The huge variety of beading and weaving thread and jewelry wire available is astounding. Finding the right one for your project can be a daunting experience.
There are a lot of options when it comes to bead stringing projects. There are plenty of high-quality threads that will help you create fabulous jewelry that will last a very long time.
But what is the strongest beading thread for any project? The strongest beading thread is an inter-knitted thread, also known as braided, polyethylene, or gel-spun thread. It is known for being the strongest fiber per diameter and is great for all types of projects. It is flexible and thin which makes it easy to use with small beads.
Bead workers and stringers that are accustomed to using fishing line will find this material is similar in texture and flexibility, yet as strong as jewelry wire. Beads will not easily cut through this thread and it can not be torn with your bare hands.
The Strongest Beading Thread For Any Project
Here is a look at the 10 different types of beading thread and common uses for each.
1. Inter-knitted Thread
By far the best and strongest thread for any project is interknitted thread. I personally use this one on Amazon. It’s ultra-fine in diameter, yet three times stronger than average mono-filament.
Braided bead thread has become the recommended cord to use by many bead working experts. This is the best fiber for stringing projects that require extra strength or several through weaves, especially when working with beads that have small holes.
The super tough, flexible braided thread is pre-waxed and made gel-spun polyethylene. You will find that it works and feels better than anything you have ever tried.
FireLine is at the top of the list, but others that do quite well include:
- Beadsmith Illusion Monofilament Cord. This cord is virtually invisible, yet extra tough, flexible and durable. A great choice when making a beaded project where the beads are the stars and the string just there to hold it all together.
- Beadsmith Power Pro Braided Thread has a 10-pound test strength. It is flexible and resistant to fraying. The various diameters available allow you to choose the right one for the size of the holes in your beads.
- Miyuki Dura-Line Beading Thread is another super tough beading thread great for all types of beading designs. This pre-waxed braided thread won’t stretch out of shape and is easy to knot.
2. Bonded Thread
Bonding is the process used to coat this type of thread in a special resin for extra strength and to decrease friction. Nylon and polyester threads are commonly bonded for use in high-speed sewing machines.
Beadalon WildFire, which is available on Amazon, is one of the most popular brands of bonded thread. It is strong and waterproof and extremely resistant to fraying and piercing. It is available in various diameters.
3. Jewelry Wire
Jewelry wire is the first type crafters generally think of when searching for materials to use for their projects.
This go-to material is a standard in most stringing projects. It is super strong and can handle beads of all shapes and sizes.
The wire used to make jewelry wire is usually stainless steel or copper. Several ultra-fine strands are woven together for extra strength and flexibility and then covered with a thin layer of nylon. The nylon coating protects the wire from corrosion and adds to the durability.
The nylon also makes for a nice smooth surface that makes threading beads and other objects easier. Jewelry wire is available in different gauges and colors. The more wires woven together to make the wire, the thicker it becomes.
4. Silk Cord
Silk cord has been used in beadwork and other sewing projects for centuries. It is the traditional string for making gemstone stone jewelry and knotted pearl. The cord is known for its strength, flexibility and luxurious texture.
Throughout history, silk cord has been used in nearly every type of needlework, such as tapestries, embroidery and fancy garments.
100% silk bead cord often comes with a twisted stainless steel needle at the end. This saves you from threading the needle. You simply take the needle from the package and start threading your beads. No need to double the thread, making going through small holes in gemstones and pearls quick and easy.
The cord is easy to knot because the correct twist is built right in. Silk is easy to dye, so your color choices are endless.
5. Super-Lon (S-Lon)
Super-Lon is made of nylon. It is super strong and similar in weight and texture as the thread used for sewing upholstery. It is commonly used for making necklaces, stringing projects, micro-macrame, and bead crocheting because it is sturdy, not elastic.
The good amount of bulk and super strength makes it easy to work with. It is easily dyed, so you can make all sorts of colorful braided designs.
It is also available in a finer weight called micro. This type can be used for the same type of projects as the heavier weight, only on a smaller scale, for finer beading projects.
6. Amiet Beading Thread
Amiet is made of 100% polyester. This cord is ideal for thread-wrapping, crochet, knotting, kumhimo, and micro-macrame. It is tough enough to use with just your fingers, no needle required, and the weight is very similar to Super-Lon.
The thread is also perfect for creating unique jewelry looks. It can be used with extra-large beads and is available in many colors.
7. Stretch Elastic Cord
Stretch elastic cord is specifically designed for jewelry that needs a little stretching room, like bracelets. The cord is durable, easy to knot, and doesn’t require a needle, making it very easy for children to work with.
However, adults also have a great time creating fabulous bead jewelry with this cord. The ends are tied together, so you don’t need a clasp. Just slip on your beads or charms, tie the ends and you’re done! The extra string can be trimmed for a neater look.
Elasticity and Stretch Magic are two great brands. Each one is strong and easy to knot and has enough body that a needle is not needed for stringing beads.
Elonga is a unique stretch elastic cord made up of several individual elastic strands bonded together. The multi-stranded construction makes it super strong and durable. However, the material will begin to fray over time from normal wear and tear. This is a sign that some restringing may be needed.
A needle is required to use this thread. Elonga is a great choice for barefoot sandals and other jewelry designs that need room to stretch, such as bracelets or hair bands.
Each of these stretch elastic cords are available in a variety of thicknesses and are usually a clear or white color.
Helpful Hints
After tying a knot at the end of your creation, you may want to put a dab of glue on it to keep it from coming apart. Superglue or clear nail polish works well for this. Or, you can glue the knot to the last bead to make it extra secure.
Some manufacturers and crafters may say an alternative is to secure the end with a crimping tube. This is not a very good idea for elastic thread. It does work, but it is not the ideal solution. Crimps should only be used on jewelry wire.
Elastic thread is too porous. Crimping tubes can quickly wear through this material, causing it to break.
8. Sewing Thread
Sewing thread comes in a large variety of materials, strengths, and colors. The choices are practically endless.
All of these types of thread can be used for stringing small beads or for bead embroidery and loom and off-loom bead weaving.
9. Nylon Thread
Silamide Nylon Thread is a sewing basket staple. No matter what type of sewing or crafting you do, this all-around nylon thread is a must-have for your arsenal of tools. It is a popular choice for beading onto fabric and bead weaving. It is available in a vast range of colors.
Nymo Waxed Nylon Thread is another great choice for bead weaving and beading onto fabric. It is lightly waxed, which makes it easy to thread and won’t easily twist or tangle. It is strong yet flexible. Jewelry made with this thread has been known to stand up for over thirty years.
KO Nylon Japanese Beading Thread is super tough and tangle and fray resistant. It is available in a large variety of colors and gives your weaving projects a soft, fluid feel. It is considered one of the best threads for making jewelry. The light wax coating makes threading your needle a snap.
TOHO One-G Beading Thread comes in a variety of colors, is easy to thread and resistant to frays and tangles. It is specifically designed for bead weaving and also a good choice for looming and stringing. This remarkably strong thread is tough, yet not at all stiff.
10. Polyester Thread
Miyuki Bead Crochet Thread is a high-quality polyester thread designed specifically for bead crocheting. The special resin treatment ensures that the thread will not come apart while you work.
The fun multi-colored spool will also work great for other bead weaving projects.
Still not sure which thread to choose for your project? Maybe watching this video by PotomacBeads on YouTube will help!