Beaded Headbands

[Riverwoman]

I need a little help here:)

I would like to start am make something simple for my first loom project, so I thought a beaded headband would be ok:p

1)How wide are they made? Beads width( 6 beads etc)
2)What and how do you "back" them on?
3)I have some 30ss Rhinestones, I would like to add those, how would I do that?

Thanks all for your info and help:D

[Toi Ama]

Loomwork

I don't know how you'd add rhinestones to beadwork unless you were to back your work with buckskin and then leave a border at each side to put the stones on. I usually make my headbands about 21 inches long, backed with buckskin that I sew the work to, then do an edging stitch along the beaded part, and leave room to put on ties, so that makes them somewhat adjustable for size. To put the work on the leather, I put a light coating of E6000 glue down the center of the leather, put the beadwork on that, and let it set awhile. Don't use so much glue that it comes back through the beads, though. Then I stitch in a whip stitch along the edges of the beadwork. I'm self-taught, so there might be others with different methods who will think mine is odd.

[Toi Ama]

Oh, and the width I make mine is about 21 beads. I use an uneven number of beads so there's a center point to make the pattern even, usually.

[Riverwoman]

Thanks that is a great help:D

[randyinkc]

if you plan to dance and you have them wonderful sweat glands, then I'd recommend using a fabric, rather than leather to mount the beadwork to. Leather will rot out over time after repeated exposure to sweat. It may not be as bad if you are looming the piece as it has a better potential to be saved than a lazy stitched piece.

PROUD OWNER OF A BEAUTIFUL, BUT ROTTED OUT LEATHER HEADBAND

[spottedeagle]

I do my bracelets with a combination of those two ideas.....I sew a piece of diaper pad or felt to a piece of buckskin then I glue the beadwork to the buckskin or leather. I use leather glue and completely cover the leather, lay the beadwork on top and press the piece between 2 boards. I use a cinder block on top for weight. I let it dry a day or two then take it out. If the glue leaked through to the front of the beadwork I carefully pick it off. Normally it comes off pretty easy and the glue dries clear.

For a headband I'd say probally 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, or 31 beads wide.

Toi is right you always want to use an odd number of beads, to center your pattern. If you look in the 3 drop gourd stitch thread in the beadwork section, I posted a link to a program called beadesigner 1.o that works real good to make up patterns

[Singing Otter]

I did a split loom technique using two needles. I wove holes into the loomwork the size of the rhinestones and recessed them into the work. Here's a picture of what it looked like. This is apart of a commissioned set I did for a friend.

[Mato Winyan]

Good job!! That is beautiful work. I would not have thought to do it that way!! Thanks for the tip!! :clap: :bouncy:;)

[spottedeagle]

Very Nice Work!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Riverwoman]

Originally posted by Singing Otter
I did a split loom technique using two needles. I wove holes into the loomwork the size of the rhinestones and recessed them into the work. Here's a picture of what it looked like. This is apart of a commissioned set I did for a friend.

Hola woman:D Those look great;) Wanna do mine for me? Pm me the details on how you did that ok? way to go!

[Singing Otter]

Thanks guys. Here's a better pic of what i did on the loom.

[Singing Otter]

What it looked like with the set (unfinished pieces)

[Blackbear]

Man I am being impressed left and right!!! How ingeniuos!!!

[Riverwoman]

Yup that girl kicks ***, Singing Otter 10 thumbs up :D

[spottedeagle]

Singing Otter that's the first time I have seen 2 needle loom work. But I get the concept immediately. String beads on with one needle, sew down with the other. RIGHT? How do you leave the open spaces like that??????