Thread to use

[Chartreux]

I have 2 trusted stores for fresh water pearls, but should I string them with nylon or Silk, I live in the Southern US. and one bead store said use nylon because of the humidity as Silk thread will snap and break...What would you use? I like making my own necklaces...I know how to knot pearls, really not that hard just time consuming...But what gives with the thread? Go with Silk Is supposed to be the first choice or so I thought.
Thanks.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

I like to use Serafil or Beaders Secret thread, and recommend that thread in my stringing tutorial (sticky on Lowly Beaders Club forum.)

This is a polyester thread that comes in 3 thicknesses, and many colors that many of us find to be useful for stringing pearls. The colors don't bleed. I have not found it to stretch. It is softer on the hands than some other threads I've used (e.g. Power Pro).

It is slippery and this makes it easy to seat the knot by simply pulling the doubled thread apart, without the need for tweezers or other tools. It is easy to cut, but I recommend a Thread Zap tool to melt the thread ends to prevent fraying, when finishing the strand.

Sources on Etsy (both are members of Pearl-Guide):

in the USA: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PatriciaSaabDesigns?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=638348681

in Australia: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadersSecret (on Etsy)
https://www.beaderssecret.com (same seller, website)

 

[Parrot Lady]

Chartreux, I’m in the South, too, although the heat and humidity doesn’t factor into my thread choice. Beader’s Secret has made all the difference in my knotting — my knots are more consistent, neater, tighter, and It doesn’t break as easily.

 

[BWeaves]

I'm in central Florida. Humidity Central. After I started using Beader's Secret, I gave away all my silk. Beader's Secret is so much easier to use than silk, and I never have a problem wearing it. Plus, it comes in great colors and perfect sizes.

Silk always knotted or snagged when I didn't want it to. And it stretched. And it got dirty quickly (and I'm not a dirty person). Knotting with Beader's Secret is so much easier, it doesn't stretch, and it seems to stay cleaner longer.

 

[linda.wald]

I use only the beader's secret now. I find it much easier than silk. I am on the shaky/klutzy side, and it helps me get good close knots. I am slow. I tie the knot and use an awl to make sure it is next to the pearl. Then I put it down, carefully remove the awl, and pull the threads apart so the knot glides right up against the pearl. I've never had it break or stretch.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Linda, I do the same as you do with the awl. The threads can just be pulled apart, but I figure the less friction on the thread, the better.