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Griffin silk threads

Bead cord with attached needle

Griffin silk cord for pearl and bead necklaces

Griffin silk cord is the classic thread for knotted bead necklaces: 100% natural silk, sold on 2-metre cards with the needle already attached.

Three diameters and many colours to match your stones. We also stock Griffin nylon cord, elastic or clear.

Choose my silk cord Griffin nylon cord

100% silknatural, soft drape
2 mper card, needle attached
3 diameters0.35 · 0.65 · 1.02 mm

Card of pink Griffin natural silk cord with attached needle

Griffin silk cord

Three silk diameters

Choose the diameter to suit your beads' holes: the cord should pass through without forcing.

Guide

Which silk cord diameter should I choose?

Diameter	Recommended beads	Knot effect
0.35 mm	Beads from 2 to 4 mm, narrow-hole beads	Very discreet knots
0.65 mm	Beads from 4 to 8 mm	Even knots, everyday use
1.02 mm	Large-hole beads, 8 mm and up	Bold knots, decorative effect

Tip: the cord should pass through the hole without forcing. If you tie a knot between each bead, check that the knot is bigger than the hole, otherwise it will slip inside the bead.

Before stringing, gently stretch the cord to remove the creases from the card.

Griffin cords to order

Griffin silk cord, nylon cord and needles.

All Griffin cords →

Bead necklace strung on silk cord with a knot between each bead

Why silk

The thread of fine knotted necklaces

Silk is the traditional thread for pearl and bead necklaces: it drapes softly and knots finely. The knot between each bead is more than an aesthetic detail.

Griffin, a German company founded in 1866, specialises in beading threads.

Protected beadsThe knots stop the beads from rubbing against each other.
Nothing gets lostIf the cord breaks, only one bead comes off, not the whole necklace.
Attached needleNo separate needle needed: string straight from the card.
Matching coloursColours designed to blend in with your stones or set them off.

The knotted necklace tutorial Tie the knots step by step

To complete your necklace

Beads, clasps and other threads

FAQ

All about Griffin silk cord

How do I use the attached needle on Griffin cord?

The needle is already fixed to the end of the cord. Unwind the card, gently stretch the cord to remove the creases, then string your beads directly. As the cord is single, tie a stopper knot at the other end.

Which silk cord diameter for a bead necklace?

0.65 mm suits most beads from 4 to 8 mm. Choose 0.35 mm for small beads and narrow-hole beads, and 1.02 mm for large-hole beads or more visible knots.

Should I tie a knot between each bead?

It isn't essential, but it is the traditional finish for pearl and bead necklaces: the beads don't rub against each other and, if the cord breaks, they don't all fall off. Follow our step-by-step knotting guide.

Silk or nylon cord: which should I choose?

Silk offers the most beautiful drape and fine knots: it's the choice for knotted necklaces. Griffin nylon cord is more resistant to water and wear; the elastic version is for stretch bracelets.

How do I finish a necklace on silk cord?

Pass the cord through a wire guard and then through the clasp ring, go back through the last bead and tie a knot. Repeat in the next beads, trim close to the knot and add a dot of glue.

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