Studying how to bead for the first time is always exciting. But, first, there’s the technical aspect– learning new skills and familiarizing oneself with the right jewelry-making supplies.
Part of the effort to learn how to bead is getting acquainted with high-quality beads for necklaces, charm bracelets, and and findings.
Xinar.com has been around for over twenty years, and in this time, we have assisted countless beaders and crafters with their beading needs. We have the most beautiful assortment of beads in sterling silver , including sterling silver findings, gold-filled, copper , and even sterling silver charms of every theme and make. Check out the menu above and shop at leisure here at Xinar. Now let’s proceed with today’s tutorial!
Q: What exactly does the term “beading” imply? What are some of the numerous ways that beads can be used?
A: The term “beading” refers to producing or adorning something with beads. The term refers to any small decorative object with a hole in it or pierced to create a hole for stringing. Stones, shells and drilled seeds, shells, pearls, and stones, as well as glass, wood, and plastic, can all be used for ornamentation.
Stringing them together to produce a necklace or bracelet; weaving these items together with threads and needles can help you make everything from sculpture to jewelry to the best-looking tapestries; sew them onto fabrics to create fabulous garments, and even knitting and crocheting are all possibilities.
Q: Why do people obsess over beads so much?
A: Beads have been used to embellish people’s bodies throughout history, to the point where they can be used to date the origins of human life on the planet.
Beads belong to the oldest human relics and art forms, and their use reflects a particular level of cultural complexity and development. The oldest known jewelry pieces are believed to be several beads created from Nassarius shells.
The oldest beads were thought to date back about thirty-eight thousand years ago until recently, but subsequent findings in Algeria and Israel may push the dating back to over one hundred thousand years ago.
Q: What makes beading so appealing? I’m drawn to beads, their various colors, designs, and the concept of wearing them.
A: You’re not alone in your attraction to beads. Beads have been used in clothes, rituals, and religions for thousands of years in almost every civilization. Beads have been used for everything from safeguarding newborn babies from evil spirits to celebrating marriages and crowning a king.
Q: I observed a “beaded” sculpture composed entirely of intertwined pencil points. Why is this item considered beading?
A: A bead is any little thing with a hole in it, according to the definition. If the pencil points have holes punched so that they may be strung together, each pencil point is technically a bead.
Drilled pencil tips, metal washers, nuts, mesh hardware cloth, and clear plastic tubing cut into bead lengths can all be used to create dramatic beaded jewelry and sculpture, as can typical, expected materials like glass beads and bits of turquoise. The diversity will delight and inspire you if you begin to tune in and notice beading.
Q: I’ve seen a lot of beading made with teeny-tiny beads. I’m not sure I’ll be able to work with them! Is it possible for me to continue enjoying beading?
A: Seed beads are the little beads you’re referring to. You may already be aware of your preference for working with little objects. Due to their size, they are not considered focal beads (not really), but they do occupy an important role, alongside other types of spacer beads, like our corrugated, faceted, and barrel copper beads.
Start with more manageable seed beads, square beads, and other manageable drops, and 4mm to 6mm Czech glass and semiprecious stone if you don’t have any or aren’t sure you’ll have the patience. Regarding bead sizes, keep in mind that the higher the number, the smaller the bead will be. So 6° represents the larger, more visible seed beads, whereas 15° represents the tiniest seed beads.
After you’ve mastered some techniques and are confident that you’re utilizing proper magnification and lighting, you might want to attempt smaller beads. However, you don’t have to use the tiny beads unless you want to expand your beading options. You can make a lifetime’s worth of projects with larger beads.
Q: Is beading a costly pastime?
A: If beads weren’t so addicting, I’d say it’s one of the most cost-effective pastimes! You don’t need an expensive sewing machine, other than a needle, thread, or a few hand tools, for example, or any other machinery. Almost all of the materials you buy for beading end up in the finished product. No, beading does not have to be a costly pastime. That is unless you decide you must have every variety of beads created in every color right away.
Q: I’d want to try beading but don’t want to invest much money. Isn’t it more sensible to use the cheaper seed beads I’ve seen in dime stores or children’s kits since I’m just learning?
A: It’s alright to start with tiny amounts, but it’s always best not to skimp on quality, in my opinion. The quality of your materials impacts the final result of every job you undertake. So if you invest your time and creativity into a project, I believe it’s only natural to utilize high-quality beads, supplies, and findings.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive item, but you’ll find that sterling silver and gold-filled clasps, for example, are smoother and more well-made than many identical base metal finds. And they’re usually a little more expensive.
Although the low-cost beads at certain stores appear to be a good deal, when you consider the waste, they will cost you more than you think. In addition, these beads would be delicate for a more organic sculpture or a lamp base you want to cover with glue and beads. They are, however, frequently unequal in size and may contain sharp or irregular holes.
You’ll spend time selecting or separating the defective beads, and you’ll end up tossing beads away to obtain beads that seem smooth and uniform enough for a strung or woven beaded work. So make careful to factor this waste into your project’s budget.
I recommend selecting precious materials in colors you adore, which will make you proud whenever you look at or wear the garment. A complex or complicated design is less significant than high-quality beads and materials.
Think about purchasing good-quality beads and jewelry at tag sales and thrift stores to save money on beading supplies. You can disassemble these items and reuse the beads and findings in new and intriguing crafts.
Beading and Knotting for Beginners
Q: Do I have to know a lot of sophisticated knots to be able to bead?
A: To produce excellent beadwork, you don’t need to know a lot of knots. There are only a few essential knots to learn, and you’re probably already familiar with several of them from Girl Scouts. The basic knots and when to use them can be found on the following four pages.
The Beautiful, Essential Knots You Have To Know
There are only a few essential knots you’ll need to know whether you wish to tie knots between beads, are ready to finish a stretch bracelet, or need to knot when adding thread to a woven creation.
Overhand knot
One of the most basic knots is frequently used to begin or terminate a thread and as a component of other knots. First, make a loop with the working end, then pull both ends together to tighten up and achieve the knot.
When you pick an overhand knot to join up two or more ends, make the following adjustments: Make a loop with the ends and feed both ends through the loop. Tighten the first knot, then tie a second overhand knot right next to it for added security.
Double overhand knot
It’s similar to the single overhand knot but a little more secure. Make a loop, pass the working end through the loop as in an overhand knot, pass the end through the loop again, and pull both ends together to tighten and complete the knot.
Square knot
This knot is made up of two overhand knots in opposite directions and is used to unite and end threads. When you reach the end of the first thread and your creation is still unfinished, you can utilize it to add a new thread to the piece. First, pass the right end over and around the left. Then pass the left end over and around the right. Finally, pull the ends together tightly.
Surgeon’s knot
Its usage for beginning and ending threads is similar to that of the square knot, although it is more stable. First, wrap the right end twice around the first overhand knot. Then, carry on as you did with the square knot.
Slip knot
To begin bead crochet, use this hook. First, make a loop, place one end of the thread behind the loop and pull a small second loop through the first. Next, form a slip knot by tightening the knot. The second loop’s size can be adjusted by sliding the end.
Figure-eight knot
It’s possible to knot flexible beading wire without kinking it with this tool. To construct a loop, bend the bottom, shorter end, and drape it over the other. Pass the short end through the first loop after passing it behind the other end.
Lark’s head knot
Macramé and linking stringing material to a wire or rope are common uses. Fold the stringing material in half and place it on top of the cord, bending it behind it.
Sliding knot
On a thin leather cord, it’s frequently used to make an adjustable closure. Allow roughly 12 hours “on both ends of the chord. Place the right and left ends together, with the right and left facing in opposing directions. Fold the right end back approximately 3 inches “.. Wrap it three times around itself and the left end. Pull the right end of the yarn taut through the wraps. Repeat with the opposite end of the piece. To shorten the loop, slide the knots away from each other, and to open it, slide them toward each other.
