Nylon PLIED Threads

The filaments of these threads are twisted together, like rope. This makes them more difficult to thread through beading needles, but easier to use for twisted fringe.

ROD-WINDING
Gudebrod rod-winding thread is very slippery and tends to kink and twist when in use. As such, it is perfect for making twisted fringes with size 13° and smaller beads. It is great for warp threads for size 13° through 18°, and as wefts for size 12°, 13° and 14°. It can be used for off-loom techniques with size 13°-16° beads. Wax it to calm it down. DO NOT USE with size 10° or 11° seed beads, this thread is much too fine and slippery for that!

SILAMIDE
Silamide is a nylon tailoring thread long used by well known beaders like Joyce Scott. It is a tough, wiry thread, exactly the opposite of rod-winding. It comes pre-waxed. It is the thread of choice for sculptural pieces. Use it with a size 12 or larger needle with beads size 10° and 11°. It's called size A.

CONSO
This thread is a heavy, twisted thread but it's limp like rod-winding. Use it with size 8°-11° beads with large holes where you need a really stiff tension. It's also perfect for stringing our large Czech pressed glass beads (those are the leaves, hearts, drops, triangles, pendants, etc.) You'll find that a milliner's or other sewing needle is easier to use with Conso than a true beading needle which has a long narrow eye. For stringing, use a Big Eye or twisted wire needle.

MACHINE UPHOLSTERY THREAD
This thread is heavy, twisted thread on bobbins rather than spools. It's wiry, like Silamide, but of course heavier. Use it for sculptural pieces with size 11 and larger beads. You'll find a Milliner's needle easier to thread than the beading needles, and for stringing, try the Big Eye or twisted wire needles.