Bead Fringe Tips Part I: Thread Troubles

The first step in creating beautiful flowing fringe is selecting the right thread. You want something that is silky, flexible, and strong. I like to use bonded nylon thread such as Nymo or One G.

Now that you've selected your thread, spool size matters! Smaller spools are wound in smaller, tighter loops. When you unwind a length of thread from such a spool, it comes out very curly. The thread will keep this curl even after beading. This is less of an issue with larger spools but it can happen to any thread, no matter the spool size.

There are a few things you can do if your thread comes off the spool all loopy and curly. First, you can try to straighten out some of the loopiness simply by pulling on the thread. If you do this, be careful not to pull too hard. It is possible to over-stretch your thread. The thing to keep in mind about overstretched thread is that it will eventually bounce back to it's usual tension. This could create issues after you've beaded!

Another method you can use to straighten out your thread is steam. Simply pass your thread through some steam a few times and gently smooth it with your fingers. The steam will naturally relax the fibers and easily remove any loopiness.

The other great thing about this steam method is it can be used even after you've beaded! Simply hold your fringe over the steam and gently pull it straight in even, downward motions with your fingers. Repeat several times. Then lay on flat surface and arrange the fringe into flat, even rows and allow it to cool and dry. 

The photo above shows beeaded fringe smoothed out after steaming.