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In a previous article, we
discussed Plastic Lacing, one type of cording that can be used
for beading. This month we would like to share with you
another type of cording that you can use to do your beading
projects! Thank You to Jan for researching this.
 In
a number of beading projects rat tail cording or satin cording is
used. Rat tail cording comes in a variety of colors and the
color choice also includes variegated which is great for
backpack projects where more color is required. The pictures
here gives you an
idea what rat tail cording looks like. |
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Rat tail cording starts at about
1mm diameter and goes up to
about 4mm. Your choice depends
on the projects you want to do
and what kind of beads your are
going to be using. We would
recommend the 2mm size if your
using pony beads and the 1mm
size if your using mini beads. |
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You can purchase this cording by the yard, on prepackaged
cards that contain about 5 yards, and then by the large spool
as pictured above. Rat tail is a very inexpensive alternative
to plastic lacing the cost per yard is approximately 23
cents. The choice to buy by the yard or spool is entirely up
to you depending on how many projects you want to do out of
the same colors.
Rat tail
cording is very easy to work with and is very pliable so its
not suited for all projects. This cording is best for projects
like backpack buddies, zipper pulls, beadies, and projects
where an exact shape is not needed. |
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Here are a couple of tips when using rat tail cording
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To make
it easier to thread through your beads, take a piece of
clear cello tape and wrap a piece of it around the ends,
this will make it firmer and easier to thread through your
beads.
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Sometimes when the cording has been cut it will fray a
bit. A dab of clear glue or clear nail polish on the ends
will keep it from fraying anymore.
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When
tying 2 ends together its best to use the square knot for
this type of cording. Instructions on how to tie a square
knot can be found
here.
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We have found for you
some free pattern links that incorporate rat tail or satin
cording into their projects!
We hope that you enjoy these links.
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