In short: Knotting between pearls stops them rubbing against each other and means a broken strand loses one pearl, not all of them. Thread the strand on a needle, tie a loose overhand knot after each pearl, slide it down with a knotting tool, awl or fine tweezers until it sits snug against the pearl, then pull it tight. Consistency comes from the tool and from doing every knot the same way.
Look closely at a good pearl necklace and you will see a tiny knot between every pearl. It is not decoration. Hand-knotting protects the pearls and the wearer's investment, and it is the single skill that separates a restrung strand that looks professional from one that looks home-made. The technique is simple; the craft is in doing it fifty times in a row with every knot in exactly the right place. Here is the kit, the method and the habits that make it even.
Why knot between pearls at all?
There are two reasons, and both matter. First, pearls are relatively soft, and strung tight together they rub against each other with every movement, which can wear the surface over time. A knot between each pearl keeps them apart. Second, if the thread breaks on an unknotted strand, every pearl can slide off. On a knotted strand, at most one pearl comes loose. The same logic applies to valuable gemstone beads.
The thread also stretches and weakens over the years, which is why knotted strands need restringing from time to time. Extra space appearing between the knots and the pearls is the usual sign that it is due.
The kit
A knotting tool, awl or tweezers
The job of the tool is to carry a loose knot down the thread and seat it hard against the pearl before you tighten it. There are three common approaches:
- A dedicated knotting tool. The beech-handled pearl and bead knotting tool has a two-pronged fork that holds the thread taut and a fine steel awl that places the knot, so knots come out the same from first pearl to last. This is the easiest route to consistency for beginners.
- A beading awl. A simple pearl and bead stringing awl sits inside the loose knot and guides it down until it is flush with the pearl. Many experienced stringers prefer it for its simplicity.
- Fine tweezers. Angled-tip knotting tweezers keep your knuckles out of your sightline, so you can see the knot as you seat it.
A needle and thread
Silk is the traditional thread for pearls because it drapes well and the knots bed down neatly. Synthetic threads resist stretch and moisture better but feel slightly different in wear. Pick a thickness that just fills the drill hole of your pearls: too thin and the knot can slip into the hole; too thick and it will not pass through twice at the clasp end. Flexible big-eye beading needles make threading easy, and the eye collapses to pass through small holes.
Something to hold the pearls
A bead board or tray keeps the strand in order while you work. Our beading & stringing collection has layout boards, knotting tools and bead holders.
Knotting, step by step
- Lay out the strand. Arrange the pearls in order on a bead board, usually graduated or matched for colour and lustre.
- Prepare the thread. Stretch the thread gently before you start, so it does not stretch later and leave gaps. Thread the needle and attach the first half of the clasp, finishing with a secure knot and a tiny dab of glue if your method uses one.
- Add a pearl. Slide the first pearl down the thread until it sits against the clasp-end knot.
- Tie a loose overhand knot. Make a simple overhand knot in the thread a little way from the pearl, leaving it loose.
- Seat the knot. Put the point of your knotting tool, awl or tweezers into the loop of the knot. Keeping the thread taut, slide the knot down until it sits right against the pearl.
- Tighten. Slip the tool out as you pull the thread firmly away from the pearl, so the knot closes snug against it. Push the knot into place with a fingernail if needed.
- Repeat. Add the next pearl, slide it down against the knot, and knot again. Do every knot exactly the same way.
- Finish. Attach the second half of the clasp, pass the thread back through the last pearl or two, knot between them, and trim the tail close.
Restringing an existing strand
Restringing follows the same method, with a little preparation. Before you cut the old thread, lay the strand on the bead board exactly as it was worn, so the order of the pearls is preserved — on a graduated strand the order matters. Then cut the old knots one at a time, moving each pearl into its place on the board as it comes free. Check each drill hole as you go, and set aside any pearl with a cracked or chipped hole to discuss with the owner rather than restringing it silently. Measure the old strand before you take it apart too, because new silk knotted firmly can come out a little shorter or longer than a strand that has stretched with years of wear. Finally, check the clasp: a worn spring ring or a loose box clasp is worth replacing while the strand is apart.
Getting even knots
- Same tension, every time. Inconsistent pull gives knots of different sizes, which shows as an uneven strand.
- Knot right against the pearl. A knot that sits even slightly away lets the pearl ride along the thread, which looks untidy and wears the drill hole.
- Check the drill holes. If a hole is rough, it frays the thread. A set of diamond-coated bead reamers cleans and smooths a sharp drill hole edge, but take off as little as possible.
- Practise on inexpensive beads first. A strand of glass pearls is a cheap way to find your rhythm before restringing something precious.
Frequently asked
Why are pearl necklaces knotted between each pearl?
The knots stop the pearls rubbing against each other, which can wear their surface, and they mean that if the thread breaks you lose one pearl at most rather than the whole strand.
Do I need a special tool to knot pearls?
Not strictly, but a knotting tool, beading awl or fine tweezers makes it much easier to seat each knot tight against the pearl. A dedicated knotting tool is the easiest route to consistent knots for beginners.
What thread should I use for knotting pearls?
Silk is the traditional choice because it drapes well and knots bed down neatly. Synthetic threads resist stretch and moisture better. Choose a thickness that just fills the drill hole so the knot cannot slip into it.
How do I know when a pearl necklace needs restringing?
Look for extra space appearing between the knots and the pearls, or for thread that looks frayed or discoloured. Thread stretches and weakens over the years, so knotted strands need restringing from time to time.
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Hand-knotting is slow at first and quietly satisfying once the rhythm comes. Free UK delivery from £30, and unused tools can be returned within 30 days.