For tubular ndebele herringbone, do you have any tips on maintaining tension so the finished product doesn't have any gaps? 

I found my tubular herringbone showed gaps especially when I had to add thread (I used SoNo) - any tips to avoid that? 

 What is your preferred thread for ndebele herringbone?

 Thanks!

Alicia

I use Fireline for 90% of my beadwork - I like the stiffness, and it never changes consistency either while I'm beading, or after a piece has been worn.

As for keeping tension with tubular herringbone, I find it helps to snug up the beads just added, after you stitch down into the previous row, then pull the thread tight again.  Sometimes even if you pull the thread tight, the beads are folded inward instead of laying flat.  And I always give the thread a double tug after every step, grasping it close to the beadwork.

aliciabp64:

I found my tubular herringbone showed gaps especially when I had to add thread (I used SoNo) - any tips to avoid that? 

How far back are you adding new thread?  Normally, when I'm using this stitch, I only go back three rounds to add thread, but if you're finding that the beadwork is too loose, I would start a new thread 3 rows over and at least 6 rounds down.  I have a more detailed description of this on my webpage for herringbone weave

Hope this helps!

Morti

I use C-lon for tubular herringbone and have no problems with the tension. I think it is also something you learn by doing it. First I had the same problem but now it's ok.

When i add a new thread, i first go down for about 3 to 4 rows in the next bead, and again in the bead next to this one, i go up with the new thread. Afterwards I knot and hide those threads and give them a little bit of glue.

To become a very good form in your necklace, I insert a rubber cord into the tube. You can also use a velours tube inside.

If you put these into your necklace from the beginning, it is very easy to become a regular necklace.

 I hope this is clear for you, but if you have questions, just ask me.

Rita

I'll try fireline next time - I do have plenty of that.  I'll also try inserting the tube/wire while working, I had added it after it was done.

 I followed the instructions I had (but don't have them on hand with me now) that I believe said to go down 6, knot, cross over, up 4, knot, etc to end. I may have not been as precise as I could have been in this area.

 Great tutorial Mortira!!  Thanks!

No problem!  I'm glad I was able to help.  Don't forget to post a pic of your piece when it's finished

Morti

I use silamide thread and bee's wax. I then stretch my thread out gentle so when it rests it can contract a small bit and tighten the project up. I also roll the herringbone beaded tube in between my fingers while gently pulling on the thread. I find this method works on just about any stitch used to make a tube.

To bead or not to bead? There is no question! 

 I'm learning how to do herringbone stitch but I'm making it with bugle beads, so I'm a bit confused on how to finish off a thread and start a new one.

 I'm doing this pattern I found here http://www.geocities.com/robyn_l_4/Herringbone.html

So how many bugles should one go down in order to finish off a thread?

As a few have already mentioned - it's all about the tension.  A tighter tension works better with Ndebele.  I have used both C-Lon and Nymo Size D for mine.  It may also depend on the beads themselves - what size are you using?  And are you using uniform Japanese or the more irregular Czechs?   I've been beading for over 15 years - and have found this particular stitch to be one of the most challenging to PERFECT.  Here's another tip for those gaps - embellish over 'em!  Add clusters of fringe made of crystals and other beads in various spots (especially any gappy ones) along a smooth tube of Ndebele-or even a flat band.  (The Berry Season bracelet in a recent Bead & Button is a perfect example of Ndebele Herringbone embellishment).  
Have fun!

 I add threads to herringbone tubes by first retracing the entire round, then going down one unit and retracing that round, too, before cutting.  Then I begin with my new thread about 4 or 5 rounds down with a surgeon's knot.  Then I just kind of zig-zag my way up, making plenty of loop-de-loops for security, until I pop up ready to begin the new round.

I use Nymo D.  You can double it if you are worried about strength.  You can also support your tubular work on a skewer, straw, dowel, or other form if you want to.  I used to until I got the hang of it.  Ndebele is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVE stitches.  It's speedy and versatile.

 Have fun!