How to Stretch Silk Cord for Use in Jewelry Making

beadaholique.c... - In this video, learn how to properly prepare silk cord for use in jewelry making by stretching it. This process will also remove the kinks in the cord and smooth out its appearance.
Designer: Megan Milliken
You can find the supplies in this video at Beadaholique.com
Griffin Silk Beading Cord & Needle Size 16 Garnet Red
SKU: XCR-9114
www.beadaholiqu...
Fiskars 5 Precision Tip Scissors - Super Sharp
SKU: XTL-5700
www.beadaholiqu...
Beadalon Large Beading Mats - Prevent Bead Rolling 13 X 18 Inch (Set of 2)
SKU: XTL-9935
www.beadaholiqu...

[@beadaholique]

Yes, the silk cord needs to be stretched before you use it. If you watch the video: How to Make a Chan Luu Style Wrap Bracelet, she does mention stretching out the cord in her instructions. She just stretches the cord by hand. Wetting the cord and hanging it will probably do a more thorough job, but you could stretch your cord either way, they both work.

[@monellerichmond7208]

It cannot be "just as easy" to use any other big-eye needle, since you will have to double the thread, which may make it difficult (if not impossible) to go through your beads. That is the whole purpose of the built-in needle, and it is probably a significant part of what you are paying for when you buy this silk.

[@el4955]

No doubt. Not to mention that’s one of the reasons people by this thread is because it already has the needle on it.

[@bcbrunette]

I would tie it up with the other end so the needle is useable 🤣

[@SvetlanaOstrovskaya27]

Hi. I think, 2 hemostats would work great for this. One of them is easy to hang on the hook, and the second would provide the weight. Also, you do not lose any of the cord. Just thoughts...

[@peacelovemusic719]

I just bought some silk thread and I was about to use it. But I decided to look something up on youtube first. Thankfully, I found this video before I started/went to far. Thank you so much. This is the first time I'm using Griffin silk (or any type of silk cord for beading for that matter). Just wanted to say thank you for this video.

[@puffchickpam1]

So can you remember how this worked out for you?

[@gensmith7532]

I find it a little silly to cut the needle off. I've never used so much of the thread that the little bit by the needle is used. The needle is still useful to put your beads on the cord and one of the reasons that I buy that brand.

[@realgirl2704]

Do not cut off the needle. You won't use that tiny bit in the knotting. But you will need the needle.

[@khm2128]

There are some replies stating that the needle may be re-tied.

[@mimilawrence5772]

I can't believe you cut the needle off. The whole point of using this type of cord is to have built in needle so you can go through small holes in beads, particularly pearls and natural stone. Just seems odd to me.

[@el4955]

Super odd

[@leaembree9567]

There must be a way to stretch the thread without having to cut the needle off. It defeats the purpose of buying the thread with an attached needle.

[@beadaholique]

You can just untie it. If needed or preferred, one can always use a separate needle if needed.

[@beadaholique]

@PennyQuest In my experience, cotton cord hasn't stretched much, so I don't generally stretch it out before use. You could definitely experiment with this method to smooth out cotton cord. I wouldn't recommend it for rick rack though, since the zig zag shape may get distorted.

[@Raeintheuk]

why not use a hair straighter on low setting ! tried it. works like a charm:)

[@PennyQuest]

Will this work for cotton cording/rick rack also?

[@kh73068]

Does this process work for the nylon version of this cording?

[@beadaholique]

Stretching nylon cord is a much simpler process. To stretch nylon cord, first wrap one end around your non-dominant hand's index finger, leaving about a 2 inch tail. Second, stretch about 1 foot of the cord by gently pulling the other end with your dominant hand. Continue to stretch the cord in this way in 1 foot increments. Make sure not to pull too hard as this could break the cord. Thanks for watching!

[@lostinoc3528]

interesting video, but I wonder is it really necessary? seems like a lot of work, also to waste the needle? are the needles reusable that come with the griffin cords? why not just use nylon, or satin instead to avoid needing to this?

[@beadaholique]

Stretching is recommended as you may find that after you make your knots the weight of the beads causes the cord to stretch so there are spaces of thread next to each one of your knots. We can confirm the needle is reusable. Silk cord is very soft, so many designers like to use it with delicate materials such as natural pearls. Thanks for watching!

[@jaliahlahawkins6245]

Thanks 😍

[@glossydemarco358]

What a performance! Didn't realise all this was necessary...just wanted to string a few beads. I knew it had to be straightened but not stretched...is there no other way, like, a LESS hassle-free way?

[@beadaholique]

Yes, it does seem like a lot of work and my personal opinion (this is Julie) is that it doesn’t always need to be stretched this intensely for every project. If you are doing a project with the silk where you want exact spaces of exposed thread or if your beads are quite heavy, then yes, it would be best to go to this additional effort. However, if your beads are lightweight or you are doing basic pearl knotting with the cord, then I think giving it a few good stretches with your hands will suffice. I hope this makes sense and please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks! Julie

[@glossydemarco358]

Hi Julie, very good of you to get back to me. Yes, I understand it prob necessary for 'heavy' work - and what do i know about silk cord anyway...just a newbie. But I went by Silviana's method and it worked fine. Thank you very much for explaining, I do appreciate that X

[@puffchickpam1]

I don’t know maybe it is necessary to wet the cord. Made a pearl bracelet without stretching the cord. (Had an instructor tell me not to). So I was like OK. Since I intend to sell my jewelry, I figured I should wear it for a while and see what happens. if it holds up and such. Over a period of time, I noticed that the cord seems to stretch out on it’s own. The only difference between that and a necklace that I made was that the bracelet got number of times. So I figured water must do that. I’ll try that then make another bracelet, wear it like I had before and see what happens.

[@puffchickpam1]

Oops, meant to say that it got wet a number of times

[@glossydemarco358]

That's interesting puffchick....good idea to test out before selling. But they do say don't they, not to get bracelets wet...not to wear whilst bathing, showering or swimming. I straightened and stretched mine over a pan of simmering water (Silviana's method) and it looked fine BUT will it stretch again when wearing. Mine will be a lightweight 2 tier necklace...very small beads so I can't see a problem. puffchick, did you finish yours off with crimps etc?

[@silvianaadami7513]

I think it is the worse tutorial I ever seen ! A much simple and easy way to do this : simply make heat a water pan than stretch the cord in the steam on the top of the pan and it is done ! It is quick and the cord is not wet. (sorry for the bad language, I'm french) Never cut the needle because it is very usefull ! Work at the end of the cord and keep the remaining cord with the precious needle for next work !

[@glossydemarco358]

Thank you Silviana, have just seen your comment....I will do this.

[@rosemartin4702]

You can just iron the silk cord with steam setting.

[@valeriehamme8893]

I'm sorry but I cannot believe this video. Terrible advice and much better ways to do this. Just read the comments! 🙄