Q How do you add thread to continue a project? I realize this would depend on the project, but I'm new to beading and am "testing the waters" with square stitch and peyote. Thanks, Gary Hawkins

A Great question, Gary, and an important one too. If you don't add and end thread properly, you will compromise the integrity of your work, or end up with bulky and obvious areas of thread and knots. When you are stitching with square or peyote stitch, which should result in a fluid and fabric-like swatch, you want to be careful not to leave such obvious connections. Take a look at the Online Basics to read about adding or ending thread, or check out the video, which shows one way to end thread and secure a new one. Mastering the half-hitch knot is essential to finishing techniques, so review the Online Basics, or view the video. 

The best way I have found to make a clean connection is to stitch back through the beadwork that you have already completed, following the thread path so you don't have thread showing, tying a few half-hitch knots along the way, and trimming the thread. To secure a new thread in the beadwork, weave the thread in the same manner, making sure to exit the beadwork in the same place you left off, leaving another short tail to tie in. (I usually go ahead and secure the short tail right away so it doesn't get in my way as I continue to work.)

Another way to end thread is to stop beading when your working thread is about six inches long. Cut a new length of thread, and tie the new thread (leaving another six-inch tail) to the old tail using a surgeon's knot. Work a few more stitches until the knot is hidden in the beadwork, leaving the tails sticking out. When the knot is hidden, thread a needle on one six-inch tail at a time and end them as explained above.

I know some people might feel more comfortable dotting the knot with a dab of G-S Hypo Cement, which is fine, but I think if you weave through the beadwork enough, you don't need the glue, plus it may stiffen your beadwork considerably in that area. Finishing techniques can take just as much time to get comfortable with as the actual stitches, so practice them just as you would the stitches. I hope this helps, and if anyone has any other ideas about adding/ending thread, just post a comment below.

Thanks!
Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine