Tips, Tools and Techniques
I
was searching through Google, as I often do and I decided to research tips to help
improve our skills as artisans. Well
here’s what I found an article identifying 10 Essential Bead weaving Supplies:
1. Beading Needles: Beading
needle size is usually denoted by a number. The larger the number, the narrower
the needle. Size 10, size 11, and size 12 are the most popular for beadweaving.
Size 13 and size 15 are used for extra-small beads.
2. Beading Thread: Beading thread is slicker and stronger
than most regular sewing thread. These qualities help it pass easily through
small bead holes without fraying. The two most popular styles of beading thread
are nylon beading thread and polyethylene beading thread. The brands Nymo and C-Lon
are nylon, and FireLine
and PowerPro are polyethylene.
3. Beading scissors are small, sharp scissors that make clean
cuts in nylon beading thread. A straight, clean cut makes it much easier to
thread your needle.
Bottom line for beginners: Keep a small, sharp pair of beading or embroidery
scissors reserved for use with nylon beading thread.
4. Thread Conditioner: Thread conditioner
lubricates beading thread, helps minimize tangles, and can even make thread
slightly stronger. You only need to use it when you work with nylon beading
thread that is not labeled "prewaxed" or "preconditioned."
Polyethylene threads do not require thread conditioner.
Bottom line for beginners: Buy one box of Thread Heaven (or a similar brand) to use
with Nymo or C-Lon. It should last for a long time if you keep the lid on when
you're not using it.
5.
Bead
Mat: A bead mat is a sheet of soft
material that you work over while you bead. It's important to use one because
it eliminates glare from your work light (see below) and provides friction that
keeps round beads from rolling away. You can also roll up some bead mats and
secure them with rubber bands to store work in progress.
The most popular style of bead mat is a foam blanket
material called Vellux.
You can buy sheets of Vellux at bead shops or through online beading suppliers,
or purchase it by the yard at a fabric store and trim it down yourself.
6. Beading Dishes: Bead dishes
(sometimes called "bead trays") are usually metal or ceramic
trays
that you pour beads into from their storage containers. You can pick up beads
with your
needle directly from the dishes.
Although noted here: In my opinion these are purely optional. Instead, I’d recommend lettered/numbered beads. If you are working a multi-colored bead
pattern, these work wonders in identifying your beads.
7. Bead Soup Jar: Now here’s something I don’t have, but need
to implement… This is one of the most affordable items
on the list. Repurpose any clear, lidded jar as a place to pour small amounts
of miscellaneous beads that you pick up from your work surface or even the
floor. Over time, this collection will become an eclectic "bead soup"
mix that you can use for freeform projects or to practice stitches.
8. Bead Scoops: These
are awesome for post beadwork clean-up.
Bead scoops are small,
lightweight metal shovels that are great for
picking up beads on your bead mat or collecting
beads from your bead dishes.
Once you gather beads with a scoop, you can easily pour them back
into their
storage containers or your bead soup jar. Bead scoops are available in many
sizes and
shapes.
9. Task Light: Seed beads are tiny objects, and you'll find beading
much more enjoyable if
you're not struggling to see them while you work. The
most popular brand of full-spectrum craft light is Ott-Lite.
10. Magnifiers: Even if you have a work light, I recommend that you pick
up some sort of magnifier. It will reduce eye fatigue and help you enjoy
beadweaving. There are lots of options, from clip-on models that hook onto your
light to jeweler's
optivisors. Alternatively, you can buy a lamp with a
magnifier built in.
