I recently ordered some power pro, and I must say I like it a lot better than nymo. It doesn't have to be waxed, doesn't fray (that I've noticed yet), passes through a #15 several times (the .006) and is super strong. It does still get cut by crystals though.

 What's your thread/line of choice?

I've been using Nymo since the dark ages and still tend to stick with that.  I do use C-lon sometimes, and will use Fireline when I want the strength.  I've never used the power pro, so can't say anything about that!

I use Fireline Crystal pretty much exclusively.  I've never used Power Pro, but I'm sure it's similar.  I use 4# or 6# depending on the bead size and sometimes use it doubled, especially if I'm using crystals or bugles.

Kassie

When I began beading, there wasn't many choices available so I tested many threads and found 'Kevlar' to be unbelievable. It didn't break unless it was knotted over it self. Then, Beading Magazines hit the stands and I started trying other threads. Now I use Nymo for all my work. Depending on the project, I use the various sizes available, include more then one for the same piece. I also double all my thread for fringes and the pieces I add for 3-D. I havn't ever found a problem with 'fraying' as many mention here on the forum. I also don't wax my thread, just get the kinks out before I thread my needle.

 I've been using Nymo for all of my bead embroidery....

 Nymo is still my favorite.   I find Silamide and C-Lon or Superon more difficult to thread.   I rarely wax my Nymo and only have fraying problems infrequently.

Count me in as another old-timer still using Nymo!

I like the parallel fibers of Nymo as opposed to twisted fibers. Never liked the feel of Silamide or PowerPro, although if you're ever doing twisted fringe, Silamide is excellent for this!

I have used Fireline when making rings with crystals (and yes, it *does* still break against the crystals after awhile - bummer) - hate the feel of the Fireline, but it is way strong!

I'm really liking the new Toho One G thread - it has the nice, soft "hand" of Nymo, but is supposed to be fray-resistant. I haven't used it enough to report back on that, though! It's expensive, though - 3x the cost of Nymo, and only available in 12 colors.

Anyone else tried OneG yet?

Betcey

www.beyondbeadery.com 

Hey ya'll

I use fireline either crystal or smoke depending on the color of the beads.Have used powerpro and for some reason was not happy with it--the feel?  Also have not used much nymo. I looked at Betcey's site and want to ask what is a tapestry rod? I mean I get it but what color is it, what keeps the beadwork from sliding off and such.  I am really inspired by all of you guys-such beautiful beadwork auch beautiful websites!

Sally

beadin' in the deep South

I use coates and cleark craft/button thread for bread crochet and Fireline for  everything else.  I use the 6# and 10# fireline.

Sally, this page has a few examples of the tapestry rod in use - scroll down to the "Dreaming Sisters pattern!

http://www.beyondbeadery.com/category.cfm?Category=109 

Betcey
www.beyondbeadery.com 

Betcey

That is soooo cool!  I have a piece in progress-zebra head and seperate side panels that I bet they would be perfect.

Sally

I'm pretty open about what threads to use, I think it depends on what you are working on.

Stringing = 14 lb test fireline (usually smoke color).

Beadweaving = 4-6 lb test fireline, 8 lb test on high-stress areas such as where a neckstrap joins a pendant or amulet bag.  10 lb if you're confident you can navigate the thread passes.

Is it just me or does power pro make a more fluid drape in beadwoven pieces?  I'm just going by "hand-feel" (it seems more supple and fiber-like than fireline).  I do know both lines are made from the same material.

Embroidery = Nymo.  Hands down.  I just found a (very neglected) pendant I made years ago from nymo and despite the probable abuse (at least in my home), not a bead was lost and looks the same as the day it was made.

 
BTW, my first jewelry efforts were on cotton-covered sewing thread (not recommended, at all).  Gimme a Break, It was the 80's!

 
Pun intended and Peace, 

Kim
 

 I use Nymo and Silamide (or non-Silamide plied bonded nylon) pretty much interchangeably.  I am using 6 pound FireLine right now for a brick stitch project with tight tension -- I was getting breakage with the nylon threads.  Dulcey

I don't have any experience with any of the threads except nymo.  And it does fray!  Especially when the dry skin on my fingers catch it.  I don't want to use lotion and get oil on my project and I like the cost of the nymo.  Are the others just as knottable?

Freebird,

 You can use thread heaven or bee's wax to condition the nymo...

Also, make sure you do not poke the thread with your needle as you work with seed beads & crystals.

 It takes a little bit of practice, but once you are used to it, it will become 2nd nature to you.

 For dry hands, they do make non-greasy lotions.  I would try something like cocoa butter cream or

Aveeno® Intense Relief Hand Cream.

I use Nymo size D for most of my seed bead projects, and usually coat it with Thread Heaven. I agree with the others who said to be careful not to poke the thread when you go back through a bead.

When the Fireline Crystal first came out, I couldn't wait to try it and eventually ordered some through Bass Pro, because I couldn't find a local source. I'm still getting their catalogs!  I ordered the 4 lb. weight and my test project was a simple spiral necklace. I was pleased with the results, and by the fluidity of the finished piece (considering that the thread/line makes several passes through the core beads with this stitch).  I'll try and post a picture later, but need to charge up the camera battery first. I forgot that I still had this piece. I had offered to be an angel for the seed beader's exchange last summer, and rushed to finish it before I took off on a trip. I never heard from Carolyn? (the organizer of the exchange) and then forgot all about it.

I still prefer Nymo, but the Fireline Crystal might be a good choice for someone who tends to be hard on their jewelry or when a little more strength is needed.  Rhonda

Edited to add the picture. The spiral on the left was done with Nymo, and the one on the right with Fireline Crystal 4# weight. The color-coordinated Nymo thread all but disappears, and I personally find it more enjoyable to work with, but I'm sure the Fireline will get used again!

I have used Nymo Size D, primarily for loomwork. In fact, I have a long belt that I beaded 40 years ago when I was just a teenager:  the belt is still in good shape, perhaps in part because I waxed the thread. I have tried Fireline - and while it is strong I don't care for the hand or the lack of color choices. PowerPro I find exceptional, except again, the lack of color choices. Most recently, I got some C-Lon, having heard so many great things about it - its strength, its lack of fraying, and the wide range of colors available. Got a big surprise when from the get-go the thread frayed. To be exact, it didn't precisely fray, rather the filaments simply separated into parallel strands. It also tends to be a bit too thick, at least for a size 12 needle. In short, it is worse than fraying. Didn't care for Silamide A, but still would like to get hold of Silamide D. Have heard good things about One-G, although have not been able to locate a source:  does anyone have a suggestion on where to buy some?

Happy Beading to all!

 Judy

I like Power Pro and will buy a "spool" of the white whenever I'm At Meant To Bead in Toledo. They have the best price for 40 miles in any direction. I have used Fireline and actually have had bracelets fall apart using 8 lb test even with several passes thru the beads.

 Recently a friend of mine got me to try SoNo. I really enjoy working with this thread and that it comes in a variety of colors is a bonus.

 roryjean