Fiber and Textile

Recently I have been hearing about Shamballa bracelets. Does shamballa refer to the bead types or the method of construction? The only one I have seen was a knotted bracelet with a crystalized finish on the beads. Do you have any articles on the...

Tibetan-style Shamballa jewelry includes bracelets and necklaces that are believed by many to encourage inner peace and tranquility and support...

I'm trying to learn Kumihimo, but I'm not sure what kind of thread I should use. Do you have any suggestions for me?

You can use many different types of threads with Kumihimo. For a finer braid, consider using hemp or silk and silk-like threads. For a thicker braid...

I have been beading for 30-something years using wire, thread, leather, etc. I'd like to try to macramé a necklace, using cord, but the last try, I ran out of the cord on the outside of the knots, and my necklace ended up as a bracelet. How do I...

It is recommended that the two base cords (inside cords) be cut 4 to 6 inches longer than the desired finished length of the piece. As an example,...

How do I enlarge the hole in plastic beads? I am making a craft that requires running a 1.5 inch ribbon through the bead. What tool can I use to enlarge the hole? I bought the diamond reamer but it does not work on plastic!!!

A more coarse round needle file will gain better purchase on the plastic allowing you to enlarge the hole more readily. Follow this with the diamond...

My son has a woven hemp bracelet that he wears 24/7. The hemp cord broke at the knot that secures it and he asked if it could be repaired. Do you know how to repair a woven hemp bracelet with a knotted ''clasp''? Thank you.

A hemp cord bracelet or necklace can be repaired if the remaining hemp is not too frayed or weak.Untie the cord from the end that is broken, working...

How do I singe the end of supply cord macramé cord after making knots? Does this take a special tool? Is there another method to secure knots. Which is best? Thanks.

A thread burner can be used to seal the ends of the cord. Using great care, you can also singe the end of the cord with the tip of a heated hot-glue...

Help! I'm trying to find cording that will knot well, is sturdy and visually appealing (like macrame) as much as the beads. I am making a Shekere, which is a percussion type instrument made from gourds. I will also need to know what size beads will...

Shekeres are generally made with 1mm or smaller nylon twine, but can also be made with colored nylon cord, polyester cord or colored hemp. Cotton can...

I'm knitting a lacy sweater in a cotton/silk blend yarn and need to include beads along the way. I don't know what type bead to use and would appreciate your help. Thanks.

Seed beads are a great addition to knitted items and come in a variety of sizes, finishes and shapes. They work well because they have smooth edges...

What size silk cord or thread is needed to make tassels?

You can make tassels out of any size thread or cord. The traditional tassels you might find on a piece of furniture or pillow use thick silk or...

Many of my customers are looking for 0.7 mm cord to use as the middle thread in knotted Shamballa bracelets. Can you recommend a cord or thread other than polyester? I hope you can help, as this is a question I get almost every day. Kind regards.

Woven round cord is a good option for knotted Shamballa bracelets. It has the look of leather, but is made with biodegradable cotton and knots easily...

What thread do you use for bead crochet?

You have a couple of options:Silkon® Bonded nylon thread works well for crochet. Most beads string well onto this thread, which is a synthetic...