Learn Beadwork
From Chris Franchetti Michaels, former About.com Guide
- Ladder Stitch and Brick Stitch Tutorials
- Herringbone (Ndebele) Stitch Tutorials
- Other Beading Stitches and Techniques
- Beaded Ropes
Beadwork FAQ
A list of frequently asked questions on the Beadwork site.
- What's the Best Beadweaving Stitch to Learn First?
- Which Needles Should I Use for Beadweaving?
- Which Thread Should I Use?
- Which Beads Should I Use?
- Where Can I Subscribe to the Free Beadwork Newsletter?
- Ask Another Question in the Beadwork Forum ->>
Bead Stringing Techniques
Bead stringing is the simplest form of beadwork. You can create jewelry that's made completely of strung beads, or combine bead stringing with beadweaving to create more complex designs.
- How to String Beads on Beading Wire
- How to Make Beaded Stretch Bracelets
- How to Use a Bead Spinner
- Beads Per Inch Chart
- Video: How to Attach a Clasp to a Necklace
- What Is Beading Wire?
- How to Select the Right Size of Beading Wire
- Video: How to Use Crimping Pliers
- How to Use Jump Rings to Attach a Clasp
- Video: How to Install Coil Ends on Jewelry Cord
- Video: Tips for Stringing Beads
Beadweaving Techniques
Learn how to stitch tiny beads with a needle and thread to create beaded fabric and objects.
- 10 Essential Beadweaving Supplies
- Prepare a Needle and Thread for Beadweaving
- Terms Used in Beading Patterns
- How to String a Stop Bead
- How to Pick Up Beads on a Needle
- How to Hold Your Beadwork
- How to Remove Knots in Thread
- How to Start a New Thread
- What is "Weaving-In?"
- Video: How to Weave-In Beading Thread
- Video: All About Beading Needles
Peyote Stitch Tutorials
Peyote Stitch Tutorials include step-by-step instructions for how to do even and odd count peyote stitch as well as tubular versions of the stitch. Two and three drop tutorials are also included, as well as a basic step-by-step set of instructions for how to do free form peyote stitch.
- Flat Even-Count Peyote Stitch
- Video: How to Do Flat Even-Count Peyote Stitch
- Flat Odd-Count Peyote Stitch
- Video: How to Do Flat-Odd Count Peyote
- How to Count Peyote Rows and Columns
- How to Read an Even-Count Peyote Stitch Pattern
- How to Read an Odd-Count Peyote Stitch Pattern
- Quick Start Cards for Odd-Count Peyote
- Alternate Turn for Flat Odd-Count Peyote Stitch
- Tubular Even Count Peyote Stitch
- Video: Even-Count Tubular Peyote Stitch
- Tubular Odd Count Peyote Stitch
- Two and Three Drop Peyote Stitch
- How to Read a Two-Drop Peyote Stitch Pattern
- Freeform Peyote Stitch Tutorial
- Video: Peyote Stitch Beaded Bezel
Beading on a Loom
Make beaded bands by weaving beads onto thread or cord on a loom. Loomwork creates rows and columns of beads that are aligned in a true grid formation. This technique is used often in Native American beadwork.
- Types of Bead Looms
- The Parts of a Bead Loom
- How to Bead on a Loom
- Warp a Loom Using the No-Wind Method
- Warp a Loom Using the Winding Method
- "No Warps" Beading With Square Stitch Starter Strips
- How to Read a Loom Beading Pattern
- Using the Selvage Method to Finish Off Loom Beadwork
- Finish Off By Weaving-In Your Warp Threads
Ladder Stitch and Brick Stitch Tutorials
Brick stitch is a versatile off-loom beadweaving stitch where the beads are aligned like bricks in a wall. Brick stitch begins with a single row of ladder stitch. You can also use ladder stitch by itself to make simple beaded bracelets.
- Single-Needle Ladder Stitch
- Double-Needle Ladder Stitch
- Flat Brick Stitch
- Alternate Start for Brick Stitch
- Decreasing and Increasing on the Outer Edges of Brick Stitch
Herringbone (Ndebele) Stitch Tutorials
Herringbone stitch, also known as Ndebele, originates in South Africa. The herringbone (Ndebele) stitch tutorials include flat versions using a traditional start and a ladder stitch start as well as two tubular versions of the stitch.
- Flat Herringbone Stitch From a Base Row
- Video: How to Do Herringbone Stitch (Ladder Start)
- Flat Herringbone Stitch With a Traditional Start
- Tubular Herrinbgone Stitch
- Twisted Tubular Herringbone Stitch
Other Beading Stitches and Techniques
Other beading stitch tutorials found in this section include right angle weave, square stitch, chevron stitch, ladder stitch, daisy chain, spiral rope, Dutch spiral and vertical netting.
- Horizontal Beaded Netting
- Vertical Beaded Netting
- Double Needle Right Angle Weave
- Single Needle Right Angle Weave
- Square Stitch
- Flat Chevron Stitch
- Circular Chevron Stitch
- Ladder Stitch
- Daisy Chain
- Spiral Rope
- Dutch Spiral
- St. Petersburg Chain
- Basic Bead Embroidery Stitches
- Hexagon Angle Weave
- Video: Vertical Beaded Netting
- Video: Horizontal Beaded Netting
- Video: Beaded Bezel With Bead Embroidery
Beaded Ropes
Beaded ropes are fun to make and most of them work up fairly quickly. You can make a beaded rope out of almost any tubular version of an off-loom beadweaving stitch. Here are a few to get you started.