this diagram because it wouldn't line up, sorry for confusion
Griffin double-needle silk thread is explicitly designed for simultaneous two-way knotting, allowing you to attach a clasp at the exact center of the cord using a reef knot. Each card comes pre-wound with two stainless steel needles integrated at both ends of a single, continuous white silk thread. [1]
Preparation
- Unwind completely: Remove the entire length of thread from the card and untangle the flexible wire needles carefully.
- Pre-stretch the silk: Pull the thread firmly in segments or hang it with a small weight for 20 minutes. Silk is highly buoyant and naturally stretches; pre-stretching prevents gaps from forming between your beads later.
[Needle 1] ====(Silk Thread)==== [Needle 2] Had to remove part of this diagram because it wouldn't line up, sorry for confusion
- : Find the exact middle point of your Griffin Silk Bead Cord. Loop the center point through your starting clasp component.
- Tie the center knot: Secure the clasp loop by tying a tight reef (square) knot right at the center point. You will now have two equal-length strands dangled on either side, each ending in its own needle.
- Load the beads: Thread your first bead or pearl by passing both needles simultaneously through the hole in opposite directions (or the same direction depending on your design).
- Close the eye if needed: If you are using standard twisted wire needles rather than the pre-attached ones, use GRIFFIN Flat Nose Pliers to gently pinch the wire eye flat. This ensures a smooth passage through narrow pearl drill holes.
- Knot between beads: Tie an overhand loop knot after each bead. Slide the knot tight against the face of the bead using tweezers or a knotting tool.
- Finish the end: Once all beads are loaded, pass the threads through the final clasp half. Tie a firm double overhand knot. Apply a small drop of GRIFFIN Bead Cord Glue, allow it to cure, and trim the excess cord tail cleanly.
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Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
I am going to have to read that a few times before I can picture it!
BWeaves
Well-known member
Okay, those instructions make no sense to me.
I agree the polyester thread is much better, I only mentioned the griffin silk because there is one type that comes with two needles, one attached to each end. I’m still figuring how to post that YouTube vid!
Thanks, I will give it a go . I’m extremely challenged when it comes to anything tech!
