Beadalon Supplemax Thread

Share

As I continue talking about beading threads, let’s talk about Beadalon Supplemax. What is this thread? How can you use it? What are the best projects to create with it?

20% off Etsy beading patterns

Beadalon Supplemax Thread…

…is a perfectly transparent beading thread. It’s manufactured (by Beadalon brand) from monofilament and has some very specific design uses.

So, this is what it looks like…

Beadalon Supplemax thread, Katie Dean, My World of Beads

I don’t know if you can just make out the thread hanging from the reel at the bottom? If you can, then you can see what I mean about its transparent effect. So, that is why you may also see it referred to as ‘illusion cord’.

It has been developed to help you create ‘illusion necklaces’. Do you remember those? They were all the rage a few years back. Basically, they look like clusters of beads suspended on nothing. So, from a distance, you can’t see the thread that joins them. You just get the effect of beads scattered around a neckline.

That style of design is highly effective, and also simple to make. It works especially well with pearls. You can simply knot individual pearls onto the invisible thread. You choose how far apart to place your pearls. Perhaps you also use several layers of thread so you can create a really scattered effect.

Then, you can finish the necklace by adding a clasp, using crimp beads. (If you need to find out more about adding a clasp with crimps, then check out this blog.)

Less traditional uses for this thread

So, you might already have used this Beadalon Supplemax to make some illusion jewelry.

But, did you know, you can also use this for bead-weaving?

That’s right – this thread is available in a range of thicknesses. So, if you choose one of the thinnest – 0.15mm – it’s perfect for threading onto a needle and using in bead-weaving techniques.

In fact, it’s what I used to make these beaded lanterns…

If you want to learn how to make these lanterns, here is the link to the online class

You see, the transparency of the thread allowed me to use completely transparent seed beads. The thread remained invisible, so the effect is about as close as you can get to actual glass (in beads).

If you’ve been beading for a while, then you may know that your choice of thread can colour your beads. This is particularly problematic with transparent beads in any colour. So, you might want to consider using the Beadalon Supplemax thread when you work with these kind of beads. If you want to know more about choosing thread for transparent seed beads, then check out this blog.

What is this thread like to use?

Now, I’m not going to lie to you… Any transparent thread will have its challenges!

So, you want to make sure you’re working in excellent light in order to be able to see the thread. You’ll need to check it’s not getting caught around beads, or doing things it shouldn’t! So, I recommend working in good daylight, or with a daylight lamp.

I found this thread pretty good to use – not too much tangling or knotting.

But everyone has different experiences with any brand of beading thread. So, you’re best to try this out for yourself. If you do want to try it, you’ll find it widely available in bead shops. Just look for it in the thread department, or search the store.

When you are buying, just take extra care that you choose the appropriate thickness. You’ll want thin thread for bead-weaving, but a thicker thread for stringing or making illusion necklaces.

And, remember, you can check out all the different types of beading thread in this section of My World of Beads.

Online Beading Classes for all. Click https://my-world-of-beads.teachable.com/courses

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: