Learning how to bead

[otoefawfawgirl]

Hey all,
I was just wondering if anyone knew of places online that teach you how to bead. I want to start beading my own leggings, boots, and jewelry for a buckskin dress I'm getting. I'm moving away from home, so I thought the internet would be the best way to go about learning.
If anyone is able to help I would be very appreciative!

[Eagle Plumes]

Hello there, first of all welcome to pws.com!! OK with that being said look around here if you have not already for your beading questions. I know many of us have to come to the aid of a new beader. YOu may want to start off with a few questions and let us know where your at beading wise and what all you need to know. I know one of us will be able to help you and be more then happy to do so!!

[wyo_rose]

We'll start with learning some of the types of beadwork stitches and what they're used for. By no means is this complete or accurate, it's just what I know.

LAZY STITCH: aka Lane Stitch Uses one needle and thread and makes rows of beads ideally from 5 to 11 beads wide.
Can cover large areas or make cool single rows on mocs or other buckskin. By no means a lazy way to bead.

Applique stitch: aka Tacking, 2-Needle Uses 1 or 2 needles Good for lines, outlines, filling in, fully beading. One needle stitch is a down and dirty way to get the beads on the item. Two needle uses the first thread to hold the beads and the second to tack the thread down, securing the beads. Lays nice and flat.

Loomwork: beadwork strips done on a loom Uses one needle and thread laying the beads between the weft threads on the loom and then securing the beads coming back on the opposite side. Good beginner stitch

Peyote or Gourd stitch: other bead weaving stitches Brick Stitch, Square Stitch, Right Angle Weave, Wampum Stitch Some are better tubular and some are better flat.

Wrap Stitch: Fast way to wrap a cord or something similar in beads.

Net Beading: Great for making lace-like beaded collars

Edge beading: Several ways to finish the edges of your beadwork, or embelish a plain item

My favorite: Daisy Chain Try this basic stitch. If you can't do it, do not attempt any of the above methods of beading.

[otoefawfawgirl]

@Eagle Plumes - Thank you! I've never beaded before so I'm basically starting from the beginning. What do I need to do first to get started?

@wyo_rose - Great info, would you use applique stitch for say a fancy shawl cape/vest?

Would you all suggest I draw out what I want to bead first? With the daisy chain, I can see that you could probably use that to make a necklace strap for a medallion, right?

I can't wait to start beading! :)

[wyo_rose]

Yes, that would be great.

If you're appliqueing draw out the design first. If you're looming, use graph paper. Actually geometric applique can be on a graph paper too.

Using larger beads in daisy chain is awesome.

[ac_miss]

I really think someone should post a good youtube segment about all kinds of beading. Wyo Rose, u should do it! LOL.

Beading is really easy once you get the hang of things. There will be times when you want to start all over, but eventually you'll get it done.

[otoefawfawgirl]

that's what I was thinking since the seed beads are pretty small, wyo rose.
I've been daisy chaining all day and have the hang of it and I tried this other stitch called a chevron chain.

I went to hobby lobby to buy beads yesterday but when I opened up the package some of the beads were different sizes and messed up how my chevron chain looked. Kinda made me mad but then that's probably what I get for buying from Hobby Lobby.

[wyo_rose]

I really think someone should post a good youtube segment about all kinds of beading. Wyo Rose, u should do it! LOL.

Geez, I'd have to get my nails done first.

[OLChemist]

Flee! Run from those weird beads they sell at hobby stores. I swear some places just sweep the floor of the bead factory into a plastic bag and sell it.

I know beads are expensive and when you first learning there is a strong temptation to use cheaper supplies. But good beads and good hides are much more forgiving than bad.

As much as I dread to suggest hobbyist-style videos. If you can grit your teeth through the Full Circle beading videos, they are pretty good.

[bobo]

there are lots of beading videos on youtube, some better than others.. If the video starts off with some new age atmospheric vibration music DONT WATCH IT haha. but i learned tubular peyote from youtubd just a month ago.. Whoda thunk it?

[Eagle Plumes]

Any beading updates?

[Eagle Plumes]

Bringing this back up :)

[Itzhecatl]

medallions

Hello all ,
I have a question about beading on hides. I have been beading mostly tubular peyote stitch but want to bead onto hides to pull off medallions and such. What would be the best hides to work with for that. I have a few hides but they are TOO hard . Any tips?

[Eagle Plumes]

Hello all ,
I have a question about beading on hides. I have been beading mostly tubular peyote stitch but want to bead onto hides to pull off medallions and such. What would be the best hides to work with for that. I have a few hides but they are TOO hard . Any tips?

Hello. I use buckskin. I take a beading needle with me to assure my needle will pass threw it easily. If im beading a medallion I tend to first bead it on heavy weight pellon then back it with the buckskin. Hope this helps and please let us know if you need more help.

[Itzhecatl]

Hello. I use buckskin. I take a beading needle with me to assure my needle will pass threw it easily. If im beading a medallion I tend to first bead it on heavy weight pellon then back it with the buckskin. Hope this helps and please let us know if you need more help.

Thanks!! One of my buddies was telling me about different treatment of hides, split hides, and brain tanned (which he recommended), etc. He suggested about staying away from the split hides not sure what he means. But this will definitely help.