A mala is beads plus thread, and the thread does all the work. It carries the weight, takes the friction of every bead against every other, absorbs sweat and oil, and stretches. It will eventually fail, and whether that failure is a nuisance or a catastrophe depends on when it is caught and how the mala was strung.
When to re-string
Visible fraying at the knots, at the guru bead, or where the thread enters a bead.
Stretching. Beads that were snug now slide; the mala hangs longer than it did.
Stiffness or discolouration of the thread from accumulated oil and sweat.
Routinely, every one to two years for a mala worn daily, regardless of appearance. Thread weakens before it looks weak.
After any break, obviously — and re-string the whole mala, not just the broken section, since the rest of the thread is the same age.
Choosing thread
Cotton. Traditional for Rudraksha, soft, holds knots well, absorbs oil (which both protects and eventually weakens it). Needs replacing more often.
Silk. Traditional for pearls and fine beads; strong, smooth, takes knots beautifully; stretches over time and absorbs moisture. Re-string pearls annually if worn often.
Nylon and polyester. Strong, stretch-resistant, water-resistant, long-lasting. Less traditional; excellent for beads that are worn hard or get wet. Bonded nylon bead cord in the right diameter is the practical choice for most Rudraksha and crystal malas.
Elastic. For bracelets only, never for a 108-bead mala — it stretches, weakens and snaps without warning, and 108 beads across a floor is the result.
Wire and cable. Beading wire (nylon-coated steel) is durable and does not fray, but is stiff and does not knot between beads. Used for heavy stone beads.
Match diameter to the bead hole: thread should fill the hole loosely enough to pass, snugly enough not to let beads rattle. Rudraksha holes vary and may need enlarging (by a jeweller or bead-worker, with a fine drill) — never force thread through a tight hole.
Knotting
A knot between every bead does three things: it stops beads rubbing against each other, it keeps beads in place if the thread breaks in one spot (you lose one bead, not all), and it gives the mala the traditional drape. It also lengthens the mala and takes time. Pearls are always knotted; fine Rudraksha and gemstone malas usually are; inexpensive malas often are not.
The guru bead and tassel
The larger bead at the end, with the tassel or knot beyond it, takes the most strain because the two ends of the thread pass through it and are tied there. Check it first when inspecting a mala. The tassel is decorative and can be replaced separately.
Doing it yourself or not
Re-stringing an unknotted mala is straightforward with a needle, the right cord and patience. Knotting between 108 beads is a craft; the first attempt is uneven, and the result is worth having done by a bead-worker or jeweller, who will also enlarge tight holes and replace a worn tassel. Take the mala to be re-strung in a bag or box so that a break in transit is contained.
What re-stringing does not change
The beads. A laboratory report on a mala describes the beads, their count and their material; the thread is noted but is not part of the identity finding. A re-strung mala matches its report on bead count, size and the guru bead. If beads are replaced during re-stringing, the mala is a different article and the report no longer fully applies. Testing a Rudraksha mala.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell the thread is about to break?
Fraying at knots, thinning where it enters beads, and stretching. If in doubt, re-string.
Should a Rudraksha mala be knotted?
For a fine mala, yes — it protects the beads and the wearer from losing them. For a simple daily mala it is optional.
Can I use fishing line?
Monofilament is strong but stiff, does not knot reliably, and degrades in sunlight. Bonded nylon bead cord is better.
Does re-stringing affect a laboratory report?
No, provided the beads are the same. Count them before and after.
My mala broke and I lost beads. What now?
Have it re-strung with the remaining beads and either accept a shorter mala or replace the lost beads with matching ones — noting that the replacements are new and untested unless you have them examined.