ShilaBead

My Go-To Thread for Beadwork


Finding the perfect thread for beadwork can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be! Let me share my experience with FireLine.
I think it's much easier to choose the right thread for beading now than it used to be. There is a much larger selection on the market, and bead manufacturers have also started producing beading threads. The best reason is that they know what is the most suitable for their own product. However, let's see what you must consider to find the right one. I'm not going to write about it in intense detail. I prefer to share my own experience. Don't forget, the correct size thread is key for your beadwork!

So, when I started to discover the beading techniques, I started with a cheap, basic, clear fishing line. After gaining experience, I realized it was challenging to work with, so I looked at other threads. I found FireLine, and since then, I have worked with it and used it 90% of the time during my work. It wasn't that simple, because choosing the right size for your job is very important. You can find it specifically for beadwork, but it is pretty expensive. I use it a lot, so again, I find myself in the fishing shop hunting for a new one. Surprise, I also found the FireLine there and tried it. When I use both my hands, the beads get a little discolored, so I use the smoke color for the darker and metallic beads and the clear one for the lighter ones. I need to mention that the smoke FireLine adds a unique antique charm to finished pieces.

I typically use a FireLine with a diameter of 0.15 mm because it gives good stiffness to the beadwork. I also have small spools of -150 m- 0.12 and 0.17 mm for different projects. One more thing: I find these goodies at better prices out of peak time.


The only downside is that it is not flexible, so I don't use it for jewellery, where it can break under tension, no matter how strong.

- Disadvantage: non-flexible

You can see the difference between FireLine and other beading threads.

Flattening the end of the thread with pliers before threading it through the needle makes the process much easier. Using flat or bent nose pliers, gently squeeze and flatten a few mm on the end of the thread.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll explore other beading threads! And let me know in the comments – what's your favorite thread and why?" 

In my patterns -SHILABEADS- I mention the thread and size I used.