Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

Tissie — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:15:09 GMT

I wish I could say the same about my many experimentations with Nymo. I prefer a size 11 needle for beadweaving and I find next to impossible to thread and once threaded I go into fits when I have to rip something out and rethread. yes, I am a Fireline fan despite the price and I am FRUGAL. Gwen Tisdale, Gd. Ledge, MI.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

callyross — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:00:10 GMT

I too started out with Nymo, same reasons- price, color selection,drape- but was frustrated with the shredding that happened sometimes, and with my work breaking. I tried Wildfire and am totally sold on it. I use my half-off coupons at Michaels to purchase the spools and that makes it more affordable, especially since i'm going through a spool or two a week! i like that i can undo mistakes or pieces i don't like, it also colors easily with a sharpie- either before or after stitching. i've not tried fireline but just may give it a shot. I think they each have their advantages and applications. Bead happy!

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

beadaholique1 — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:48:21 GMT

Thanks for this article! I think you made an extremely valid point; every type of beading thread has its perfect use. I'm so glad that I have Fireline for stiff, precise beading projects, Wildfire for strength and the fact that I don't usually have to wax or pre-stretch it, and Nymo (and K.O.!) for a soft, organic look that blends perfectly with my beads.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

SedonaSkye — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:46:04 GMT

I learned with Nymo when I was first introduced to beading about 30 years ago. It never occurred to me to use anything else! I do bead embroidery and some beadweaving for the necklaces of my smaller pieces. I use beeswax to condition it as that helps it not to tangle and while I am waxing it I stretch it as well. In my work I make some large art neckpieces and the Nymo B holds up well through all the stitching through the bead backing and even heavy ultra suede. For me - I am not messing with success!

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

Nicole/Beadwright — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:24:35 GMT

Great post Jennifer.

So here is some history on Nymo beading thread. It actually comes from the Italian boot making industry. In the 1960's "00" and "0" Nymo thread became popular for quilt makers. Shortly after that for beaders. Yes I have been around that long. The most popular sizes then for beaders was size "A" Beading took off and the US part of the company began promoting the other Nymo sizes and colors for beading. I only use Nymo for all of my beading, and sewing. I find that some "new" beading teachers neglect to inform Nymo users to condition the thread. The tried and true is bees wax. This accomplishes two import things, 1, it takes out any stretch in the bonded cotton thread, and 2, it keeps the thread from fraying. It doesn't matter what thread you use it all goes through tiny bead drill holes and wears down. In the end I tell my students to use what is most comfortable for them.

Nicole/Beadwright

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

imajewelrymaker — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:56:18 GMT

Haha, I learned these lessons from the same people you did!

I took both Marcia DeCoster and Jill Wiseman's classes at Bead Fest Philly 2009, and almost immediately switched from nymo. I don't do embroidery or really need the drape for anything, but I've got tons stocked up that I still use.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

traci staves — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:55:34 GMT

I first started with Fireline, however I have quit using it for most projects. It does not hold up for me and I have had to repair (or redo) projects that I have used Fireline in the past. I do use it for small beadwork that will not have much wear issues like focal pieces.

I love Nymo - even with crystals. I have not had any issues with projects falling apart with the Nymo as I have had with the Fireline.

I just started using Wildfire; like it - especially for certain projects like beadweaving with lampwork beads.

I think there are benefits with each and they should be considered before starting a project.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

grammajojo — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:37:56 GMT

I gave up on bead embroidery and Nymo thread, because I had so much trouble with it fraying on me. (beginner, newbie, learner) You mentioned "conditioning", what is that and how do I do it?

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

runt410 — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:32:36 GMT

I LOVE Silamide !!!!! I refuse to use Nymo . I hate the way it shreds every time I try it. Silamide works wonderfully for everything I do. The only exception is when I'm using crystals, then I use Fireline. Silamide has a variety of colors so I usually have or can find the color I need. SILAMIDE FOREVER !!!!!!

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

Meg4 — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:14:11 GMT

I had actually never heard of Nymo before until late last year. I was (and still am!) using a beading thread from the craft stores around where I live. $6 for 100m, that was all anyone ever had. It's actually really good beading thread, I have to say. I have actually purchased a few spools of Nymo, but I haven't gotten around to using them yet...

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

White Dog Jewelry — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:23:24 GMT

I learned bead stitching techniques using Fireline, then also tried Wildfire. I found them to be similar, choosing Fireline if I had to make a choice.

I just started bead embroidery and the use of Nymo. It has a different feel to me. I love the choice of colors available. I do worry about how it will hold up, compared to Fireline, which I think is much more secure.

I think it comes down to a matter of preference, and what you have on hand.

Now I just need to begin collecting the many colors and sizes of Nymo.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

mfgranny — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:30:08 GMT

I personally can't use Nymo! I've tried bc of the beautiful rich colors, but it splits too much for me. I've used Fireline with crystals, but like others, I like the results but not the feel. Tina Koyama, from Fusion Beads, with whom I took a wonderful class taught by Wendy Ellsworth, introduced me to SONO thread and #10 long beading needles and changed my beading life! SONO has limited colors, but I find either the beige or black serve well, although I also have light blue and burgundy. I love it!

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

BeadsNWire — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:23:06 GMT

I learned to bead weave using Fireline and so, I'm very accustomed to it, and I do like it... for weaving. When it comes to bead embroidery, I prefer Nymo... hands down. The range of colors available makes Nymo ideally suited to bead embroidered work, as you can match the thread to your beads and ultra-suede. Fireline changes the color of the beads somewhat, so I don't like to use it for embroidered work, but I do enjoy using it for bead weaving projects. I also agree w/you about using Nymo for fringe... it provides a very nice drape. Thanks for your article!

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

pretty shiny things — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:17:29 GMT

I have been using nymo for years too, it used to be the only thread I could find worth using. I made one beaded sculpture with silamide. I hated threading it so that was out. A few years ago I was introduced to fireline, I also didn't like it at first. Then I tried it for some sculptural pieces and woven jewelry items without fringe. It holds a knot well and I can weave through beads multiple times. Both those things sold me on fireline.

I hadn't read about wildfire yet and now I want to try it. I still use nymo for fringe and certain projects. It's nice to have a choice.

re: Beading Threads - Why (I Hope) Nymo Beading Thread Will Never Go Away

Cindy Daniel — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:16:43 GMT

I love Nymo - my work is soft and has a lovely drape, and I will never give that up. Fireline is just too stiff for me.