Most pearl necklaces are knotted using a traditional technique. Though it is a little more difficult than the cheater’s way, it is not impossible to learn, and it will add an extra finished look to pearl, as well as, other beaded necklaces. As with most jewelry techniques, the more you practice, the better you will become. The most difficult part of traditional knotting is getting the knot snug up against the bead.

I only knot occasionally. So, I’ve developed a way to knot using either a corsage pin or an old stick pin that I have. (A straight pin is not strong enough for this.) However, if you plan to do a lot of knotting, you might want to consider either learning to use an awl and a pair of tweezers or, for a more high tech approach, take a look at Rio Grande’s "tri-cord knotter" which is a combination of both. These tools will make it easier for you to make consistent and tight knots. Most bead vendors sell tools which are specially made for knotting. Many of them also offer books and even videos on this technique as well.

For my way of traditional knotting, along with the corsage or stick pin you just need your beads and choice of cord. For this demonstration, I’m using burgundy colored nylon no. 4 cord and 6mm mother of pearl beads. I’ve chosen to use contrasting colors so they show up better in the pictures. Of course, if I were to make a necklace, I’d match up my cord to the color of my beads.

First, the necklace is started as you would any other beaded necklace. As I’ve previously explained, I’m a bead tip person. Only one strand of cord is needed for this more traditional technique.

Once the necklace is started, string on the first bead. Now, tie an over hand knot, but keep it loose.

Insert the pin through the loose knot.

Now use the pin to push the knot down towards the bead until the knot and pin are flush up against the bead.

Here comes the tricky part. Keep the knot up against the bead (not too tight) while you slip the pin out. Then take the pin and hold it on top of the cord and up against the knot. Pull the cord with one hand, and push the knot against the bead using the pin in your other hand. (Hopefully, you’re not trying to chew gum and rub your stomach too.)

Now, continue doing this after each bead is strung.

Once you try this, you might find ways to adjust it that work better for you. Instead of pushing the knot against the bead with the pin, you might feel more comfortable using your fingers. You might want to knot from right to left or left to right. Try a few experiments until you find a way that works best for you.

Knotting for Cheaters

Pearl necklaces are knotted. That means, if you look very closely, you’ll see tiny knots in between each pearl bead. Pearls are not the only beads strung in this fashion. Many of your finer beaded jewelry is knotted. There are a few reasons for this: knots keep the beads from rubbing against each other, and, if the piece breaks, beads won’t go flying.

There are a few ways to knot a beaded necklace. This week, I’ll show the "cheater’s" way. Of course, that’s what I call it. It’s really just another way to knot - not the only way. I especially recommend trying this technique if you’re new to knotting.

First, you’ll need to determine the type of cord you want to use. There are two types that are most often used for knotting: silk and nylon. Silk is the choice of the traditional knotter. However, many complain that it snags and frays. Nylon cord can also be used. Both come in a variety of colors such as black, white, burgundy, blue, pink, and brown. They can be purchased on small cards with about 6 feet of cord and a needle attached or, for the serious knotter, larger spools can be purchased with separate needles. They also come in different sizes. The thicker cord is used for the larger beads since the holes in the beads are larger. For the "cheater’s" technique, two strands are put through each bead, so a thinner size is needed. For 6mm beads, I usually use size 2 for this technique.

For the purposes of this feature, I’m using white nylon cord and hematite beads because I want you to be able to see clearly. However, it’s best to try to match the color of the cord with the color of the beads.

First, a knotted necklace must be started just as any basic beaded necklace would be. Though there a few ways to start a beaded necklace , my usual choice is with bead tips (clamp shells). The only difference is that two strands of the cord are inserted through the bead tip instead of one.

Once the necklace is started, string on a bead, and make an over hand knot. Make the knot tight so it’s snug up against the bead.

Continue to do this: string a bead, make an over hand knot, string a bead, make an over hand knot. That’s it. Again, finish the necklace as you would any beaded necklace whether it’s knotted or not.

The reason I call this a way to cheat at knotting is because normally only one strand of cord is used. However, this technique is simply and the results provide the same results as a single strand knotted cord would provide.