Four different tools to use to knot beads and pearls

One of my favorite finished looks in a piece of jewelry is when there are knots in between the beads. Knotting can be challenging, but luckily, there are lots of different tools to help achieve the goal of perfectly spaced knots between beads. 

The first and most important question is - why is it important to knot between your beads?

• More secure - when your silk wears out - which it will over time - and the necklace breaks, you will only lose one bead at most
• Allows you to build in space between your beads to minimize friction of your beads rubbing against themselves
• Looks nice - shows off more of the beauty of the beads
• Stretches your bead budget further - knotting between beads, especially in a "tin cup" style can create a longer necklace using fewer beads

Once you've decided to create a knotted design, there are a lot of tools that you can use to make your job easier:

KNOT-A-BEAD

If knotting is a challenge for you, the Knot A Bead might be the tool for you. It allows you to get everything positioned and have both hands free to make the knot, and pull it tight. 

Here are some detailed instructions on how to use the Knot A Bead.

BEADALON KNOTTER TOOL

The Beadalon Knotter Tool is my and Wyatt's favorite - you can knot up a strand of beads in minutes once you get the rhythm down. Here are the instructions for the Knotter Tool. Have you seen the Signature Edition yet? It's gorgeous!

TIN CUP KNOTTER TOOL

To make even spaces in between knotted beads, the Tin Cup Knotter Tool is the one to use. Knotter Tool not for you? We have a second option for making spaces - the Knot-A -Bead Spacers. These are great to use either with the Knot-A-Bead, the Original Knotter Tool, or even if you prefer to knot with a Beading Awl.

A Beading Awl, or even a tweezers, can be a great tool for knotting as well. Depending on what you have available, and what works best for you, there are plenty of tools and techniques to help you create beautiful knotted designs.

What is your favorite way to knot between beads? Let us know in the Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group, and rewatch this Facebook Live which is chock full of additional tips and tricks for using this technique to make jewelry. Don't forget to set your reminders to catch us live on Thursdays at 2pm ET. 

Until next time, happy beading!
Meredith