Expert: Pamela Welborn - 2/16/2010

Question
I purchased a bracelet kit using seed beads %26 thread.  It indicates it is optional to "condition" the thread.  I haven't been able to find what that means, and as I've practiced, the thread frays quite a bit.  Thank you, Kathy

Answer
There are a couple schools of thought on conditioning thread.  I don't care for the feel of the thread after it's conditioned.  

You can use many things bees wax or thread heaven are the most common.  Thread Heaven's web site compares all of the common conditioners:

http://www.threadheaven.com/home.html

Thread heaven doesn't make the thread as tacky as wax can.

I don't know what 26% thread is.  I use nymo or silamide for seed bead stitching.  I use fireline when I am using beads that are sharp, such as crystals or bugle beads.  

Thread choice is a very personal thing.  If the thread you are using is fraying, it can have to do with several things.  How many times you have had to back stitches out, how long the thread is and how many tangles you have had to untangle.  It can also have to do with the beads you are using.

Let me know if you have any more questions

Pamy

Pamela Welborn
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