Stringing Tutorial with photos: Stringing on Serafil, Beaders Secret & Power Pro

[Cuon]

Very sorry about this problem, Cuon! Hmm, maybe something is snagging the thread? Perhaps an end of the French wire is catching, or maybe a rough spot on the bead? Just the other day I kept splitting the thread (when the needle goes through, instead of beside the other threads when doubling back.) I do keep a loupe handy to help me figure out where the problem is.

Also I don't stretch, wax or treat the thread in any way, I just use right from the card.

For what it’s worth, a good streching did fix the issue. Serafil has always been a twisty, snaggy, slippery moody little thread when I use it, but they all have their quirks. I think in this case it was caused by the kinks from sitting on the card still being in the thread, and it trying to return to that resting position instead of laying straight.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I actually iron my Serafil before using it, for that very reason (thread being on the card for a long time). I use the setting for polyester. It takes just a few seconds. Instead of moving the iron over the thread, I pull the thread under the iron as it sits on my ironing board. Very quick, and no tangles.

 

[pattye]

Wow, I appreciate these tips, Cuon and Pearl Dreams! Most of the time I am using Serafil directly from a spool, though if stringing while away from home I prefer cards.

 

[BWeaves]

Oh, let me tell you what sometimes happens to me! If I've threaded all the pearls and then I'm going BACK through the same pearls in the other direction, I sometimes accidentally push the needle through the previous thread. That's when I get weird snags. It's because the two threads are not laying side by side, but one thread has gone through the other thread. I'm getting better at catching when that happens so I can remove the needle and pull the working thread out.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It may help to widen the center of the drill hole by using either cutting broaches like these (6 Pce Precision Cutting Broach Set (0.6 - 2.0mm) - Model Craft Tools USA (https://www.modelcrafttoolsusa.com/product/cutting-broaches-06-20mm-pbr2194/))

or a pin vise like this:
pin vise

 

[pattye]

Sometimes freshly drilled pearls will still have a plug of pearl dust in the middle, so helpful to have this tool to clear it. I've noticed some drop shape Tahitians will have loose "keshi type" matter near the top clogging the hole, so cutting broach to the rescue!