Joiner

The terms "string" and "cord" are used to describe the joiner (string, cord, or chain) connecting the two beads. What type of joiner a slinger uses when "stringing" their beads, like most aspects of begleri, all comes down to preference. Almost all begleri manufacturers ship their beads with Paracord, although chains and braids of other smaller strings such as nylon, hemp, etc. can be used too.

### **Paracord**

Paracord refers to "Parachute Cord" which is originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes.

There are several "grades" of paracord:

### Diameter

1.7mm

Microcord is very rare in the begleri community. It's small size makes it less than ideal for comfortable slinging with any weight.

### Diameter

1.85mm

MonkeyFistBegleri makes a lot of his sets using 95 paracord. The small size allows for maximum flexibility, but it is not as cushiony as 550. Great for use with all but the heaviest of beads.

### Diameter

~2mm

275 paracord is unique in that it is one of the stiffest paracords. It packs 5 core strands inside its 2mm sheath. This thin cord is great for hefty begleri sets, but may prove challenging to use with lighter sets due to the stiffness. A lot of begleri sets made pre-2017 were made to use 275.

### Diameter

3mm

325 paracord is a happy medium between micro and the traditional 550 cord. It is soft and flexible, unlike 275, but not quite as thick as 550. This is a great choice if you find 550 too thick.

### Diameter

3mm

425 paracord is noticeably thinner than 550, despite of the mere 1mm difference. Very similar to 325, it's great for beads where 550 paracord is just a little too thick.

### Diameter

4mm

There are different types of 550 paracord. Your standard type, used for crafts and survival kits, and mil-spec, for military use. The differences are negligible for the purpose of begleri. 550 is often soft, supple, and flexible. There are some brands/weaves/patterns that are softer than others, but it is unknown what exactly affects this.

There are more types of paracord, like 750 and Shock Cord, but those are not often used with begleri.

### **Chainge**

PlayXS (Play Excess) introduced Chainge, which are 550-sized chains to be used with begleri. These offer a different feel and weight than regular paracord.

### **Custom Begleri Cords**

Custom Begleri Cords was the first to introduce braided begleri cords made of polyester or cotton. This paved the way for kongoh-gumi/kumihimo cords, which came later in the begleri community.

### **Kongoh-gumi/Kumihimo**

Kongoh-gumi/Kumihimo is a method of weaving cord using multiple strands of any material in a pattern, using a disk to help with the weave. Commonly done with embroidery floss due to the diameter. Disks can be found online, 3d printed, or even DIY. Due to the nature of the creation of the cord, any number of colors and materials can be used, resulting in many unique combinations. This method is great if you like to customize or color-coordinate your begleri sets.

### References

1. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/micro-nano-spools/
2. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/95-paracord/
3. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/275-paracord/
4. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/325-paracord/
5. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/425-paracord/
6. ↑ https://www.paracordplanet.com/paracord/550-nylon-paracord/