The Most Common Knots Used in Bead Weaving

As you take a step into the bead weaving world, you will realize that certain knots and stitches are always in the front making their appearance in every bead weaving project. They are those knots you will encounter again and again in your bead weaving career. 

In this article, we will talk about the five most common bead weaving. Each stitch is unique in its way and has its purpose. Let’s get started into the world of embroidery digitizing!

The Importance of Knots in Bead Weaving

Knots are very crucial in bead weaving and jewelry making. Knots are used for adding and ending the thread in bead weaving. The type of knots, bead sizes, and threads can vary depending on the stitch you are using in your embroidery project. Using the right technique and making the knots accurately will help you to avoid the thread from unraveling and will make the life of beadwork long-lasting. 

Knots are helpful to fasten the ends of the cord when you are stringing the beads. They also help to cushion the beads. They also help in preventing the beads from scratching if in case the stringing thread breaks. 

Apart from being functional, knots are good for decoration. One great example is Lark’s head knot that is both easy to tie and secure and looks great in jewelry. 

The more time you put to review these knots and learn the process of tying, the easier it will be to attain better results. While it might get tricky sometimes learning to tie a good knot during beadwork, it will certainly enhance the durability and quality of your work. 

Types Of Knots

Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is usually used for making beadwork and jewelry. It is straightforward and easy to tie. This knot is used in bead stringing to give a decorative effect or keep it secure. 

The overhand knot is also used to attach a cord to the beading tip of the clamshell or for stringing the cord end. The knot looks like the half stitch knot except for the difference that the half knot is tied around material such as another cord.

You can also use the overhand knot on a doubled cord to create a loop which can further be used to make a clasp.

Square Knots

Square knots are ideal when you are working in open weave stitches such as the right-angle weave and the net stitch. These knots are also used for adding new threads to the beadwork. The square knots are safe and easy to hide in between beads. You can even hide them inside the seed beads. Square knots are used in different beadwork and jewelry projects as they help in attaching the cord ends or secure them.

Surgeon’s Knot

The surgeon’s knot is a bit tricky to learn. However, it is pretty safe and secure. The surgeon’s knot looks similar to the square knot having an extra loop through the base. This knot is a situation when you are working an elastic cord in stretched bracelets as in this scenario the other knots can untie. 

Half-Hitch Knot

The half-hitch knot is one of the most widely used knots in the beading world. This knot is used to add different kinds of threads. The other useful part of a half-hitch knot is you can tie off and end the threads in most cases when working with the beadwork stitches.

You can use the half-hitch knot in multiples to add and end the threads in your beadwork. If you add a small glue drop or fresh, you will get clear nail polish and it will be as secure as a surgeon’s knot or square knot. 

Lark’s Head Knot 

The lark’s head knot is another easy to tie the knot and is used for a variety of different purposes. You can use this knot to attach cords in beadwork, macrame, and for making jewelry. The half-hitch knot is both useful and decorative. Due to its pretty looks and safety, this knot is ideal to use for adding a focal point to a bracelet or a pendant to a necklace. You can create an interchangeable doughnut bead bracelet or a simple and beautiful pendant necklace with the lark’s head knot. 

Conclusion

These are the five most common stitch types used in the beading world. One point to note here is that you are not limited to these only. However, these are the ones you will be using the most in your work. If you have any questions about these knots and anything related to custom digitizing, you can reach out to us at Migdigitizing. We will be happy to assist you.