Beadwork - The Importance of Planning When Beading

We have heard time after time that planning is a vital part of any activity. Without it, the activity that we had in mind would not go as smoothly and most often it would end up being futile.

The same is true when creating patterns for your beadwork. It is crucial that you take a little time to take a seat and really visualize how you want your finish product to look. What is your idea? What color or beads would go well with this design? Once you’ve had all of these down pat, you can start to work on your beadwork.

You will find it tricky infrequently to come up with a new design now and then. But this is actually made easier if you are aware of all the differing kinds of basic beading patterns. A vital step is learning the stitches that are open to you and how you can use them individually and even in mix with each other. The combination of these stitches would be what you call a pattern.

You can select your patterns depending on your talent level. If you are just starting to study beading, your best option would be the flat peyote stitch. Master this type of stitch and you will certainly find it straightforward to learn all of the others. Another stitches that are commonly utilized in beadwork patterns are the brick stitch and the flat square stitch. Starting out may seem tricky and you would have to truly keep your eye to make sure your stitches look right but in due time and with enough practice it’ll eventually come naturally to you.

Clueless as to the easy way to finish off your pattern design? Adding a fringe to your pattern design would be best to think about. They are a good way to finish off your patterns because it adds that extra flourish in your design. The commonest fringes that are out there are the easy looped fringe and plain knotted fringe amongst others. Aside from a fringe, you can also select a wire like the peyote stitch cord or the braided cord.

When selecting the stitch, fringe, or wire to be employed in your pattern, remember to consider which sort of beadwork you will be making. Are you making a necklace, a key ring, a bracelet, or a wine ring? Knowing this previously will help you select a better style. You can even opt to make beaded ornaments for the approaching vacations or you can center them on other special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, for example.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/the-importance-of-planning-when-beading-1200998.html

Sewing beadwork on leather?

How do you sew loom beaded strips onto leather straps, belts, etc…
Which needles are best?
Any recommended books, videos, or websites would be appreciated.

Answer
Lay the strip flat on the front of the belt (strap, purse, etc.), line it up, and stitch through the edges with clear beading thread. This will be difficult, and you will likely need a very heavy needle made for leatherwork. If you are going to make a belt, consider finding a thin leather or suede belt in a second hand store.

Sew along the edges of the strip with clear beading thread to attach it. Alternatively if you want to highlight the stitches, the sewing part will be more distinctive if you use thin leather or suede, such as deer split. This will be easiest with a needle made for sewing leather, though quilting needles may work if you don’t have a leather needle. A small rubber grip is very helpful for pulling the needle through the work. A thimble and a leather palm protector help.

A good book http://www.crazycrow.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CCTP&Product_Code=4103-023-018

Pages 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | more