Ask the Experts Power Cord Q&A

I made a couple of gemstone chip bracelets on Power cord, but I don't like the way they turned out. The knot area, with a small dab of glue on it, is stiff and brittle. The cord seems to have "warped" and appears to be stretched out of shape. The chips slid on the cord easily so that would not seem to be the reason for this distortion of the cord. Help!

- Chris

You didn't mention what type of glue you used on your knots and not all glues work the same way. E-6000® Jewelry and Craft Adhesive is the best glue to use on any elastic such as Powercord® because it dries clear and stays supple and flexible so you won't have the brittle situation you are experiencing. Finish your ends with a surgeon's knot and add a dab of E-6000 making sure you put enough on so the knot won't slip.

The second part to your question concerning the cord stretching out of shape is most likely from not pre-stretching the cord before you started stringing on your gemstone chips. Cut a piece of cord then hold an end in each hand, draw your hands outward, stretching the cord; repeat this motion at least three times. Pre-stretching helps ensure the cord won't break or stretch out after you've finished your design.

Another good idea when working with Powercord is to place a small amount of baby powder in your hand then run the cut length of cording through the powder. By applying a fine coating of baby powder to the cording you will make it less ''sticky'' and therefore easier to string on your chips or beads.

- Kristal Wick, Designer, Author and Jewelry-Making Expert