The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Nancy Cain — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:40:52 GMT

Dear Cherie, I am glad that you found the article informative! My local bead store carries the microcrystalline wax. Jackie's Bead Boutique in Colorado Springs, CO. Their phone number is 1-719-599-3800. Good luck with it! Nancy Cain

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Cpi — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:04:25 GMT

I have found so many good tips in this article I almost feel like a beginner again! I have tried to find microcrystalline or synthetic beeswax but have had no luck. Does it have brand name(s)? Where are you fellow beaders finding it? Oh, and I, too, look forward to Beading Daily newsletters very much! Thank you. Cherie

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Lou Ma — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:04:15 GMT

Oh what a beautiful day when I see my Beading Daily newsletter. I never fail to learn something useful. thanks to the editors and the readers comments. NancyB: I save all of my newsletters in a folder on my desk top. Just copy and paste and you'll alsays be able to refer back to the technique.

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

NancyB@5598 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:34:21 GMT

How nice it would be if the directions could be given also in an easily printable form. Those of us getting older tend to forget things and it is nice to go back to a printed source.

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

mpike — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:51:58 GMT

Oh how lovely it is to receive such great tips and interesting responses and questions! All for free. I'm alwys inspired to bead better and BE better when I've been in touch with my virtual beading family. The info on wax as opposed to using Thread Heaven is SO useful. I've had a couple of pieces go slack in spite of doing my best to keep the work taut. I shall now try again!

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

mpike — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:51:55 GMT

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

3shelties — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:47:24 GMT

Hello Everyone, I just started using One G myself after taking a class with Met Innman. I have to say it is great thread. It is coated and the smaller thread size works well when you have to go through small beads more than once. I recommend it. In addition thread does not cost much so it is worth a try right?

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Nancy Cain — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:06:30 GMT

Dear Khurshid, I would like to comment on your thread dilemma. When you are working the tail thread as back tension, it gets quite a workout! The tail rubs against the edge of the closest bead (if you are working with matte beads it will be worse) and causing it to fray and break. Also, if you are holding onto it past the 'tension set point'... in other words past the point where the tail effects the tension, then the tail may be twisting as well as rubbing causing extra stress on it. Generally, when I pull on threads, tail or needle, I try to pull straight out of the bead hole versus against the edge of the hole and I only use the tail in the beginning of the work. It is hard to hold onto a small section of work and fingers get tired, but it spares the tail from too much work. Nymo is a good thread, but does tend to fray. I am currently using the newer One G thread and like the extra coating on it. It is smooth, strong and tends to fray less. If you are having trouble with keeping tension, you can try a bit of wax. I prefer the microcrystalline or synthetic beeswax. Use a tiny bit and only wax about 4 inches of the thread just ahead of the work. There is no need to wax the entire thread. For tight work, I would not use Thread Heaven... it will make the thread slippery. Good luck and happy beading! Nancy www.nancycainbeadart.com

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Carolpurk — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:30:15 GMT

Thank you for the perfect tension article in your July 20th newsletter - pics of rounds 1 - 5 and the info with each was wonderful - hope to see more of these articles in your future Newsletters - It made Nancy Cains "Pearl Romance necklace" so much easier! Carol P

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Khurshid — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:46:30 GMT

Hi, I write from India. I use Nymo D mainly for my work and I find that when I use the tail end for tension it invariably breaks at some point and I have to begin all over again. Why is this happening? Am I using the wrong thread for weaving? I generally work with RAW and Square Stitch. Khurshid

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Nancy Cain — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:06:06 GMT

Dear Melinda, Thank you for posting the full set of row instructions for the Tension Tip. I understand the need to edit the text in the magazine for space consideration. I think this is a clear demonstration on how it works! The photos are great. To answer Dorothy's question on even and odd count... when you want a perfectly round, symmetrical shape such as a ball, you need to have even count. This ball shape is mathematically set to be even count but will reduce to an odd three count row for the smallest hole. Thank you so much! Happy Beading! Nancy Cain

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

JoanP@14 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:10:36 GMT

Thank you! That was an "Ah- Ha" moment for me. Running the thread through again at the start really made beginning tubular peyote so much easier, not to mention a nicer, more substantial end result. Having been a member of the gauge swatch police in the knitting store I worked at makes me very conscious of importance of good tension.

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

JennieH@10 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:03:05 GMT

Having been a crocheter for about 50 years before I started beading, I've found the tail to be invaluable at keeping the proper tension. At first I was skimpy with the tail because I didn't want to waste thread, but I had to redefine "waste" somewhere along the way in favor of quality bead work. Thanks for an excellent article.

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

DorothyH@10 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:59:27 GMT

Your instructions are much more explicit than Nancy Cain's Beadwork Masterclass. Question: Why use even-count circular peyote, when odd-count does not require the step-up?

re: The Secret to Perfect Thread Tension

Maxwell4 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:22:02 GMT

I, too, utilize my tail thread. I normally wind it through my left hand fingers and hold it firmly.