SimplyCrafting101: Types of Beading Needles

There are several different kinds of needles. The type of needle used depends on the project or material that you're working with.

1. Big Eye Needle: This needle is made of 2 needles smoldered together. The large eye allows you to pass ribbon, twine, yarn, and other large fibers through it easily. 

2. Twisted-Wire Needles: These are incredibly pliable wires that let you string a wide but flexible material such as ribbon with beads with somewhat small holes, like crystals or round beads. 

 

3. Sized Needles: These needles are available in size 10, 12, 13, and 15 (I usually use size 12). The size you use depends on the size of the hole of the beads you want to use. The larger the needle size number, the shorter the needle and the smaller the eye and tip.

 



Image Sources: Beazu, Etsy

Flat Spiral Stitch Bracelet

This bracelet was a first attempt at creating the flat spiral stitch. The beads used are: 6mm round beads for the base, size 6 brown seed beads and opaque size 11 TOHO seed beads to bring it all together. The final bracelet is very sturdy but flexible and is finished off with a metal toggle clasp.

Twisted Herringbone Bracelet (4 colors)

This bracelet was made by my mother using size 11 seed beads and the twisted herringbone stitch. The toggle clasps are tied in with swarovski crystals at either end.

Square Stitch Heart Bracelet

This bracelet was originally a Mother's Day gift for my wonderful Mom. The stitch used is the square stitch and the beads are size 11 seed beads. The hearts alternate from being right-side up to being upside-down. The clasp is a pearl bead and may vary.

Craft Tip #2: Choosing Colors

An important part of creating a work of art is choosing which colors to use. Often, certain colors work better together than others. Choosing which combinations to use can be tricky, but here are a few tips to make the choice a little easier:

There are twelve basic hues:

Color Schemes:

1. Monochromatic: combining lighter and darker hues of the same color.









2. Analogous: combining three or four adjacent colors on the color wheel.











3. Complementary: combining any two colors on opposite sides of the color wheel.











4. Triadic: combining three equally spaced colors, in the form of a triangle.











5. Split Complementary: combing complementary and triadic schemes (choose a color plus the two colors closely adjacent to it).






Image Source: Color Theory

Embellished Ladder Stitch Bracelet

These colorful embellished ladder stitch bracelets have size 11 seed beads overlapping size 6 seed beads. The clasps are toggle clasps (either silver or bronze). You can choose any colors or sizes for this bracelet. You can find it on my Etsy shop!

SimplyCrafting101: Types of Beads

One of the most important steps to take before making a beaded product is choosing the kinds of beads to work with. Some beads work well with others, and some don't. The more variations you try, the more possibilities you have!

Bugle Beads

Bugle beads are tubular in shape and are cut to different lengths. They can be found in different finishes, colours, and twists.

Bugle Beads and Sizes

Delica Beads

Delica beads are small beads that are perfect cylindrical Japanese beads. They are available in two different sizes (8 and 11). 

Delica Beads have thin walls and large holes

Donut Beads

Donut beads are flat, circular pendants with large holes in the center. 

Faceted Beads

Faceted beads have multiple cuts to create a sparkling, radiant effect. 

Hex-Cut Beads

Hex-cut beads are Japanese glass beads cut from a hexagonal bead cane. They come in three sizes (8, 11 and 12).

Pearl Beads

Pearl beads are natural pearls that are fashioned into beads.

Seed Beads

Seed beads are the most commonly used type of bead. They are small pieces of glass cut from bead canes. They come in 4 different sizes (15, 11, 8 and 6).

Square Beads

Square beads are cubed beads that have a round hole in the center. 

Triangle Beads

Triangle beads are shaped like triangular prisms and have round holes in the center. 

Twin Beads

Twin beads are oval beads that have two holes in them. These two holes can be used to make a variety of projects.

 



Image Source: Beads Direct

How Glass Beads Are Made

SimplyCrafting101: Types of Bead Stitches

There are many different types of stitches that beaders use to create their products. Here's a list of some of the most commonly used stitches:

1. Square Stitch 

The flat square stitch is the easiest and quickest bead stitch. The beads will line up one after the other in a squared pattern. This technique can either be done on or off a bead loom. 

2. Peyote Stitch

   

The peyote stitch can either be worked with an even or odd number of beads per row. It is a flat pattern in which the beads form a zigzagged line.

3. Brick Stitch

The brick stitch is similar to the peyote stitch, except it's turned over sideways. The beads resemble a brick wall. 

4. Herringbone Stitch

The herringbone stitch is an interesting-looking bead pattern that is very simple. The beads lie in a V-shape pattern and create a waved effect.

5. Right Angle Weave Stitch

The right angle weave stitch has an interesting diamond-like structure. You can experiment with different bead types and colours to find out which design you like the best.
 

Image Source: Fusion Beads