You might want to consider making a beginner’s beading kit as a special treat for a good beading buddy, or as a gift for yourself. I can’t think of a better way to get someone totally hooked on beading. The items I’ve included on this list are only suggestions, of course, and you can and should customize your beginner’s beading kit for the recipient’s likes and dislikes - feel free to add your own special touch to the final kit.
1. Thread
There are so many different types of thread for seed bead work that you really need to go on your own experiences and the preferences of your beading kit recipient to choose the right type of thread. You can include a couple of smaller spools of Nymo, Wildfire or Fireline to provide a range of threads and then let your new beader continue working with the one they like the best.2. Scissors or Thread Cutter
A nice pair of sharp embroidery scissors is a great item to include in a beginner’s beading kit. You can bead a little tassel to hang off the loops of the scissor as a memento of the occasion before giving it away.
For the frequent traveler who enjoys beading, a thread cutter comes in handy as well. This small, disc-shaped cutter has the cutting blade set into a series of recessed notches in the cutter that conform to airline carry on regulations.
3. Thread Conditioner
If you include Nymo or another type of nylon beading thread, thread conditioner is a must for bead weaving. A small container of Thread Heaven or microcrystalline beeswax will work well with Nymo or other types of nylon beading thread.
4. Pliers or Needle Pull
A pair of mini pliers or a small rubber circle (also called a needle grabber) can make it easier to get out of a tight spot. For beginners, it is especially important to learn how to coax a needle through a bead full of thread.
A good pair of chain nose pliers will also come in handy for the beader who likes to make earrings - they are the perfect tool for opening the bottom of earring findings to attach them to the beadwork.
5. Needle Case
Jennifer VanBenschoten
A plain wooden needle case can serve two purposes – it will give the recipient a place to stash their needles and will provide a project if they decide to bead around it with either peyote stitch or netting.
Other options for needle cases include empty matchbooks or other small containers that can be covered with beadwork or left as is.
6. Bead Scoop
For getting all those tiny little seed beads back into their appropriate storage containers, a small bead scoop or Scoop-Eez will be greatly appreciated. These handy little tools are easy to use and slim so that they can be packed into a beader's bag easily.
7. Storage Case
Jennifer VanBenschoten
A nice tote or tackle box will provide handy storage and make it easier for the new beader to take their beads with them to classes or when traveling. You can start simple by using a couple of small plastic tackle boxes, or you can go all out and purchase a large, soft-sided case that includes several tackle boxes. Think outside the box and check out the fishing aisle of your favorite sporting goods or department store for lots of options.
Another great option for transporting and storing your beads is to look in the scrapbooking section of your favorite craft store. Lots of scrapbooking totes and organizers can easily be used for beads.
8. Beads and More
Of course, don’t forget the beads! A small selection of seed beads in two different sizes is a great start for any budding beader, or you could include a gift card or gift certificate to your favorite bead supplier.Other options for including in a beginner's beading kit might include:
- Brass embroidery blanks
- Stiff Stuff
- Ultrasuede or Sensuede bits
- Task light such as Ott-Lite
- Beading dish
- A small collection of jewelry findings like ear wires, clasps, jump rings and crimps
- A small tool kit
- An instructional book or other beading book
- A gift subscription to a beading magazine (online or hard copy)
9. Needles
Of course, needles are required for seed bead work. A package or two of a good brand of needles – either John James or Pony needles are my favorites – in size 10 and 12 will give your new beader some options for their first projects. You might also consider including a few "sharps" or short needles in size 10 and 12 to help navigate through those tight spaces.10. Work Surface
Jennifer VanBenschoten
A good place to set your beads and needles is an important part of beading. For a beginner’s kit, you can either choose something as simple as a bead mat or a scrap of Velux fabric or splurge on something like the Designer’s Work Pads from Designer’s Findings.