Beading Tools and Supplies

Learn which needles to use for beadweaving.

Learn how the most common styles of beading looms differ, and get help determining which model is right for you.

One of the basic tools that you will need to get started in beading and beadweaving is something to cut your beading thread. While it might seem that your basic scissors are good enough for this job, you should know that there are several different tools available to cut thread, and that each tool has a specific use. While embroidery or craft scissors are the most popular choice for cutting thre…

A profile of the thread nipper, which is a very useful tool for cutting a variety of beading threads.

A profile of thread cutters, a very useful tool for beading and beadwork that is used for cutting your beading thread.

A profile of the thread burner, a very useful tool used in beadwork and beading.

Once you have your beads and other supplies ready to start a new project, you will need to find some way to lay out and organize the beads while you stitch or string. Ideally, you should have a set up that is comfortable and sturdy and will prevent your beads from rolling off onto the floor or scattering away from you every time you pick up a bead on your needle.

An informative article about bead boards and how to use them for making beaded jewelry.

An informative article about using a velvet jewelry pad as a beading surface.

An informational article about using a dish towel as a beading surface.

An informational profile of ceramic beading dishes, used for both off-loom beadweaving and loom beading.

Basic profiles of some of the most popular types of beading needles and what they are used for, including information about English beading needles, Pony beading needles, big eye needles, twisted beading needles and milliners needles. Step-by-step instructions and tips for threading your beading needles.

A basic profile of milliners needles and their uses in beadwork.

A basic profile of twisted beading needles, how to use them, and what to use them for.

A basic profile and information about big eye needles, used for off-loom beadweaving and bead stringing.

Information and a basic profile of English beading needles, used in both off-loom beadweaving and loomed beadwork.

How to use watchmaker's jars for bead storage.

How to use space saver jars for storing and organizing your beads.

How to use tackle boxes for bead storage.

How to use a storage ring for bead storage.

How to use organizer boxes and caddies for bead storage

How to use flip top boxes to organize your seed beads.

How to use plastic tubes for bead storage.

How to use plastic zip bags for storing your beads.

Bonded beading threads, also known as fishing line threads or gel-spun polyethylene threads, are one popular type of beading thread.

Nylon beading threads have been around for a long time, and many advanced beaders love them and swear by them. Here is some basic information about nylon beading threads.

The thread you use for your beading projects is just as important as the beads themselves. Using a high-quality beading thread suited for the type of project such as off-loom beadweaving, loom weaving or stringing will make your project durable and beautiful. To help you figure out which thread is best for your beading projects, here are profiles of some of the most common beading threads avail…

A basic profile of chain nose pliers and their use in off-loom beadweaving.

A basic profile of a needle case, and how to use it.

A basic profile of embroidery scissors and their uses in beadweaving.

A basic profile of the beading mat and how to use it.

A basic profile of the bead scoop.

With so many different clasps available in so many different materials, it's easy to get confused over which is the right one to finish your beadwork. Here is a partial listing of many of the clasps available, along with suggested uses for each one.

One thing to remember when using clasps to finish your beadwork is that you don't have to be limited to just what is available commercially. You…

Almost every beader has one tool (or maybe two!) that they can't live without. What's the one tool that you just can't live without? Share your favorite beading tool with other readers. See submissions

Information about full spectrum lamps and how to use them for beading.

A profile of Glover's needles which are used for beading on leather.

Learn how to use coil ends to finish the ends of round jewelry cord, which makes great stringing material for beaded beads and pendants.

Learn whether you can save money by buying Power Pro fishing line to use for beading.

Learn whether Power Pro beading thread needs to be pre-stretched.

How to select an appropriate size and strength of beading wire for stringing beads.

A gallery of images showcasing the different types of wire work pliers with some information on their uses.

A free step by step tutorial that illustrates the proper way to use crimp tubes and crimping pliers.