I bought some beeswax to use as thread conditioning for my hemp jewellery, but I don't know how to use it. Do I have to melt it first or is there another way?
Hey! i've never heard of using beeswax with hemp. i use it for conditioning beading thread, like Nymo or other nylon threads. You just cut the thread to the desired length and pull the thread across the wax a couple times. No need for melting, the friction created by pulling the thread across will soften enough to coat the thread. i really don't think you use it with hemp. Just my 2 cents. Good luck! ~tree
Thanks for the info. I must have gotten some wrong info, I guess i'll use the beeswax I have to make some candles.
The hemp i bought is pre-treated, is it possible to dye this? or should i get some untreated stuff, dye it, then treat it?
WAIT! I have heard of conditioning hemp with beeswax, it is done! Tree's right, the friction created from pulling it across will melt a small amount onto the strands. It is useful in that it can really help beads to slide, and it keeps the little strands from fraying on the sides, making the cord look fuzzy. If you have especially "fuzzy" hemp, it's a great way to get it to behave and help your beads slide.
Yes, I believe it is possible... you just have to be careful about it not clumping up in the knots. Pull it across (watch the beading, keep it out of the beading), then work it in with your fingers. It might not work nearly as well as doing it beforehand, though.
Thanks, I am going to try that. The hemp I just bought from hemp traders is great and probably won't need it but I bought a bunch from e-bay that really could use it and i've already made a dozen necklaces with it.
Yeah, exactly... I was just thinkin' about that, I bought a couple skeins from Ebay and they are bad, probably not even hemp. Needs waxed, bad. Too late, I've already run mostly through them. I'd rather get the good stuff to start with.
I have tried dying hemp. It didn't turn out good. First, the colour didn't look that bright and the cord soaked so much water it sort of grew... got quite thick. I don't think it's impossible to dye but it's really hard getting the colours right.
Rubbing beeswax on hemp helps make it waterproof too ~Tara www.madseamstress.com www.themadbeadmakers.com
