Beadweaving for Beginners

Beading is one of the world's oldest art forms, dating back as far as 100,000 years. The people of pre-history are known to have adorned themselves with decorative objects made from readily available materials such as bone, shells, and precious stones. Those primitive types of jewelry have since evolved, and beadwork is practiced in many different styles all over the world.

In North America, the most common types of beadwork are: stringing; loom weaving; off-loom weaving or stitching; bead knitting and crochet; and embroidery. These methods can be used to make anything from jewelry and clothing to home decor. Beads made from all types of materials are used by artists from all manner of backgrounds. The results are often stunning and always beautiful.

Other types of beadwork include wire wrapping, sculpture, and decopage. One can even create their own custom wall art, or highlight a favorite piece of art with beads.

Who Can Bead

The answer is quite simple: Anyone! The only prerequisite to creating fine beadwork is patience. Some techniques require a lot of practice, but all of the hard work is worth it in the end.

Some assets to have when you take on beading are a love of color and a bold imagination. Creativity can be key; however, a strictly mathematic approach can also be the start of some amazing beaded art. Many forms of bead weaving incorporate geometry to achieve the desired effect.

Why Try Beading

The art of bead work appeals to people in many ways. One of the most common motives is to create jewelry and accessories that are a unique statement of one's personal style. Beading can be a relaxing past time, a fun family activity, even a small business.

Whatever the motivation, most serious beaders agree that their artwork is a source of joy. Creating something beautiful can be very therapeutic.

Where Do I Start?

For the novice beader, a jumping off point can be a matter of preference. Making jewelry with the stringing method is a good introduction to working with beads, color, and patterns. Try a multi-strand necklace project to get started.

The next step in beading is often off-loom weaving or embroidery. Some techniques can be vexing: a basic knowledge of sewing or needlework is an asset, as well as a steady hand and lots of patience. Although peyote stitch is the most common technique used, it is also one of the most difficult to learn. For absolute beginners, spiral rope is recommended to gain an understanding of tension and thread use, followed by flat herringbone weave for its simple start up.

Beading can be frustrating at first, but with plenty of practice, it can almost become second nature. If you're struggling with a new technique, don't be discouraged. Take a break, and perhaps seek out some encouragement from fellow beaders. Keep getting back on the horse, and you'll be rewarded with a fabulous new skill.

There are many options for beading thread and stringing material, each with different advantages. Synthetic materials are best for long lasting, durable beadwork, but natural fibers can be an environmentally friendly alternative.

Nymo and C-Lon

These threads are made specifically for beading, and are available in a variety of colors. It is recommended that the threads be prepared with beeswax or a thread conditioner like Thread Heaven, to stiffen the fibers and protect them from fraying. Used primarily for stitching, these threads are available from most bead and hobby stores.

Kevlar Thread

This super strong thread is more expensive than traditional materials, but is popular among many beaders for it's durability. It is available from fabric stores, and shops that specialize in fly tying materials.

Sewing Thread

Cotton or polyester sewing thread is a great medium for beginners. It is inexpensive, and comes in a variety of colors. To protect and stiffen the fibers, clear craft glue can be used as a thread conditioner. Coat comfortable lengths of thread evenly with glue and allow to dry.

Braided Fishing Line

There are several brands of fishing line appropriate for beading, including Fireline, Spiderwire and Powerpro. Popular for stitching, they come in a variety of diameters, though 6lb test is most commonly used for it's strength and ability to pass through beads several times. No stretching or conditioning is required to prepare it as a thread, but color selection is limited to white, black, and neon green.

Fishing line is available at tackle shops and sporting goods stores, as well as department stores that carry fishing gear. To save on cost and packaging, some retailers can order bulk spools of several hundred yards.

Monofilament

Most often used as a stringing material, this plastic fishing line is available in a variety of diameters, from 2lb to 80lb test. Although it is strong and flexible, monofilament is susceptible to wear over time, and does not hold up well against heat and sunlight.

Your local bead store (or LBS) is the best place to shop for materials, tools and supplies for bead work. You'll be able to browse their selection of beads and findings with ease, and ask for advice. The staff may be able to make recommendations if you're not sure what to purchase. Best of all, you'll be supporting a business in your own community.

If an LBS isn't available in your area, craft and hobby stores may also have a good selection of beading materials and friendly advice. You can also find items in the craft aisle of most department stores, and even dollar stores and dime stores carry beads and findings. Be aware when you shop of where products are manufactured, and what quality you are getting. Not all beads are created the same.

Flea-markets are a great source for beads. You can find vintage and costume jewelry ready to be re-made, loose beads and buttons, as well as everyday items to be beaded such as handbags and bottles. Also check out thrift stores and yard sales. Not only are the sellers grateful for your business, but you're sure to find great bargains as well.

"Yarn and Beads at a Flea Market"

Finally, if you're unable to find what you need in your area, online shops are a good source for anything and everything a beader needs. Shop around for the best prices, quality and shipping terms to get the most for your money. As with any online activity, one should be aware of possible risks, and it's a good idea to get a second opinion before buying from any online store.

To find quality beads that are handmade by experienced artists, try searching Etsy.com's Supplies category for "handmade bead". Some other great shops to try are: Artbeads.com and AuntiesBeads.com.

"Hollow Gold Beads from the Warrior-Priests Tomb"

Glass seed beads from Czech are some of the most commonly used beads in stitching and jewelry making. They come in a variety of sizes, and shapes vary slightly depending on where and when they were made. Sizes are labeled by the number of beads per inch, so the smallest beads - 15o - are 15 per inch. Other sizes include 11o, 10o, 8o and 6o. Some manufacterers also make size 4o Czech beads, which are sometimes referred to as 'E beads'.

Czech seed beads are suitable for most types of weaving, although different styles can vary in shape, and not all are suitable for structured stitches like peyote and right angle weave. The best uses for Czech beads are spiral rope, flat herringbone weave, flat or spiral netting, and multi-strand.

Many types of quality seed beads are sold on strands called hanks. It's easy to transfer beads from the hank to thread or wire for stringing and crochet projects. Just tie one end of the bead strand to your thread or wire, and slide the beads on. It's that easy!

Like Czech glass beads, Japanese seed beads are sized by beads per inch. Different sizes are available from different manufacturers. Regular seed beads are barrel-shaped, and unlike Czech beads, they are very uniform in size. These beads are ideal for structured stitches, and result in more even beadwork.

Japanese Delicas are even more precise in size and shape, and are perfect for patterned bead work, where pictures will be constructed with beads. They are tube shaped, with plenty of thread space, which makes them excellent for complex beadwork when multiple thread passes are necessary.

By shopping around you can learn where to buy quality beads online with great prices and selection. Every store has it's own selection of colors and styles to choose from. To learn more about seed bead sizes and finishes, see the Bead Handbook for Jewelry and Crafts.

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