Finish Jewelry Using Knot Covers

Finishing a necklace, in the most basic sense, means attaching the clasp.  Depending on what material you are using to string, here are two popular methods for doing just that.  The first involves crimp beads when you use tigertail or a similar soft beading wire.  The second uses knot covers to hide the knot made in whatever thread you may have chosen. This section explains how to use knot covers.

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Clamshell Knot Covers
Many beaders like the softness and classic style of thread.  There are many different types to choose from, several colors, sizes and varying strengths.  One of the nicest things about using threads is the ability to make attractive knots in your piece.  We most often use Griffin Silk, which comes with the needle already attached, allowing you to use the largest possible size for your beads since you don't have to double the thread through a needle.  Waxed Linen is also very popular, and there's a myriad of other materials to choose from.  One of the simplest ways to attach beading thread to a clasp (and a more attractive method than just tying it to the clasp) is with a bead tip or knot cover.  This section covers the "clamshell" knot cover, named as such because it hides the knot by closing over it like a clam.

A B C D

1.  Cut your thread to the desired length using FLUSH KNOT CUTTERS.  Tie a knot at the end of the thread and then string a KNOT COVER onto it.  (A) Take note that the open "mouth" of the clamshell is heading towards the knot.

2.  Trim the thread close to the knot. You can add a dab of glue (like Hypo-Tube Cement) to the knot at this point to ensure that it will hold. (B)

3.  Using NEEDLENOSE PLIERS, close the clamshell around the knot.  (C)

4.  Knot covers have a little "hook" on them.  These are used for attaching the clasp.  Slide your clasp onto the hook, and bend the hook to close it around the clasp. (D)

5.  String your beads onto the thread and repeat the procedure on the other side.  Simple!  You're done!

NOTE: BEAD TIPS are very similar to knot covers. A bead tip is smaller and is simply a small cup that the knot sits in - rather than being completely enclosed as it is with a knot cover. Bead tips are great for designs with very small beads and clasps.