I read this in a bead magazine a long time ago. I think it was Bead & Button, but I can’t be sure. I am sure that it’s a very handy tip even for those beaders who aren’t into seed beads.
The idea is to help keep that little knot inside the clam shell. Glue helps, but it can be messy. This tip suggests sliding a tiny seed bead (such as a size 11) down to the end of thread. Then looping the thread back through the seed bead. This anchors the bead onto the end of the thread.
Then the clam shell is added so the seed bead rests inside of the clam shell. The shell is closed around the seed bead.
I’ve used this technique a lot and have been very happy with it. Even if you aren’t into seed beading, this might be one reason to buy a few of those tiny beads.
All graphics created by Tammy Powley.