Cord Info & Tips

• 2mm satin cords are hand dyed by a process of immersion in a hot-water dye bath, then washed in a mild textile detergent, and rinsed in a fixing solution to help set the dye and improve light and wash-fastness.

• Though the cords have been treated with fixative in the final step of the dyeing process, some discharge of color may occur during the first few washings. You may also notice slight variations in texture and color, as well as variations in shading from lot to lot. All of this is normal for hand-dyed cords, and should be expected.

• Please note: While every effort has been made to represent colors as accurately as possible, the colors on your monitor may vary.

• Kinks and curls in the cords can be removed by immersing the cord in water. Blot excess water by pulling gently along the cord with a clean towel, and hang to dry. You may also use a warm iron, but avoid direct heat by placing a clean rag over the dry cord before ironing. A very low setting is all that's needed. Avoid medium or high settings, as these may melt or discolor the cords.

• Cord ends may be flame sealed using a disposable lighter. Never introduce the cord directly into the flame, as this may cause an unsightly carbon build up that can only be removed by cutting the cord. Instead, hold the end of the cord close to the blue portion of the flame, and allow the radiating heat to gently melt the tip. Beware that some colors flame seal better than others. Light colors will usually seal with very little discoloration. Very dark colors are no problem. Medium, and medium to darker colors are the trickiest, just be cautious and take your time.

• The easiest way to finish corded jewelry is to use crimp ends with a 2mm opening ID. Flame seal about an 1/8" of the cord, just enough to compress and harden the tip (this will provide "traction" when the cord is inside the crimp). Don't melt the cord too long or it will ball up. Once the tip is hard, cut the tiniest piece off the end to create a straight, blunt cut. Now it's ready to be inserted into the crimp end. Crimp tightly with chain-nose pliers and finish as usual.

• To control tiny "fly-away" strands that sometimes occur with rough handling of cords, you may flame seal them away with a swift pass of your disposable lighter (remember, not too long or you may get carbon build up, or worse, the cord may melt out of control).

• Soiled cords may be washed gently by hand using a drop or two of mild detergent and plenty of cool water. Rinse thoroughly and blot excess water, do not twist or wring. Hang to dry.