Ask the Experts Finishing Q&A

I've made a necklace using wire and thread (Accu-flex wire around the circumference with Fireline thread creating loops that vary in length), but I don't know how to finish it. Is it OK to crimp FireLine and soft Illusion cord?

- Tracie

FireLine® and Spiderwire® are strong and resist abrasion, however, these threads are susceptible to breaking when cut by really sharp edges on beads and metal, such as a crimped crimp bead. 

It is recommended to finish these materials using a surgeon's knot. The surgeon's knot, with an added drop of E6000® Jewelry and Craft Adhesive, is the most secure way to tie flexible wire as well as ensure the knot will not come undone. For a professional finish, hide the knots in either a bead tip or crimp cover.

This knotting technique can be used with beading wire as well, such as Accu-Flex® beading wire, Acculon® and Tigertail™, but crimping is recommended. These materials are braided stainless steel cables coated with nylon and made to hold up to the crimped metal of a crimp bead, as well as sharp beading holes and edges.

- Michelle Wood, Jewelry-Making Expert