A guide to jewellery making threads

Jewellery making involves a wide range of techniques and materials, and the type of thread or stringing material used can significantly affect the design, durability, and style of the final piece.

Here’s a list of different threads commonly used in jewellery making:

🧵 1. Nylon Thread

Types: Nymo, Superlon (S-Lon), C-Lon

Use: Bead weaving, stringing small beads like seed beads

Properties:

Strong and flexible

Available in various thicknesses and colours

Requires waxing or conditioning to prevent fraying

Best For: Loom and off-loom beadwork, bead embroidery

🧵 2. Silk Thread

Use: Knotting pearls and gemstones

Properties:

Soft, natural fiber with slight stretch

Traditionally used for high-end jewellery

Usually comes in cards with an attached needle

Best For: Pearl necklaces, delicate gemstone necklaces

🧵 3. Beading Wire

Types: Soft Flex, Beadalon, Tiger Tail

Use: Stringing heavier beads

Properties:

Made of multiple strands of stainless steel coated in nylon

Extremely strong and kink-resistant

Not actually a thread, but often treated as such in stringing

Best For: Gemstone bead necklaces, bracelets

🧵 4. FireLine / WildFire

Use: Bead weaving

Properties:

Thermally bonded braided thread (originally made for fishing)

Extremely strong, doesn’t fray easily

Resistant to abrasion from glass beads

Best For: Intricate beadwork, especially with sharp-edged beads like crystals

🧵 5. Elastic Cord / Stretch Cord

Types: Stretch Magic, Elasticity

Use: Stretch bracelets

Properties:

Stretchable, easy to wear

Can be knotted or crimped

Needs to be pre-stretched before use to avoid slack

Best For: Casual bracelets, children’s jewellery

🧵 6. Cotton / Waxed Cotton Cord

Use: Boho or rustic-style jewellery

Properties:

Comes waxed for ease of stringing and durability

Natural look, soft texture

Best For: Pendants, macramé, braided designs

🧵 7. Leather Cord

Use: Rustic, masculine, or minimalist jewellery

Properties:

Sturdy and stylish

Can dry out over time; avoid water exposure

Best For: Charm necklaces, wrap bracelets, bolo ties

🧵 8. Hemp and Linen Thread

Use: Eco-friendly or natural-themed jewellery

Properties:

Rough texture

Good for knotting and macramé

Best For: Handmade, earthy designs

🧵 9. Metallic Thread / Wire

Use: Wire wrapping, decorative stitching

Properties:

Adds shimmer or structure

Can be used alone or combined with other materials

Best For: Wire-wrapped beads, decorative threadwork