To Wax or not To Wax

ndngirl70 · 10-05-2006, 01:13 PM

How many of you wax your thread when you're beading? My mother swears by it but I never do it. Do you think that beadwork lasts longer with waxed thread?

**WocusWoman** · 10-05-2006, 01:30 PM

Yes it does.... Wax or some other sort of thread conditioner adds an extra layer of water proofing and keeps your thread from getting cut and roughed up(cut) as you are using it. Therefore, you are making a thread that is less likely to fall apart when exposed to use.

**Migiziwomen** · 10-05-2006, 03:00 PM

wax wax wax for sure makes it stronger, and i think easier to bead.

BeadMan · 10-05-2006, 09:08 PM

You are asking for a specific answer to a broad and general question. The answer is Yes and No. Thread types vary greatly, even within, just say, Nymo there is bonded and un-bonded, single strand and multi strand. I have even noticed that the type of spool it comes on greatly effects how the thread works.

As far as longevity, I think you may have a case there with cotton or linen thread, or poly-blends. Nylon and polyester will shed water on their own, wax doesn't make a bit of difference.....I think.

The main reason to use wax is how it makes working with the thread much easier. Of corse there is always the different types of wax, even different types of bees wax.

So here is my personal run-down: Loomwork-no wax at all; lazy stitch-wax the heck out of it; applique-same as lazy; peyote/gourd-light to medium waxing; edge beaded-light to medium waxing; sidestitch-heavy waxing.

So....did I get the answer right?

Cheshire Cat · 10-05-2006, 09:20 PM

Anther reason to wax is to help keep your threads from tangling. Whether I use synthetics or natural threads, it does help.

Singing Otter · 10-05-2006, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheshire Cat

Anther reason to wax is to help keep your threads from tangling. Whether I use synthetics or natural threads, it does help.

Yup.

lol but I only use it when I start to get tangled.....

BeadMan · 10-05-2006, 11:47 PM

I know I've said this a thousand times, but I'm a simple guy and it's hard for me to change.

I think the act of waxing thread is what keeps tangles to a minimum. For loomwork (which I use no wax at all on any threads) I run the weft thread arcoss the back of my scissors and all the tangles go away. I used to use my fingernail but if you go too fast it will cut little grooves and I don't like that. Running the thread through beeswax does essentially the same thing.

Don't get me wrong, I still think waxing is a good thing in general, I just don't think it is correct to say that wax prevents knots and tangles.

Just a minor clarification.

Cheshire Cat · 10-06-2006, 12:39 AM

No one here said it "prevented tangles or knots"...just helps in keeping them down or fewer in number as you also have stated. There are tricks we all try to use to make beading easier.

kiowakat · 10-06-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheshire Cat

No one here said it "prevented tangles or knots"...just helps in keeping them down or fewer in number as you also have stated. There are tricks we all try to use to make beading easier.

wyo_rose · 10-06-2006, 12:16 PM

Waxing lasts longer than shaving!

Paul G · 10-06-2006, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyo_rose

Waxing lasts longer than shaving!

book1998 · 10-20-2006, 05:06 PM

I use wax for gourd stitch work, it helps keep the beading tight.

travelingmocs · 10-30-2006, 04:54 PM

Waxing, I think does help out a lot when I am doing single needle applique work. But I do agree with Bead man, on loom work. It does not make that much help. For me anyways.....

trob226 · 11-02-2006, 04:00 PM

This is probably the stupidest question ever, but I've heard backpackers recommend dental floss for repairs that need staying power - has anyone ever beaded with waxed dental floss? Does it work? Is it too thick for smaller beads?

View Poll Results: Do you wax your thread when beading?
Yes	27	87.10%
No	4	12.90%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll

10-05-2006, 01:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
ndngirl70 powwow bum Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: In your dreams Posts: 1,291	To Wax or not To Wax How many of you wax your thread when you're beading? My mother swears by it but I never do it. Do you think that beadwork lasts longer with waxed thread? __________________ Once upon a time Everything was fine You were beside me- you were mine Why did you have to walk out my door? Now you want me back again I am sorry You're just an old song I don't sing anymore http://www.mytribalspace.com/tribal/...ame_ndngirl70/ http://www.myspace.com/ndngirl70

10-05-2006, 03:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Migiziwomen PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: May 2004 Location: IN THE HEARTS OF MANY Posts: 2,357	wax wax wax for sure makes it stronger, and i think easier to bead. __________________ *AYWAWAG ANISHINABEG IZH AAYAN WII WII DOOK AAGOZIYAN*

10-30-2006, 04:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
travelingmocs Teen Dancer Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: HogPit, U.S.A. and raised in hell Posts: 293	Waxing, I think does help out a lot when I am doing single needle applique work. But I do agree with Bead man, on loom work. It does not make that much help. For me anyways..... __________________ If I do not know the answer someone else will!!!! Also forgive me, this system does not have a spell check so forgive the bad spelling

10-05-2006, 01:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
WocusWoman N8tiffUmatillaMAMA Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Interior Alaska Posts: 2,737	Yes it does.... Wax or some other sort of thread conditioner adds an extra layer of water proofing and keeps your thread from getting cut and roughed up(cut) as you are using it. Therefore, you are making a thread that is less likely to fall apart when exposed to use.

10-05-2006, 09:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
BeadMan Beadworker Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Northeast Iowa Posts: 410	You are asking for a specific answer to a broad and general question. The answer is Yes and No. Thread types vary greatly, even within, just say, Nymo there is bonded and un-bonded, single strand and multi strand. I have even noticed that the type of spool it comes on greatly effects how the thread works. As far as longevity, I think you may have a case there with cotton or linen thread, or poly-blends. Nylon and polyester will shed water on their own, wax doesn't make a bit of difference.....I think. The main reason to use wax is how it makes working with the thread much easier. Of corse there is always the different types of wax, even different types of bees wax. So here is my personal run-down: Loomwork-no wax at all; lazy stitch-wax the heck out of it; applique-same as lazy; peyote/gourd-light to medium waxing; edge beaded-light to medium waxing; sidestitch-heavy waxing. So....did I get the answer right?

10-05-2006, 09:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cheshire Cat Banned Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 141	Anther reason to wax is to help keep your threads from tangling. Whether I use synthetics or natural threads, it does help.

10-05-2006, 11:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
BeadMan Beadworker Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Northeast Iowa Posts: 410	I know I've said this a thousand times, but I'm a simple guy and it's hard for me to change. I think the act of waxing thread is what keeps tangles to a minimum. For loomwork (which I use no wax at all on any threads) I run the weft thread arcoss the back of my scissors and all the tangles go away. I used to use my fingernail but if you go too fast it will cut little grooves and I don't like that. Running the thread through beeswax does essentially the same thing. Don't get me wrong, I still think waxing is a good thing in general, I just don't think it is correct to say that wax prevents knots and tangles. Just a minor clarification.

10-06-2006, 12:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cheshire Cat Banned Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 141	No one here said it "prevented tangles or knots"...just helps in keeping them down or fewer in number as you also have stated. There are tricks we all try to use to make beading easier.

10-06-2006, 12:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
wyo_rose Teenah's Too Cool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Washakie Posts: 8,037 Blog Entries: 2	Waxing lasts longer than shaving!

10-20-2006, 05:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
book1998 Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NM Posts: 6	I use wax for gourd stitch work, it helps keep the beading tight.

11-02-2006, 04:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
trob226 Senior Dancer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Where my hat is Posts: 698	This is probably the stupidest question ever, but I've heard backpackers recommend dental floss for repairs that need staying power - has anyone ever beaded with waxed dental floss? Does it work? Is it too thick for smaller beads?

11-03-2006, 02:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
BeadMan Beadworker Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Northeast Iowa Posts: 410