Know Your Basic Beading Techniques

From its beginnings in ancient cultures such as India, the craft of beadwork today is used for a variety of purposes. Beading techniques have been increasing in popularity nowadays especially among young people and fashion-savvy people alike.

A person can create his or her own jewelry and accessories exactly according to how he or she wants it. Using beading techniques you can create a lot of things such as earrings, belts and even embellishments like patches and appliqués for clothes.

The materials are not that expensive. All you need are some good threads, needles and, of course, beads. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and the more exotic and rare the beads, the more expensive it can get.

People who do business from beading can tell you that the techniques can be tricky. But they also say that it does well to sell the pieces at a good price (still depending on the quality of the piece, of course).

To get you started at have fun at beadwork, you will have to acquaint yourself with these basic beading techniques. The descriptions for these beading techniques will also give you an idea what each technique is mostly used for.

Square Stitch
The square stitch is an easy-to-do and versatile beading technique, which is why it is very often used in almost all beadwork projects. It is also known as the faux (fake) loom stitch because when executed the right way, an item made of square stitches can look like it was created on the loom. Experts would recommend using this beading technique over threading a loom to make relatively small items.

Peyote Stitch
Most flat pieces of beadings use the peyote stitch, which is another basic beading technique. Most projects require peyote stitch at one point or another so mastering this is a must.

Looms
Looms are useful when create fairly large projects. It is a beading technique that helps you to create even tension for your beadwork. However, this takes some time to set up, especially when it comes to threading.

Looms used for this beading technique can be bought at craft stores. Smaller looms can also be bought at toy stores and go for around or under $10. Larger, more complex looms are usually made of wood (although plastic is also very popular.) These bigger looms go for $20 and higher.

You can also make your own loom using a box of sturdy, stiff paper (much like what are used for cakes).

Beadpoint
Beadpoint is somewhat similar to needlepoint, but unlike needlework, the slants of the beads go from bottom left to top right. Another difference is that needlework uses thread for the stitch while in this beading technique the thread serves to hold the bead (which is counted for the stitch) onto the fabric.

Bead Embroidery
Just like conventional embroidery, bead embroidery sews beads onto the fabric to create patterns used for fashion accessories as well as artworks. This beading technique is popular in countries like India and you’ll be amazed at the richness and intricacy of this craft.

Applique Beadwork
When you apply a patch onto any object, then you have worked on an appliqué. It is much like bead embroidery, except that in this beading technique the patch is created separately before being applied onto the fabric.

Other than to enhance clothes and other fabric items, applique beadwork can be used to decorate anything from clothes to books, boxes to bags and whatever your imagine can think of.

These beading techniques on their own are great in creating all sorts of beaded items. But as you will find out, the real craft comes when you are able to integrate all these beading techniques using more than one beading technique to create a single piece. To find out more about these beading techniques, surf the web for more information or even join a local beadwork hobby club. You’ll not only create wonderful pieces that are uniquely yours, you’ll enjoy the effort at making them.

Beading Supplies Articles

Welcome To The Wonderful World Of Beading
Shopping for Beading Supplies
Learn the Basic Beading Terms
Instructions for Making Beads
How to Use Beading Patterns
Choose A Free Beading Pattern For Your Beading Skill Level
Benefits of beading patterns
Know Your Basic Beading Techniques
The importance of beading kits
Beads on A Wire – Using the Right Kind of Bead Wire
Beading Tools – Getting Started on Your Own Jeweler’s Toolbox