How many times have you gotten frustrated because your beading thread keeps slipping out of your beading needle eye, and let's face it. That needle eye is TINY and a pain to keep threading. Here is a simple solution:
Start with your beading thread and your beading needle. I prefer to use FireLine. I used to use Nymo, but find that FireLine has less stretch, doesn't unravel and is far easier to work with. I don't have to run it through beeswax to keep it from getting tangled. This comes in real handy when you are doing a peyote stitch in that you can work with long lengths. The longer the length, the less times you have to add to the thread in a project!
Go ahead and thread your needle. Now, here's the trick:
Leave a small tail (I usually leave about an inch which is not depicted in this picture). Now, take that tail and tie a simple overhand knot. Only one.
Pull the knot tight...
and WahLah! Your needle will not come unthreaded during your beadweaving (or stringing or whatever). No having to keep adjusting the tail or anything. I don't know how this technique would work with Nymo, but with FireLine, I can get many passes through the same seed bead without the knot getting stuck.I know...simple tip. Some of you may have already figured this out. But to those who haven't, try this and see if your beading becomes a little more pleasurable without having to constantly adjust your tail, manage a long tail or rethread your needle.
When you are ready to tie off the thread, simply cut at the knot with embroidery scissors or nippers (taking care not to hit the needle or cut the eye). The knot will slip right off with a flick of your nail.
If you currently work with Nymo, please let me know if this technique works with it. If you don't use FireLine, I highly suggest trying it! You will never go back to Nymo again! Trust me on this one!
