I would love to see a chart comparing the brands you carry and their sizes… and giving the info about what the sizes are good for (fringe, crystals, etc).
Thank you for your feedback, that is a great suggestion! In the meantime if you would like to check out the different sizes and colors available in DragonThread here is the link: www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread
It is best to start with comfortable size pieces of thread and adding it as you go. This will reduce the fraying and any other problems. Thank you for watching! If you would like more information on the DragonThread you can visit this link! potomacbeads.com/shop?search=DragonThread
Hey Allie - have you tried the new S-LON FIRE thread. It’s thermally bonded like wildfire and others. I’ve always thought Wildfire was thicker than Fireline and therefore can be stiff when you need stiffness. But I love the Dragon Thread because it’s more flexible and works well with fringe. I’ve also been known to use my flat iron hair straightener on lowest setting to quickly press miyuki thread (no need to wax it) and that creates a very very silky fringe that I love. I love all the new colors of dragon thread - colors are very important to me when making jewelry.
I use the 4 lb test Fireline for beaded earrings where I have to go into the beads several times. Then after completing the body of the earrings, I switch to ONE G-thread for the dangles. It works really well.
Hi Ali, I'm wondering, when using the thread (any of them) is it a good idea to use a single piece if thread for more than one project or get new thread for each project....thank you
Hello! If the piece of thread you used for a project is very long and that same piece has been sewn through the beads many times, it is best to use a new piece of thread.
Hello there, if you need a thread that is thin but strong and flexible, you might want to try a size 5 or 6 DragonThread. If you are going to be going through the 15/0s several times, go with the size 5. Hope this is helpful! www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread
Great info I really enjoy these better beader videos. I learn a lot. I have a question about which thread would be the thinnest one to use when beading a bracelet you have to go through a lot of times?
Hello! For a bracelet that requires a lot of passes use a size 5 or 6 thread. If the bracelet also has 15/0s in it, start with a size 5. If it requires a lot of passes but does not have 15/0s, use a size 6. Hope this is helpful!
Thank you for your feedback, if you have not had a chance to try the DragonThread, we hope you will do so! If would like to see the colors and sizes of the DragonThread you can visit this link! potomacbeads.com/shop?search=DragonThread Thank you for watching!
I tried the dragon thread with a big eye needle and it frayed and was difficult to work with. I have a hard time seeing to thread needles, so big eye needle is my go to. Any suggestions to avoid fraying?
Thank you for your feedback it is much appreciated! Using comfortable lengths of thread instead of very long lengths is helpful to prevent fraying. As you work on your project, pulling the thread - when having trouble getting it through - instead of pulling hard on the needle is also helpful.
Glad it was helpful! If you would like to see the different colors and sizes of the DragonThread, here is the link: www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread
I work only with crystals and natural stones, and all of these threads break, unfortunately. 2 years later, and still looking for some good thread that won't ruin my work.
What size of thread are you using? Do you re-enforce your jewelry by sewing through your bead-work a few times? If it is still breaking maybe the beads are too heavy? Have you tried using a beading cable instead? Here is a link to our beading cable if you want to browse what we have www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/beading-cable/
@Potomacbeadco I use the 6 and 8lbs fireline and wilfire.Most of my beads are 4 and 6 mm in crystals or natural stones, and 15/0, 11/0, 8/0 and 6/0 seed beads.I also reinforce quite a few times, but they still brake, every single one.The only ones that didn't are the ones where I used the "plastic" 8 and 10lbs fishing line, but the bracelets are too stiff. Yes, I do use the 49 strands Beading wire, but some bracelets require a thread.
Hello! Generally, the kind of thread needed depends on the project. A size 5 DragonThread may not hold up on a bracelet using gemstones or heavy Czech glass but a size 8 DragonThread would be more suitable. Of course everyone has their preference, it depends on what people are used to. Thank you for watching and happy beading!
Hello there! Thank you for your feedback! Everyone has their preference! That's the great thing about beading and jewelry-making, so many products and options to choose from!
I am not a fan of wildfire thread. I used it in a project and the thread broke half way through. I have it but will only use it if I am low on other thread. Love Fireline. Have not used Dragon thread yet. Thank you for the great information I needed that. Have a great day.
You are so welcome! Thank you for your feedback! If you would like to see the different colors and sizes the DragonThread is available in, you can go to this link! potomacbeads.com/shop?search=DragonThread
The DragonThread Gray size 8 is my favorite. It’s so smooth going through the beads. My next favorite is the size 6. I use the size 5 when I’m doing a project where I know I’ll be going through seed beads a lot.
I have used nymo d and 13 needles for decades but as i get older i almost can't thread them. I primarily do bead weaving size 11 seed and delicas for brick, herringbone, peyote and such which reqire multiple passes of thread. I am looking at trying a 12 or 10 needle with a bonded thread like these. I am looking at a sigle strand thread because the nymo splits and frays as im trying to thread the needle. I have tried using bees wax and thread heaven to stop the fray and then sqash it with my flat nose pliers. No go. I have not tried burning it yet but am going to try before i buy any new stuff. I have a ton of nymo but I am low income and cant afford to buy more supplies of stuff i dont need. I am definitely going to get either 12 and or 10 needles as they will work with my small seed and delicas. So your thoughts and suggestions please. I have been beading since 1975 and dont want to have to quit because i cant thred the needle 😢 i also do a lot of fringe work so need the drape.
Hello there! Our go-to is DragonThread. It is strong and durable and comes in sizes 5, 6, & 8 with 8 being the thickest. Here is the link if you would like to get more information! potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread Since it is braided and fused, it is easier to flatten with flat-nose pliers which makes it easier to thread.
Sometimes Allie dabs a little Super New Glue on the knots! Here is the link if you need some! www.potomacbeads.com/tools-supplies/adhesives/super-new-glue.html
Great video Allie! I’m wondering why you didn’t mention other thread brands like the Japanese made Miyuki or TOHO? They are beautiful threads suitable for finer beadwork and they come in an enormous amount of different colors. I understand that you wish to promote your own brand - Dragonthread. Honestly I have yet to try it. I will try it soon. Dragonthread is made in China, so if somebody wishes to support American brands who make their products in American factories then Fireline and Wildfire would perhaps be a choice for those beaders. Btw. I love your tutorial videos.
Your feedback is much appreciated! If you haven't had a chance to try the DragonlThread and would like to, here is the link: www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread Thank you for watching!
Exactly. Also, the brands mentioned above are also manufactured in China and just spoiled in the US. Beadtec worked with manufactured to produce the thread for use here in the US and are headquartered in Maryland. Unfortunately there is not a thermally bonded beading thread that is truly manufactured in the US
I stopped using fireline and wildfire as every single piece of jewelry I made broke.I am here to find a different thread,hopefully stronger for my crystal jewelry.
@@ely42609😮 what kind of jewelry!? I’ve used only FireLine 6lb for 5-6 years bead weaving my earrings and never had anything break. I used WildFire once and hated it. I’m starting to try to sell them though (previously only for personal use and gifts) and your comment has me concerned!!! I’m also looking for something different for fringe and color options which is what brought me to the video.
I wish you would stop harping on the fact that fireline is made for fishing. It's a great thread, and you do it a disservice by making all the snarky remarks about catching tuna etc.
Thank you for watching! Our go-to beading thread is DragonThread! Here is the link if you need to get some! www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/dragonthread/
What thread is best if you are working with crystal bicones? Among the Dragon thread, Fireline or Wildfire which is less likely to be cut or shredded by the possible sharp edges of the crystals?
Hello there! Our favorite thread is the DragonThread. For crystal bicones, typically a size 8 will work best. It is also best when weaving through the bicones, to put the needle through them as straight as you can and not at an angle. If you thread them at an angle the bicone may cut the thread.
A size 8 DragonThread would work fine. It is a thicker thread but as long as you are using 11/0 Delicas it will work. If you are using smaller beads you can go down to a size 6 thread. Here is a link to our DragonThread, feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/dragonthread/
I do a lot of peyote and make a bracelet that is 2 sizes of crystals and 15 delicas. I use 6# fire line (I buy it at Sporting goods stores) I end up repairing a lot of my bracelets. I really appreciated the tips on flattening the thread and threading at the center. I am definitely guilty of dragging the thread the thread against the eye and hopefully not doing that will help!
Hello there! We're so glad this video was helpful! We have many different videos that cover a variety of beading and jewelry-making topics that you may find helpful! Feel free to browse! www.potomacbeads.com/better-beader-episodes
Any recommendations for starting with Dagon thread to test out. What would you suggest as for thickness and color. Of course not one beading thread can be good for all projects. Looking to see if any sample size availability. Thanks Ali
Hello there! Our favorite thread is the DragonThread. It is very durable and comes in an array of color and 3 sizes, 5 (thin), 6 (medium), and 8 (thick). This is great for all kinds of beads. For beads with larger holes you can use silk cording, waxed linen cord, or knotting cord. Feel free to browse our selection! www.potomacbeads.com/wire-stringing/
@Potomacbeadco Wow, you answered! Lol, I didn't think I'd hear back from anybody- Thank you so much! What Im using presently for a pair of earrings is Beadsmith Berkley Fireline (8 lb). But I'm buying new supplies tonight. I will purchase the Dragon Thread as you suggested. I truly appreciate your help! ♥️
Thank you for your feedback, it is much appreciated! If you have not had the chance to check out the DragonThread line, here is the link! www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread
You're so welcome! Here is the link for the DragonThread if you are interested in seeing the colors and sizes available! www.potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread
Thank you, Allie, for the great information. I use Wild Fire and 6# Fire Line the most. I have Dragon Thread in both size 5 and 6 (mostly to use for fringe earrings) but they feel so thin to me for bracelets. I'm going to try the size 8, that might be what I'm looking for. 🐉🪡🧵
A good suggestion is to use something thicker - in this case a size 8 - then depending how it works on the project, if it is too thick, you can size down to a 6. If you would like to get a closer look on the DragonThread colors and sizes available, here is the link: potomacbeads.com/dragon-thread-beading-thread Thank you for watching and happy beading!