Learn Beadwork
By Chris Franchetti Michaels, About.com Guide
- 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
- What Is Beading Wire?
- How to Select the Right Size of Beading Wire
- How to Use Jump Rings to Attach a Clasp
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?"
Beading on a Loom
Create beadwork by weaving beads onto threads on a loom.
- 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
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
- Flat Odd-Count Peyote Stitch
- Quick Start Cards for Odd-Count Peyote
- Alternate Turn for Flat Odd-Count Peyote Stitch
- Tubular Even Count Peyote Stitch
- Tubular Odd Count Peyote Stitch
- Two and Three Drop Peyote Stitch
- Freeform Peyote Stitch Tutorial
Brick Stitch Tutorials
Brick stitch is a very versatile off-loom beadweaving stitch. Brick stitch tutorials include flat brick stitch, ladder stitch, increasing and decreasing, and an alternate start for working brick stitch.
- Double-Needle Ladder Stitch
- Single-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 with a Ladder Stitch 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
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.