Ask the Experts Waist Beads Q&A

Hello, I’m making waist beads, and I’m struggling with threading. I’ve tried nylon, which is thin enough for #11 and smaller beads, but it doesn’t hold knots well. I absolutely love the cotton, kite and hemp thread, but worry about how they dry, and I can’t find any thin enough for #11 or smaller beads. What do you recommend?

Waist beads are fun, but they do need special stringing material to make them comfortable and long lasting. For waist beads, we recommend using FireLine® jewelry-making thread. It’s very thin but extremely strong and water-safe. After you knot it, melt the ends with a thread burner for a clean finish. You can add a crimp cover to the knot to hide it and make a smooth surface against your skin.

- Patti