Tension

I'm not referring to the tension you feel emotionally but to your thread tension. This will only be a short discussion on a topic not largely publicized. I personally do think that it is something worth discussing. Sometimes, the secret to changing a design lies in the thread tension. I do, however, can understand why it is not specifically discussed topic under jewellery making.


Thread tension refers to how hard you pull on the thread after passing it through a bead that is already attached to the piece you are working on. So, you see, this principle actually covers a wide variety of discipline such as crocheting, knitting, weaving and etc. Basically, those discipline which I coined as requiring some hand 'power' control.

It can be very frustrating to a new bead artist. Well,at least I knew it was like that for me initially. I couldn't understand why my work didn't turned out as per instructed when I've followed through with all the instructions.

Thing is, all those bead magazines and instruction whilst give very clear instructions on the weaves, make no mention whatsoever on the thread tension. In my view, thread tension either make or break your work. I guess you can't blame them for making no mention of it because how much thread tension is required isn't exactly something you can measure or put down in words.

The only way to learn it is by trial and error. Most likely, your first piece won't turn out the way you wanted it to be either because it is too tight or too loose. Stick with it. Thread tension is something that is developed over time and requires patience. Just keep at it. Remember that the tension for each piece is different. Eventually, you will get a hang of it; like duck to water?
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Postscripts:
I just realized I forgotten to add a postscript to this post! Oh well, better late then never. LOL This is another interesting Japanese beader site. The site's kinda dated and no longer updated, I think, but still, no harm done in stopping by. There are many free projects and patterns available for you to try out. Visit Bead on the beach.
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