Here's a quick way to make your zipper pouches extra special: Add a fancy pull!
I've made a few different types of fabric zip pulls and have a pattern for making one from fabric, but it's also fun--and quite quick--to make them with a pretty bead and some twine/cord.
My first few bead pulls had just one bead and a knot at one end, which works ok, but the bead is free to move up and down the twine. Not a huge deal, but it's better if the bead stays in place at the end of the pull.
So today I'll show you how to make a bead and twine pull along with the trick (step #3 below) to adding a knot right next to the bead to secure it in place at the end of the pull.
First, here are some other things I've learned from experience making this type of pull.
Use waxed twine so it doesn't fray and/or break.
Over time the twine will wear out from use and even just making and attaching the pull can weaken spots in the twine, so if you can, use waxed twine/thread.
After experimenting with a few different types of waxed twine, I prefer to use 1mm waxed cotton twine. It's thick enough to be durable, widely available, and doesn't feel tacky. Check out this list of some that can be found on etsy, or check your favorite bead shop.
Another options is to wax some twine yourself. If I was going to wax it myself, instead of the cotton twine, I'd use my favorite hemp twine. That's mostly because I have a collection of this twine already and used it for zip pulls before getting the waxed cotton.
Wax is pretty widely available, but you might consider this little tin from Wren Bird Arts (and check out the amazing mending supplies offered in this same shop!).
The hole should not be too small (or too big) and what to do if the hole is a tight fit.
Too small and it's challenging to get it through the hole, and too big and the knot will slide through the hole. Double knots can sometimes solve the too big of a hole issue, but they also look a bit bulky and I usually save the these beads for other projects.
If you are buying beads online, the hole size might be listed, but it's not a common description detail. If the hole size is listed, 2mm - 3mm is good. Looking closely at the photo can often show if the hole is minuscule, but of course, it's still kind of a guess. Usually, the larger the bead the bigger the hole. So look for beads 18mm - 25mm in size.
That being said, if the hole is tight, in some instances you can use a needle and thread to pull the twine through the bead.
To do this, thread a needle and tie knot with both ends of the thread. Place the twine over the thread, insert the needle through the center so it is between both ends of thread, and pull it taut. Then thread the needle through the bead and pull the twine through. You might need to help the twine get started by bending it where the thread is attached. Once the twine is through the bead, snip the thread.
This method will also come in handy for getting the twine through the hole in the metal zipper pull. Sometimes that hole is really small!
Make the first knot AFTER inserting the twine through the bead.
Basically, this refers back to the previous point about the hole size. If you are certain you can get your twine through the hole (remember the twine will be doubled going through the hole), you can make the first knot before adding the bead. If you aren't 100% certain, you don't want to make the knot only to find out you need to use the method above to get the twine through the hole.
Be generous with the length of twine.
In the photos below my twine is about 16" long. It definitely doesn't have to be quite this long, but it's easier if you have some extra to work with while putting it together.
How to Make the Pull
Step 1: Cut a length of twine about 16". This is plenty of length for adding one to two beads.
Step 2: Thread the twine through the bead and make the first knot. This is a simple overhand knot and should create a loop section a minimum of 1" - 1.25" long. The bigger the bead the longer this section needs to be or it will be a struggle to attach the finished pull. If you are having a hard time positioning this knot where you want it, use steps 3 & 4 below in this step too.
Step 3: Then make a second overhand knot underneath the bead, but leave the knot loose and then stick a long pin through the center. The pin is the trick for making the knot next to the bead. It acts as a lever to help you move the knot and also prevents the knot from being cinched tightly closed before you are ready.
Step 4: Move the knot next to the bead by pushing it with the pin while pulling the tails of the twine. Once the knot is next to the bead, tighten it some, and then remove the pin and give the knot a final pull towards to bead to cinch the knot fully closed.
Step 5: Trim the tails of twine and then insert the loop end through the hole in the metal zipper pull tab. You might need to use the method in the section above about the hole size ("The hole should not be too small (or too big) and what to do if the hole is a tight fit") to get it through the hole.
Step 6: Thread the bead through the center of the loop and pull it tight.
That's it! You're all done. Thanks for stopping by and reading to the end. If you appreciate this information, please consider:
- Sharing the link to this information with someone else who might appreciate it too.
- Purchasing a pattern on my website or in my etsy shop.
- Pinning something from my website, etsy shop, or from here on my blog to one of your pinterest boards.
