Pearl knotting guide — the classic silk-thread technique

Pearl knotting is the technique that makes a strand look expensive — because
it is what expensive strands do. Silk thread, a knot between every pearl, a
clasp finished with bead tips. It is slower than crimping and entirely worth
it.

The materials

• Silk thread sized to the drill hole — size 4, 6 or 8 for typical pearl
  drills; the needle should pass snugly.
• Pearls with drill holes big enough for doubled thread to pass.
• Bead tips (clamshells) or French wire to protect the silk at the clasp.

The three methods

1. Awl method — tie the knot, push it snug with an awl. Slow, traditional,
   bulletproof.
2. Knotting tool — a tri-cord style tool that forms and seats the knot in
   one motion. Faster once learned.
3. Pre-threaded method — knot after stringing all beads using a loop-and-
   tweezer technique; good for flexible schedules of work.

When NOT to knot

Short fashion pieces on cable with glass beads: crimp instead. Knotting earns
its time on pearls, soft stones and heirloom-style strands.

Care of knotted strands

Silk stretches and grimes over years — knotted pearls should be re-strung
periodically (a professional service). Store flat, last-on-first-off (perfume
and hairspray are nacre's enemies).

Learn the technique properly inside the
Fashion Jewellery essentials course;
the pearl guide
covers the pearls themselves, and the school's
pearl webinars
are free to watch.

Questions people actually ask

Why knot pearls at all?

Two reasons: if the strand breaks, only one pearl falls; and the knots keep pearls from rubbing against each other, which protects their nacre.

Can I knot other beads besides pearls?

Yes — knotting suits any strand where you want drape, protection and a luxury feel: gemstone rounds, amber, coral.

What students say

“It is fun, interesting & educational!”

— Shahirah A. (Singapore) · published student feedback

“I love all subjects, especially metalsmithing. I just love to fire and shape things.”

— Angie K. (Singapore) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

DDownload the gem e-bookFREE
The school's free guide to gems — reading companion to the webinars.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game — addictive.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.

Keep exploring

7 bead weaving stitches ranked by beginner friendlinessSeven bead weaving stitches ranked from easiest to hardest for beginners — what each is goGemstone beads guide — ruby, sapphire, emerald and friends on a stringUsing real gemstones in bead jewellery — which stones work strung, what treatments to expeChoosing beads and threads — a maker's guide to materialsWhich beads, threads and wires suit which projects — weight, holes, abrasion and drape expStart learning bead jewellery — from guides to a certified skillWhere bead jewellery learning goes after the basics — workshops, certificate courses and t

Turn beading into a certified skill

JDMIS in Singapore runs hands-on fashion jewellery and beading courses, from one-day workshops to a full Fashion Jewellery Arts diploma.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg