How to Correct Loose Beading Thread Tension

Prepare a new, single-strand length of thread. Locate a row (or round, if your beadwork is tubular), that is at least five to ten rows away from the area of loose tension. Pass into a bead, and weave through the beadwork following the original path of the thread as closely as possible.

The diagram on the left (click the image for a larger view) uses flat peyote stitch as an example.

Just before you reach the area of loose tension, make one or two half-hitch knots over the existing thread. These knots create an anchor point that you can pull against to create tighter thread tension.

Weave through the entire area of loose beadwork, following the path of the existing thread. Stop after passing through every two or three beads and give the thread a firm tug. If you have a large area to tighten up, or if your beadwork resists your efforts, tie more half-hitch knots to preserve your thread tension as you go along.

When your beadwork is tightened up, and the gaps between beads corrected, weave through the beadwork some more and end the thread.

If you were able to follow the path of existing thread, while keeping firm tension and hiding your half-hitch knots within beads, your tension repair should be undetectible.

Tip: If you find that your thread tension is too loose throughout your entire length of beadwork, begin the new thread at one end, and retrace your original thread path all the way to the other end.

Here are some tips for avoiding loose thread tension in the future:

• Give your thread a firm tug after completing each stitch.
• Try using larger size thread.
• Try using a different brand of thread.
• Make a half-hitch knot to preserve thread tension whenver you need to pause and set down your beadwork.
• Make a half-hitch knot to preserve the tension in an old length of thread before you abandon it to add a new thread.