Getting Started with Beading
Beginner's Guide for Making Beaded Jewelry

Beading is one of the least expensive hobbies you can try. In theory, all you need is a needle and thread and some beads! Of course, there are many other options for materials. The materials you use will depend on the type of beading that you want to do. You can purchase beading books or check them out from your local library. There are tons of free tutorials on the Internet, including the beading instructions found here at AIA Jewelry Making.

Types of Beading

There are a lot of different beadwork techniques. Here are some common choices and lists of basic starting materials:

• Stringing
  Beads on a string, often connected by some sort of clasp. To make it confusing, stringing beads on beading wire is also called stringing. To get started you will need:
  • Beads
  • Strong non-stretch beading thread (e.g., #5 Silkon or 30 lb Power Pro), used with bead tips to attach clasps, and pliers
  • or beading wire (e.g., Beadalon, Tigertail, Accuflex, Softflex), used with crimp beads to attach clasps, and pliers or crimping pliers
  • or, for pearl knotting: silk thread (e.g., size F) or nylon substitute, beading needle, beadtips or bullion to attach clasps, and pliers
  • or beading elastic
  • Thread snips or wire cutters
  • Nail polish or glue, to seal knots for all stringing materials except wire
  • Optional: thread conditioner, such as beeswax or Thread Heaven. Conditioners are most often used for silk and thin nylon threads

  Beginner Stringing Projects
  

  • Easy Illusion Necklace
  • Long Rope or Lariat

• Beads with Wirework
  Beads on wire. Most beaders need some basic metal/wire tools and skills to attach clasps and earrings and to make dangles. However, beading with wire can be expanded into an artform of its own and used to produce some very elaborate jewelry. To get started, you will need:
  • Wire
  • Beads
  • Wire cutters that can give a flush cut
  • Roundnose pliers
  • Flatnose or chainnose pliers
  • Other useful tool: hammer and anvil, files

  Beginner Beads & Wirework Projects
  

  • Bead & Wire Flower Hairpin
  • Beaded Bobby Pins
  • Japanese Chain Maille Necklace

• Beadweaving
  You can weave using a loom or use one of the many off-loom techniques. The term 'beadweaving' tends to be applied to most beading stitches where threads run through beads to make a sort of beaded fabric. Off-loom techniques include peyote, brick stitch, netting and many more. Materials used for beadweaving include:
  • Loom for traditional weaving. Many looms used for weaving cloth can be adapted for beadweaving. In addition, there are many looms specifically designed for use with beads. Looms are not needed for hand-held techniques.
  • Uniform beads. Beads used for weaving tend to be a bit more expensive than other beads for their size because care is taken to ensure that they will stack neatly.
  • Thread. Usually a synthetic thread, such as nymo, silamide, or a fluoropolymer.
  • Beading needle
  • Thread snips

  Beginner Beadweaving Projects
  

  • Beaded Wave Bracelet
  • Hugs & Kisses Ring
  • Spiral Rope Chain

• Embroidery
  In the general sense, this is any type beading applied to another material, like cloth. This includes traditional bead embroidery and also tambour and beaded needlepoint. Very few tools and materials are needed to try this form of beadwork:
  • Beads
  • Beading needle
  • Thread, often nylon or another synthetic, but sometimes silk
  • Scissors or thread snips

• More Options
  Beads can be incorporated into macrame or used in a variety of ways with glue, metal, and clay. Knitting and crocheting with beads offer additional creative outlets for beaders.

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