Get Started Beading on a Loom

You can successfully weave beads using a flat economy loom or a more expensive upright loom.

Bead looms are constructed of several basic parts. Learning their names and functions makes it easier to follow along with project instructions.

Once you've decided on a type of loom and understand the purposes of its parts, it's time to go loom shopping. This list also includes online suppliers that sell the beading supplies you'll need, such as needles and thread.

The first step in any loom beading project is to attach your warp threads. The method you use depends on the style of your loom, the length of your beadwork, and whether you plan to use a traditional beading method or one of the "no-warps" methods.

• Warping for shorter traditional beadwork.
• Warping for longer traditional beadwork.
• Warping for "no-warps" beading with knitting needles.

You can use patterns to stitch beads into many different styles of designs.

The most basic technique for weaving beads on a loom involves stringing a row of beads on a weft thread, bringing them up beneath the warps, and then passing the needle back through the beads on top of the warps.

When you weave longer pieces, the weft thread you're working with may begin to run out. Use this technique to start a new one.

Finishing off is the process of weaving-in the loose threads on your beadwork and attaching or creating a clasp (if your design is a bracelet or necklace). The biggest challenge with this step is finding a way to manage all of the warp threads that remain on your beadwork after you remove it from the loom.

• Finishing of with clamp ends.
• Weaving-in warp threads.

You can avoid having so many warp threads to deal with if you use a "no-warps" weaving method.

• No-warps bead weaving with starter strips.
• No-warps bead weaving with knitting needles.