Off-loom beadweaving requires only a needle, thread and beads. It does not require the use of a loom, hence the name “off-loom”, but for some tubular and rope stitches such as African Helix, the use of a stick or other supporting form is required.
Seed beads are the most common type of bead used in off-loom beadweaving. These little beads range in size from very small (22/0) to very large (6/0 or larger). Other beads can be incorporated into off-loom beadweaving such as crystals, pearls, pressed glass beads, fire polished beads, tiny shells, gemstones, bugle beads, drop beads and cube beads.