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Beader’s dictionary


K

KARAT (k)

Karat is a unit of measurement that quantifies the purity of precious metals such as gold. It refers to the concentration of a precious metal in an alloy. 24-karat gold is referred to as pure gold. The abbreviation of carat in French is "ct" and in English, "k" or "kt" (karat). 24-karat: 24/24 units of pure gold (99.99%) 18-karat: 18/24 units of pure gold (75%) 14-karat: 14/24 units of pure gold (58.33%) 10-karat: 10/24 units of pure gold (41.66%) It is not to be confused with the metrical carat which is the legal unit of mass for precious stones. 1 carat equals 0,2 g. However, the abbreviation "ct" is frequently used in the commercial world in reference to gemstones weight. A little bit of history: The word carat comes from the Hebrew word "kharouv", which means carob seed, from the Greek root keration (little horn, silique), and the Arabic word "qirat". Ages ago, the gem weight was measured with its equivalent in carob beans. Thus, carob seeds were used as standard of mass, that is to say, the reference measurement.

KNOT

There are different kinds of knots. Some are mostly used in the fashion jewelry making industry.

Granny Knot

The granny knot consists of two overhand knots in which both strings are crossed in the same direction. This knot is rarely used intentionally as it undoes itself when put under tension. In short, its the result of an unsuccessful flat knot.

Half-hitch knot

There are two variations of the half-hitch knot; the first consists in making a single (for the basic knot) or several loops around one or several other strings. This knot can be single or multiple (double, triple, etc.) according to the amount of bows that are made around one or several other strings. It can also be alternated, according to which one of the two strings is used to make the bow around the other. The half-hitch knot is widely used to make security knots for friendship bracelets, dream catchers and weaving pieces. To make the first variant of this knot, simply make a bow around another string. This makes the basic knot, a simple half key. To make a multiple half-hitch knot, several successive bows are required, around the other string and always in the same directions. Tightening must occur in between each bow. To make the second variant of the half-hitch knot, simply make a over-hand knot around the other string. This knot is often used when weaving. It is also the type of knot used to finish a jewelry piece with an adjustable length, as this knot can easily slide on the cord. To make the alternated half-hitch knot, simply make several bows by alternating the string between each each of them.

Lark's head knot

Lark’s head knot (Cow hitch) is a very simple knot to make and is very useful when attaching a ribbon or a string to a ring or a loop. This knot is achieved by folding the string in two and inserting the ends in the opening created by the folded string and pull. To ensure that this knot remains sturdy, the tension on both ends must be the same.

Overhand knot

The Overhand knot is a user friendly knot and is at the basis of several other types of knots, just take two pieces of thread, take a piece and wrap it around the other to cross them. An overhand knot cannot alone constitute a complete knotting. It is essential to make at least two, one over the other. The way the strings from the second knot are crossed determines if it is a flat knot or an pigtail knot. If the overhand knot is made with one string, it then become a stop knot. It is usually at the end of a cord and is used to prevent fraying. It can be used to make different bead sections. This type of knot is used for traditional stringing of pearls. Simply make an overhand knot where you want.

Square knot

The square-knot is a very commonly used however unsuccessfully achieved knot. Its purpose is to link both ends of a string or two different strings of equal diameters. There are two ways of making it: 1- Make two reversed overhand knots. In other words make an overhand knot while paying attention to the direction in which the strings are crossed and make a second one in the opposite direction. Be careful, if the second knot is made in the wrong direction, you end up with a granny knot. 2- This knot can also be obtained by forming a loop with each string. Insert a first loop in a second and then insert the end of the strings of the second loop in the first one. Then pull on both ends of the two strings to tighten everything.

Surgeon's knot

When working with thin and smooth threads such as the elastic string, nylon strings, fishing line or silk thread, the surgeon’s knot is a very safe choice. its name is derived from the fact that it is used in surgery to maintain tension in stitches. The surgeon’s knot is derived from the flat knot. To make it, add an extra row to the first overhand knot, which will make it more solid than a regular flat knot. Then, another overhand knot must be done in the opposite direction of the first one, then everything must be tightened.

KNOT COVER (See products)

In the finding’s family, the knot cover as its name infers, is used to hide knots or crimp beads. It is often used to complete a jewel. It is composed of two small interconnected domes and equipped with a hook or a closed ring, on which a clasp can be attach. Bead tips have an aesthetic function. They are sold in different sizes and different metal finishes.

KNOTTER TOOL

Tool that has a handle, a sharp metal tip and a mobile guide that position the knot as close as possible to the threaded bead. As its name indicates, this tool facilitates regularizes and quickens the process of knotting.

KUMIHIMO BRAIDING DISC

Tool used to braid. It helps with flat braiding and tubular braiding with 8 or more strands, which is harder to make with only our hands. It consists of one disc with split edges that are numbered. To achieve the braiding, cross the strings by moving them from one split to the other, following the user manual. The braiding can be done with different types of wires or thread such as copper, cotton, nylon, leather and wool. The end results are limitless. Indeed, the size and kind of wire, the number of wires used, the color and the disposition of the wires on the disc are all factors that multiply the braiding possibilities when using the Kumihimo disc.