DARK PINK100% Pure Silk Bead Cord by Griffin There is no simpler, quicker, or better way to thread beads. The thinnest in diameter, or mm in Griffin 100% silk is size 0 (zero - all of their cords are numbered 0 - 16, thickest at 1.05mm)

The thinnest is thread and can be used for stringing, but even on the smallest beads, due to the lightweight nature of the silk cord, it would be flimsy and your necklace won't hang nicely.

Griffin Smith Silk Thread for making Silk Tassels, Pearl Knotting Cord, Stringed Instruments, Macrame Knotting Cord

Refer to size chart pictured (enlarge) to see the size (diameter aka thickness) of the silk cord you need for your beading project.

Select color (s) from drop-down menu. Pricing varies based on thickness of the Griffin Silk Bead Stringing Cord.

100% Pure Silk Bead Cord by Griffin There is no simpler, quicker, or better way to thread beads.

Excellent for creating quality Tassels for the latest fashion trends. The twisted stainless steel needle at the end of the cord saves threading time.

You can knot the cord easily because the thread has the correct twist. Approx. 79" (2 meters) of thread per card.

QUESTIONS: What size/thickness/diameter silk cord do I use to make/string my necklace using this size bead? Best size for making tassels?

Broad questions answered with a pretty simple observations on your part, and knowledge of what type of bead art jewelry design necklace & tassels you're looking to make.

For necklaces, whatever you want to call them mala, or whatever, the decision starts with the /size/type of beads you are using to create your necklace.

The thinnest in diameter, or mm in Griffin 100% silk is size 0 (zero - all of their cords are numbered 0 - 16 thickest at 1.05mm)

The thinnest is thread and can be used for stringing, but even on the smallest beads, due to the lightweight nature of the silk cord, it would be flimsy and your necklace won't hang nicely.

For tassels, the thinnest could make a lovely tassel with beautiful flow, but you would really have to use an awful lot to get the look and feel you're going for.

#1  (Remember this information is for stringing, not bead or loom weaving).  Select the silk cord size which will fit your bead hole size.

Example: 4mm size beads, gemstones would typically have a .9 -1mm hole size, so you'll probably want to go with a bit smaller diameter silk cord (Griffin #5,6)  to get a nice fluid feel and look, also you don't want - or perhaps you do - the knots in between the beads to be visible.   Larger bead sizes 8mm - 12mm have larger holes and, especially size 12mm, could use size #14-16, but sizes 10 & 12 Griffin silk cords would work nicely too.

#2  Griffin silk cord already has the needles built in so you don't have to worry about which needle size you need to get the silk cord through the beads.

#3  If knotting between beads, recommended, especially for heavier gemstones and larger pearls, be sure to create consistent knot sizes before proceeding to complete your necklace: otherwise, the finished look will be a bit uneven, but hey, that could be the organic look you're going for.

#4  Use a beadboard, they really to help in creating your bead art jewelry designs.

#5  Tassels, typically the same size cord used to string your necklace will create a tassel size that will compliment the overall bead size. But of course going up or down a few sizes could also give you the look you want in your beaded tasseled necklace.  Just remember the thinner the cord, the more you'll have to use and it might not flow the way you would like.

Information provided by KD Bead...The Bead Stylist

Excellent for creating quality Tassels for the latest fashion trends. The twisted stainless steel needle at the end of the cord saves threading time.