The Elusive Way to Attach a Clasp

[danachit]

In examining some pearl necklaces, especially some older strands, I've noted that the clasp is attached..not with the french wire method..but with the loop-through-the-ring method shown in these pictures.

http://www.lots-of-pearls.com/winkel/index.cgi?page=04-Zelf_parels_knopen.htm

I've wracked my brain trying to figure out how to do this using a knotted double strand of silk and for the life of me, can't come up with a way. In fact, I can't figure out how to do it at all. My brain is starting to cramp!

The above pictures show a series of bizarre thread shredding steps that I'm not even going to attempt to do.....so I'm hoping there's a clear-cut way to do this.

Does anyone know how to attach a clasp using this method?

 

[knotty panda]

It's a simple larkshead knot. At the other end, you do another larkshead, leaving enough room for a couple of back knots.

 

[Caitlin]

I don't care for that style of attachment. It makes an assumption that you are stringing the pearls in the same order as they are on the sales thread.

If you use the loop in the thread for the first attachment, there is no way to use a needle.

I like the video at the bottom for a technique of knotting between the pearls, but would not use the beginning and end as illustrated.

We need a video of how the pros attach the clasps, beginning and end.

 

[Caitlin]

I know how to make micro-macram? in fabulous patterns with nothing but overhand and larkshead knots. If I find a piece, I'll put up a picture. I found one. Sorry it is so small. Those are 14 thread micro-macram? barrettes, two to a unit, waiting to be cut and trimmed and glued to barrettes.

But in this case, I do not like the larkshead and I can't imagine what you mean by back knot. Do you use a needle to go back through the pearl(s)? Do you split the threads like that link you put up? Can you draw a picture, if you don't have photos?

 

[knotty panda]

But in this case, I do not like the larkshead and I can't imagine what you mean by back knot. Do you use a needle to go back through the pearl(s)? Do you split the threads like that link you put up? Can you draw a picture, if you don't have photos?

I think you're talking to me. Not sure. Forgive me if I'm butting in. Back knot. When you finish the strand and knot the last 3 pearls, it's not really an overhand knot, it's a back knot. Split the threads? Are you referring to the endless loop link? I can't endless loop to save my life! That link is a way to do it but I'm a cheater. I use the floater principle to give me enough thread (to hang myself) but I use a double needle. Secure the floaters with a square knot, the back knot three on either side of the floaters and glue those puppies down! If you weren't talking to me, in the words of Emily Latella, "Never mind!"

 

[danachit]

Oh dear Lordy!

Floaters?

Backknot?

Glued puppies?

 

[Caitlin]

Hi Knotty
I was talking to you. thanks for perceiving that. I pass the needle back through the first pearl and do an overhand knot that surrrounds the first thread, pass it through the second pearl and same. Pass it through the third pearl and cut it off (sometimes I make a third knot, sometimes not if I knotted it earlier) when I am finishing an end.

I swear, if you don't get a camara and show us- I'll take up a collection for you!

BTW. I fouund a fun findings place. House of Gems They have silver and cubic zirconia fish hook clasps for $10-

Lookie- a whole page of round clasps. like Jeremy's, except in Sterling silver!!!!