Selecting the right beading thread is key to a successful project. Most beading threads fall into two main categories: nylon and fishing line style. Each behaves differently while stitching and affects the structure and durability of the finished beadwork.
Comparing Nylon vs. Fishing Line Thread for Beading
Nylon threads (Nymo, K.O., Silamide, Good Thread)
- Soft and flexible
- Slight stretch
- May require conditioner
- Can be cut by sharp-edged beads
- Available in many colors
- Ideal for fringe and softer beadwork
Fishing line style threads (FireLine, WildFire)
- Very strong with minimal stretch
- Highly abrasion resistant
- Do not require conditioner
- Maintain firm tension
- Ideal for bezels, rings, and structured designs
The sections below explain the differences between specific nylon and fishing-line brands in more detail.
Choosing Nylon Thread for Beadwork
Below are commonly used nylon threads for beadwork, including size range availability and the most commonly used size where applicable. Diameter sizes are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.
Nymo Beading Thread
- Bonded nylon (cone preferred over bobbin)
- Sizes: B (~0.20 mm), D (~0.30 mm), F (~0.35 mm)
- Most common: size D
- Best with: 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads
- Tension: Moderate
- Notes: Bobbin thread frays more easily; conditioning recommended for bobbins.
Shop Nymo Size D Bobbins (60 yd) or Nymo Cone (1500 yd)
Good Thread (John Bead Corp)
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| Good Thread is comparable to Nymo thread on the cone. |
- Bonded nylon
- Diameter: ~0.30 mm (similar to Nymo D)
- Best with: 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads
- Tension: Moderate
- Notes: Designed specifically for beadwork; similar performance to cone Nymo
Shop Good Thread (55 yard)
Silamide
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| Silamide nylon thread available on spools and cards |
- Lightly waxed 2-ply twisted nylon
- Diameter: ~0.30 mm
- Best with: 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads
- Tension: Firm, slightly different feel from bonded nylon
- Notes: Plies can separate when threading; conditioner may help.
- May need to be conditioned mid-way if you work with long thread
- Read my full Silamide thread review
K.O. Beading Thread
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| K.O. nylon beading thread is one of the best for soft supple fringe |
- Pre-waxed single strand nylon
- Diameter: ~0.20 mm
- Best with: 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads
- Tension: Softer, looser feel
- Best for: Fringe and delicate beadwork
- Read my full K.O. Beading Thread review
Shop K.O. Beading Thread (55 yards)
Thread Conditioners for Nylon Beading Thread
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| Thread conditioners help keep nylon threads from fraying or tangling |
Some nylon threads benefit from conditioning to reduce fraying and drag. Conditioning can also help maintain more consistent tension, especially with longer working lengths.
Beeswax
Adds body and reduces fraying. Can increase stiffness and may leave residue if overapplied.
Thread Magic
Synthetic conditioner designed for sewing and beadwork. Reduces drag and fraying without stickiness.
- Shop Thread Magic
Use conditioner sparingly. Too much product can build up and affect bead holes.
Choosing Fishing Line Thread for Beadwork
Some fishing line threads are marketed specifically for beadwork, while others are traditional fishing lines that bead artists have adopted because of their strength and durability. In many cases, the products are identical or very similar, just packaged differently.
Fishing line thread is sold by pound test rather than letter size. The pound test affects diameter, strength, and how many passes you can make through a bead. Diameter measurements are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer.
Common beadwork sizes:
4–5 lb (~0.12–0.14 mm)
- Suitable for size 15/0 and 11/0 seed beads
- Good for delicate work and multiple thread passes
6 lb (~0.15 mm)
- Standard size for most bead weaving
- Ideal for size 11/0 seed beads
- Works well for peyote, brick stitch, herringbone, and netting
8 lb (~0.18 mm)
- Adds durability and structure
- Suitable for size 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads
- Good for bezels, rings, and firm components
10 lb (~0.20 mm)
- Best for larger beads or larger holes
- Used when extra strength is needed
FireLine
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| FireLine beading thread is one of the best for beginning beaders |
- Thermally bonded braided polyethylene
- Most commonly used brand for bead weaving
- Available in Smoke and Crystal
- Smooth surface with firm tension control
- Widely available in fishing and bead sections
Shop FireLine
WildFire
- Thermally bonded braided thread
- Slightly more flexible feel than FireLine
- Good abrasion and pierce resistance
- Available in multiple neutrals and 3 colors
Shop WildFire
PowerPro
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| PowerPro fishing line works well for beadweaving and loom beadwork |
- Braided polyethylene fishing line
- Sold for fishing, commonly adapted for beadwork
- Available in a wide range of sizes and colors
- Durable with strong tension control
Shop PowerPro
DandyLine
- Braided polyethylene line marketed for beadwork
- Designed to reduce fraying and improve durability
- Good for beadweaving, stringing and loom beadwork
- Touts itself as stronger than other fishing line threads
- Available in black or white
Shop DandyLine
Hercules Braided Fishing Line
- Braided polyethylene with fade-resistant colors
- Performs well in structured beadwork
- Notable for working in both brick stitch and fringe
- Read my full Hercules Thread Review
Shop Hercules
Thread Cutting Tools for Fishing Line
Fishing line style threads are difficult to pierce and do not fray easily. They are also harder to cut than nylon and can dull fine thread scissors quickly.
Thread Snips
Small, sharp snips allow you to trim close to your beadwork and handle braided thread more easily than embroidery scissors.Shop Thread Snips
Thread Burner
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| Retractable thread burner is one of several styles available to burn thread ends |
Shop Thread Burners
For longevity, consider keeping a separate cutting tool specifically for fishing line threads to avoid dulling your thread scissors.
Choosing the Right Beading Thread for Your Project
Over time, you may develop go-to threads for certain techniques. For example, Nymo Size D on a cone remains a reliable all-purpose nylon for many seed bead projects. For stiffer, more structured beadwork, 6 lb or 8 lb FireLine is a common choice. When softness and movement matter, K.O. thread performs beautifully in fringe.
Thread preference often evolves with experience. The more you experiment with different stitches, bead size and thread, the more intentional your choices will become.
For detailed testing and comparisons, explore the individual thread reviews linked throughout this guide.
Comments
I bought so many of the little spools of Nymo in the late 1990s when I started beading and I still have them...I like the Toho OneG a little more than Nymo and I need to try some more weights of the Miyuki Duraline because the first one I bought was too flimsy for my liking.
I find Nanofil and Wildfire pretty similar to Fireline but had not heard of DynaLine before. I have some PowerPro but haven't gotten around to using it yet.
Sorry to write a comment this length, I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately and don't know anyone in my day-to-day life who has the least bit of interest in such things.
I like a size 12 needle too - although I am trying some different ones of those too. I thought Tulip needles were the only ones, but I used a John James size 12 this week and I loved the little bit of give it had when I was brick stitching. But I know they break much easier than Tulips.
I'm happy for your in-depth reply. I like to consider other beader's thoughts and experiences and know about threads I haven't tried yet.
I probably still have all the Nymo because I don't like using thread conditioner although I admit it helps a lot. I am using it lately to make some peyote samples for a project I have in mind.
For some reason after I use the smoke Fireline it looks like I have been reading a cheaply-printed newspaper all day. Maybe it is something about the combination of humidity where I live and the condition of the skin on my hands.
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