Every time I teach a class and I suggest (sometimes more strongly then others depending on the project) that one use double thread. I hear many moans and groans….I realize I am in the minority so I will spend a little time telling you why I prefer double thread.
By thread I usually mean 6lb fire line but I am giving Miyuki thread a try since I am worried about the long term availability of fire line suited for beading and I appreciate the color choices.
Back to double thread…..I think that I have both better tension and a longer MTBF (mean time between failures) if I have two threads. I am often asked if you can use one 10 lb instead of 2 6 lb pieces and the answer is probably yes, but….I am still of the opinion (and it is just that) that a failure comes from a thread being abraded in a place where it is rubbed and that you are much less likely to abrade two threads in the same place.
Second most popular question 'Can I just make two passes?' Well yes you can but for me these old hands need to last me for a good long time of beading, knitting, crocheting and whatever else may cross my path so I don't to use them twice when I can use them once.
For me I find I have better tension with two threads but I know for sure there are some beaders who are able to get amazing tension with one thread, if that's you and tension is the goal then one thread may be right for you.
On to addressing the most common complaints.
My thread always gets tangles. Two solutions, use slightly shorter thread lengths (I know that means weaving in more often, but really you are a beader, that part is a fact of life.) and use wax. I like beeswax on fire line to hold the two pieces together. So far I've not used wax on the Miyuki, but I do pull slower to avoid tangles.
What if I have to pull my work back? For me, I actually find double thread easier to pull back. I find the working bead, pull until I can grasp the working thread and continue pulling back until the eye of the needle is at the work. A gentle wiggle will almost always result in the needle following the thread through the beads. In the event you've turned a corner as in ndebele, you may have to push the needle through some beads eye first and then come back to method one for the next set of beads. It saves having to unthread and rethread a needle each time you undo the work. This in my book is faster.
The last question that comes up is what if I have to change my needle because it breaks or I need a smaller needle. To solve this particular dilemma I cut one of the threads down at the body of the work, unthread my needle and thread a new one. Then I pull the cut thread 2 to 3 inches past the body of the work and hold onto it for the first two or three stitches and once again I have double thread. I also use this method if I have to switch from double to single in the course of a piece, for example if I was using double with size 15 and the design changes to s ice 15 beads where I might want to use single thread.
I know I am in the minority but over the course of the years I have managed to convince some of this way of working. What about you, single or double?
and for those of you who prefer to see pretty pictures, here is some beadwork, all done with double thread!
All three of these designs benefit from the extra tension I get using my thread double. A Touch of Whimsy looks better if the top is sprightly like here. It's not good having a floppy top!
Duomos Romanticos counts on having a firm cubic right angle base to hold the fancy stone in place.
Robbins nest ring also needs a firm tension to surround the bird so beautifully.
