Some beadwork is done by using a pattern or a particular beading stitch to create a “fabric” of beads that is held together by some type of thread or string. This type of beadwork is referred to as “off-loom beadweaving”.
Beadweaving is most often done with small beads called seed beads. These beads were named because of their resemblance to seeds, and because their name, “Rocaille”, can be roughly translated to mean “seed”. Seed beads range in size from very small to very large, and even include some types of beads such as cubes, bugle beads and drop beads that do not necessarily share the small, round shape of a traditional seed bead.
Bead sizes range from 22/0 (very small) to 6/0 (very large). The size of the bead roughly corresponds to how many of that bead laid side-to-side will fit into one inch. Therefore, the larger the number, the smaller the bead.
Beadweaving can be done either on a loom or with just a needle and thread. Beadweaving done on a loom is referred to as “loom work”. Beadweaving done with just a needle and thread without a loom is referred to as “off-loom beadweaving.”
Off-loom beadweaving is done by using a needle and thread to stitch tiny beads together. There are several different beading stitches that are used to connect these beads into a “fabric” of beads. Each stitch has its own unique thread path, and creates a different type of fabric. Beading stitches include Peyote/Gourd, Brick, Herringbone (also called Ndebele), Right Angle Weave (can be done with one or two needles, also referred to as cross needle weave), Netting, Spiral Rope, Daisy Chain, Chevron Stitch, African Helix and Dutch Spiral.
Bead embroidery is another type of beadwork where beads are stitched or sewn onto a fabric or backing. There are several types of bead embroidery stitches, and bead embroidery can be used either by itself or in conjunction with another craft such as cross stitch or quilting.
Bead knitting and bead crochet are also considered beadwork. To do bead knitting or bead crochet, the beads are first strung onto a heavy silk thread in a particular pattern, and are then incorporated into the knitting or crochet.