Nymo Thread

14th May 2019

Nymo is used with glass seed beads for off-loom bead weaving and bead embroidery or as a weft thread in loom beading. It is especially good for making jewelry with tassels and fringe that are strong but with supple movement. Its flexibility means that it can pass through beads multiple times. I also like to use Nymo for bead embroidery since the large color selection makes it easy to find a thread that will match your project.

Some of the Best Characteristics of Nymo

Available in five different thread sizes

Available in a wide variety of different colors

Works well for fringe or tassels

A durable and strong-bonded, single-ply thread that will not untwist or separate

Easily cut with embroidery scissors

Beadwork stitched with Nymo is more flexible than beadwork done with WildFire or FireLine.

Some Drawbacks with Using Nymo

May need conditioning with wax or thread conditioner, especially the thread on bobbins

May stretch slightly so pre-stretching is recommended

Can fray if pierced with a needle

Tangles relatively easily and stitches are not easy to undo

Can break if it becomes wet and has not been conditioned properly

Finding the Right Size Nymo Thread

Nymo comes in several different sizes, ranging from “OO” (thinnest) to “F” (thickest). The most commonly available sizes of Nymo are OO, O, B and D. To get the most from the thread strength, use the thickest size that will fit through your beads. Size D is a commonly used size with size 8, 11, and 15 seed beads.

Size 00 is .127 mm in diameter and suitable for the smallest beads (size 15) or when multiple thread passes are required.

Size 0 is .1524 mm and suitable for the same purposes as size 00

Size B is .2032 mm and one of the most commonly used thicknesses. It is suitable for a wide range of stitches and bead sizes includes beads in size 8, 10, 11 and 15.

Size D is .3048 mm in diameter and suitable for similar purposes as size B. It is the size that I use most often.

You can refer to this article on how to choose the right size needle and thread for your seed beads for more information.

Nymo comes in dozens of different colors. You can purchase assortments on bobbins of related color families from some suppliers. However, as I previously mentioned, the quality of the bobbin thread is slightly lower than the Nymo sold on the spool. I find the bobbin thread is flatter, tends to fray, and requires conditioning whereas the thread on a spool has a rounder profile, has been pre-conditioned, and is less likely to fray. Nymo is sold by the bobbin containing approximately 64 yards, by the spool containing approximately 400 yards, or by the cone containing approximately 1,500 yards.

The size “D” Nymo that comes on a spool/cone is somewhat thicker and heavier than the size “D” that comes on a bobbin. This is a by-product of Nymo's use as a sewing thread - where the main spool thread is subjected to more stress and wear than the bobbin thread.

Tips

  • Nymo thread stretches slightly, so it is not a good choice as a warp thread in loom bead weaving.
  • Nymo thread works best for off-loom bead weaving stitches such as peyote, brick stitch, right angle weave, herringbone, and others.
  • Before using it, Nymo can be conditioned with either beeswax or Thread Heaven.