How to knot a strand of pearls

Here's how to knot a great strand of pearls for yourself:

Pearls and/or beads of your choice

Silk cord in a size to work with your pearls

Clamshell Knot Covers - 2

E6000 Glue

Chainnose Pliers

1. Unwind a card of Griffin brand silk cord, size 4 or the size most suitable for your pearls. I like to pass it through a curling iron or even press it with an iron to smooth out the kinks from the card.

2. Make a knot in the end of the silk. Tie over it about 3 times, to end up with a large knot. Leave the tail of silk cord attached.

3. Place a clamshell knot cup over the end of the cord, with the cup facing out. Add a drop of glue to your knot, trim the tail of cord and close the clamshell.

4. Tape the closed clamshell to your workspace and make a knot right next to the clamshell.

5. Add your first pearl and slide it up the silk until it sits right next to the knot you just made in Step 4.

6. Make a knot next to it, and continue adding pearls and making knots until you come to the end of your strand of silk, or until your knotted strand is the length you desire.

7. When you have reached the end of your strand, add a beadcup and make two or three large knots right next to it. Add a drop of glue, trim the remaining silk and close the clamshell.

8. Add finding on both ends, being sure to closed the clamshell ends gently. Remember, if they should break, you will have to start all over, as it is very difficult to salvage the strand after the silk has been cut.