Tools and Materials

Silk beading cord with beading needle
Freshwater pearls
Bead-and-pearl-knotting tweezers
Bead-stringing glue

1. Start with a silk cord in a similar color to that of the pearls.
2. Unravel the cord to twice the desired length, and tie an overhand knot at the end.
3. Place a tiny pearl on the string to reinforce the closure. Follow with a large pearl (it will become one end of the clasp).
4. Follow the lettered illustrations below to create a knot in between each pearl.
5. Continue this pattern, adding pearls and knotting between each one until the strand reaches the desired length.
6. To make the knotted loop closure to fasten the necklace, draw the pearl strand over itself (see top of photo, left), creating a loop just big enough to allow the large pearl to pass through, but not so small (or so large) that the bead will slip out.
7. Create the final knot at the junction where the string crosses over the strand. This knot will sit on top of one of the previous knots made between the beads.
8. For extra security, make an additional knot, and place a drop of beading glue over top of the knot.
9. Trim the end.

Resources

#4 natural silk beading cord and needle, in Gray, $2.50 for 2 m., firemountaingems.com