In the Beginning

Unlike embroidery, I've found most of my beading projects have required the use of knots. There are lots of ways to make a knot: there are some good suggestions in this S&S forum thread. I've also heard a square knot is good and clear nail polish is helpful in sealing a knot but have not tried either. A plain double knot works for me.

I have found it helpful to secure the thread with seed stitches (steps 1-4) before beading. This is especially important when using slippery Nymo thread. If you don't wish to use a knot, simply leave a small thread "tail", complete several seed stitches and trim the "tail" away.

	1. Knot thread if desired.
	2. Bring needle up through fabric.
	3. Bring needle down a few threads away
	4. Repeat as desired...
	...and bead away!

Finishing Up

I like to finish threads with, what I call for lack of a better term, a "loop knot".

	1. On the wrong side of fabric take a tiny stitch (a few thread is enough)
	2. Pull the thread until a small loop appears
	3. Put needle through loop
	4. Pull thread, creating a small knot
	Repeat 2-3 times (in the same spot) or as desired.
	5. Trim threads. If desired run remaining thread back up and through a row of beads before trimming excess away.