Beadweaving for Beginners

Discover a Passion for Beading

Beadweaving is an art form that grows in popularity every year. There are dozens of different styles and techniques of beadwork that one can master and apply to fashion, home decor, and more. In this introduction to beading, we will discuss the origins of this art form, and some of the best ways to get started with seed bead crafts.

This guide will highlight some of the best beads, beading materials, and tools, as well as sources for excellent beading tutorials for beginners.

About Beading

Beading Basics

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.

"Bead Strands"

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.

"Samburu Woman Wearing Decorative Beads"

Top Stitches for Beginners

Master these stitches to begin your beading journey

Learning new off-loom stitches is essential for creating unique beaded items, but even more important are the basic techniques that will make your pieces stunning and professional.

Finding a comfortable thread length, maintaining tension and selecting appropriate beads are just a few skills that every beader needs.

Mastering these stitches will help to perfect your beading skills. The Sage's Encyclopedia offers detailed tutorials on these and other beading skills.

"Hollow Gold Beads from the Warrior-Priests Tomb"

Classic Daisy Chain
The stitch that started it all for many beaders, and a perfect introduction to using seed beads.
Spiral Rope
Great for needle and thread basics, as well as bead selection.
Flat Herringbone Weave
A good introduction to flat weaving with easy tension.
Two-drop Peyote Stitch
An easy introduction to the classic peyote stitch technique.

Beading Basics

Sometimes it helps to have your beading advice right at hand with a great book or magazine. Learn new techniques; find inspiration and step-by-step projects. With a beginner's guide to beading, you can discover the power of color and texture, and enjoy a wealth of design ideas for all your jewelry and beading needs!

Beading Basics

by: Carole Rodgers

Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 11/25/2009)

This indepth guide by Carole Rodgers demonstrates a variety of beading techniques for beginners, from simple stringing to off-loom weaving.

With 40 home decor and jewelry projects to learn from, and a selection of design variations, anyone interested in the art of beadwork is sure to find the inspiration and education they need to get started.

Avg. Customer Rating:

Tools for Beading

A starter package of tools for your beading studio

There are a lot of gadgets out there for creating different types of beaded jewellery and artwork. To get started, pick up these essential items for your tool box.

Beading Needles

Most beaders use special needles (size 12 is the favorite), but any sewing needle with small eyes will do. Select needles with long shafts, so you will have plenty of space to pick up beads.
Pincushion

You will need this for holding needles, stop-beads, and pins (used in embroidery).
Scissors

Any type of scissors (except safety scissors) will do, as long as they are fairly sharp. If you plan to sell or showcase your bead work, you may want to invest in some good quality scissors to ensure that trimmed threads are cut cleanly.
Bead cups or trays

Small containers for holding the beads you use in each project make it easier to pick up beads. Try coffee coasters, container lids, or pinch bowls.
Pliers

Most wirework can be done with needle-nose pliers and chain-nose pliers. If you use crimp beads, you will also need crimping pliers.
Wire cutters

If you use wire, eye-pins, or head-pins, you will need heavy duty snips to trim excess wire. You may also want safety glasses to go with them.
Ruler

An ordinary wood or plastic ruler is handy for measuring your beadwork, or you can make or print a paper ruler and tape it to your work surface for easy reference.

Beading Threads

Materials for beadwork

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.

Beadweaving Guides

Take beading advice, ideas and inspiration wherever you go with a great book or magazine! You can learn new stitches and other techniques with tried and tested projects and step-by-step instructions. A good beading guide can help you learn about beading from experienced artists, and take your beadwork from ordinary to extraordinary.

Getting Started with Seed Beads (Getting Started series)

by: Dustin Wedekind

Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 11/25/2009)

Renowned bead artist and Beadwork Magazine contributor, Dustin Wedekind, offers up over 20 seed bead projects that will allow crafters of any skill level to submerge themselves in the world of seed beads.

This full color guide includes step by step projects, and a guide to materials and tools for new beaders.

Avg. Customer Rating:

Shopping for Beads

Where to shop for beads and supplies

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.

eBay is a great place to shop for beads and beading supplies because many sellers offer PayPal as a payment option. While there are hundreds of online bead shops out there, most require a credit card or prepaid cheque or money order. PayPal and eBay are quick, easy, and safe. Check out our eBay recommendations for great bead shopping online.

Czech Glass Beads

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!

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. Sellers featured here have great ratings and offer PayPal payment options.