Advice Anyone??

OK, pop tab project is underway.  We have counted 8,000 tabs already and still have some for others to count.  However, my display idea is not going to work quite as I was hoping.  Fishing line works for 2,000 but it is getting way heavy, more than I thought it would.  Anyone have good advice on what can be used in lieu of fishing string?  I am thinking that I am going to have to do it in chunks.  It will work I guess.  I just do not want to do jugs because I want them to see just how it looks.  Help!!!  Thank you in advance.