Jewelry Making Resources | Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Brick Stitch

A popular bead weaving technique in jewelry making, brick stitch involves adding beads in an offset pattern to create a flat, tightly woven fabric. This stitch resembles the layout of bricks in a wall, where each bead is positioned between two beads in the previous row. Brick stitch is versatile and can be used to create intricate patterns, shapes, and designs in bracelets, earrings, pendants and other beaded jewelry pieces. It is known for its durability and the ability to form both geometric and freeform designs.

Flat Herringbone Stitch

Begin with a foundation row of even-count ladder stitch. String 2 beads, pass down through the second to last bead in the ladder, and up through the next bead. String 2 beads, pass down the next bead and then up through the following. Repeat to the end of the row. To end the row, pass back through the last bead strung. To begin the next row, string 2 beads and pass down through the second to last bead of the previous row. Repeat, stringing 2 beads per stitch and passing down then up through two beads of the previous row. The 2-bead stitch will cause the beads to angle-up in each row, like a herringbone fabric.

Ask the Experts Jump Rings Q&A

Q: I've seen Chainmaille sites online and thought, "Wow, that looks cool! I want to make it!" How can I cut the wire to make jump rings, without it flattening the end of the cut part? I know I can buy machine made jumprings that are perfectly shaped and cut, but I want to make my own, so I can fabricate the entire piece. I've been using regular wire cutters, and am looking for a cutter that won't flatten the jumpring ends. Thanks

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How to Make a Sterling Silver Pendant Setting

Create a custom cabochon setting using these step-by-step instructions. This project tutorial explores bench jeweler metal fabrication techniques such as sawing, soldering, filing and polishing.

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Ask the Experts Flat Back Crystal Application Q&A

Q: I am fairly new to beading. How do I attach flat-backed crystals to a T-shirt or blouse?

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Ask the Experts Beading Needles Q&A

Q: What needle should I purchase that will go through both beads and fabric, in order to bead fabric?

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Organza Ribbon

Ribbon woven in a sheer fabric in a variety of colors.

Ribbon

A thin band of flexible material, usually fabric or leather, used for binding and tying. In jewelry-making, ribbon is used for stringing, embellishment and more.

Brooch

Fabricate a filigree-filled feline friend with wirework. This design is the purr-fect accessory for the cat lover in your life

Design Idea K11R

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Discover the Art of Bead Embroidery

Join Jody Young for "Unlock Your Heart," her 8-part seed bead embroidery video series. It begins with the basics, then moves through other techniques.

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Gift Box

Add some sparkle to your holiday gift wrap with this beautiful tulle bow and Crystal Passions® combo.

Design Idea H559

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Bead Weaving, On-Loom

Seed beads are woven between the warp threads on a Beading Loom to create a design or pattern that becomes a flexible "fabric."

Bead Weaving, Off-Loom

Weaving techniques adapted to create a flexible "fabric" out of seed beads and thread using a needle and thread.

Bead Embroidery

Using traditional embroidery or sewing stitches to attach beads to fabric, leather or other surfaces. Commonly used to embellish clothing, shoes and home décor.