Beading Needles: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Project
Beading needles are the ultimate tools for creating beautiful beadwork, providing precision and ease in your projects. Whether you're a seasoned beader or just starting out, understanding the different types of needles and their uses can greatly enhance your beading experience. In this guide, we'll explore various beading needles and their applications, along with some expert tips to thread them effortlessly. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect needle for your next beading adventure!
Beading Needles
Beading needles are specially designed for seed bead work, offering unmatched flexibility and precision. Unlike regular sewing needles, these needles have eyes that are the same width as the needle itself. This unique feature allows you to effortlessly pass through seed beads and other small-holed beads without any added metal width hindering your progress. Beading needles come in different versions to suit various techniques:
- Twin-Pointed Beading Needles: Ideal for bead embroidery, these needles have an eye in the center and a point on each end that make it easier to stitch intricate designs with precision.
- Glover's Leather Needles: Originally designed for glovemakers and now used for leather bead embroidery, these needles have triangular tips, ensuring smooth and accurate stitching.
- Milliners' Needles: Originally crafted for professional hatmakers, milliners' needles are ideal for bead embroidery, off-loom bead weaving, loomed beadwork, and other stitching projects. With their longer length and rounder eyes, they provide optimal versatility.
- Clover Swift Bead Needle: Acting like a one-way street, this flexible twisted steel wire needle has flange or barb at the tip that prevents beads from slipping off once strung. The large, diamond-shaped eye springs back to its previous shape after passing through beads. Works best with #11 and #15 seed beads.
Twisted Beading Needles
Twisted beading needles are primarily used for stringing beads and offer a unique advantage—they don't have a sharp point. The standout feature of these needles is the large collapsible eye, making threading a breeze. They come in various strengths, including light, light-medium, medium-heavy, and heavy-duty, allowing you to choose the perfect needle for different bead sizes and hole diameters. Use light needles for smaller beads and freshwater pearls, light-medium and medium-heavy needles for 4-8mm beads, and heavy needles for larger beads and large-holed beads.
Step 1
Cut your stringing material to the length needed for your project.
Step 2
Hold the twisted beading needle in one hand and the thread in your other hand. Pass the thread through the eye of the needle.
Step 3
Place the first couple of beads in the design onto the needle.
Step 4
Pull the beads down the needle and onto the thread.
Note: Pulling the beads past the eye of the needle will cause the eye to collapse. You may feel a bit of resistance on the first pass of beads and that is normal. There will be less resistance when stringing on additional beads.
Step 5
Continue to string on the remainder of the beads in the design.
Wide-Eye Needle™
Considered a "must-have" for beaders, the Wide-Eye Needle revolutionizes threading with its entire needle functioning as an eye. Crafted from stainless steel with nickel plating, these needles offer a silky-smooth base that glides effortlessly through bead holes. Available in various lengths, ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 5 inches, they can pass through beads multiple times, enabling intricate designs. The flexibility and strength of the Wide-Eye Needle accommodate most thread types and bead sizes, making it a versatile tool for any style of beading or loom work. The colorful packaging with a reusable hang tab ensures convenient and reliable storage.
Step 1
Cut a length of stringing material suitable for the length of your project.
Step 2
Hold the needle between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Press your thumbnail into the center of the needle to separate the two halves.
Step 3
Spread the opening of the needle by pulling the two halves apart just far enough to pass the stringing material between them.
Step 4
Hold the open needle with your thumb and forefinger, and pass your stringing material through the eye of the needle.
Step 5
Release one side of the needle so that the center of the needle snaps back into it's original shape.
Step 6
Pull the thread down to one of the ends (it doesn't matter which end).
Step 7
You can now begin your project.
Elastacord™ Bead Threader
For those working with stretch cord and aiming to create stunning stretch bracelets, the Elastacord Bead Threader is a game-changer. This handy tool features a 10-1/2 inch stainless steel needle with a looped bottom end, making it effortless to string beads onto stretch cord. With the threader hook, you can easily pull the cord back through the beads. It works seamlessly with stretch cord, silk, nylon, or cotton threads, giving you more options for your creative endeavors.
Tips for Threading Beading Needles
Threading beading needles can sometimes be a challenging task. Here are some sharp protips to keep your technique on point:
Step 1
Cut your thread using a sharp pair of scissors or with a thread burner.
Step 2
Place the end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 3
Pull the thread down using your other hand, so just the very tip of the thread is visible.
Step 4
Lay the needle horizontal and place the hole over the speck of thread
Step 5
Move the needle back and forth slightly, over the thread, working it into the eye.
Needle Size Chart
Confused about what needles are best for what type of beading projects? This easy-to-follow chart gives suggestions for which needles can be used when working with a range of bead types.
| Beadalon® | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #10 | 0.46 | 0.62 | 2" | 7274BS | HARD -12 needles + threader |
| #12 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 2" | 7275BS | HARD -12 needles + threader |
| Jewel Loom® | 0.46 | 0.6 | 3" | 7278BS | Great for loom work |
| Colonial Milliners | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #10 | 0.5 | 0.66 | 1-1/2" | 5456BS | Meant for professional hatmakers |
| #10 | 0.52 | 0.79 | 1-3/4" | 1938BS | Meant for seed beading and embroidery |
| Economy | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #10 | 0.46 | 0.6 | 2-1/4" | 1033BS | |
| #12 | 0.37 | 0.49 | 2" | 1034BS | Light weight |
| Extra-Fine | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| 0.4 | 0.54 | 42mm / 48mm / 55mm | 2006BS | Assortment + threader - Extra Fine - Good for looming | |
| Igolochkoy™ | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| 0.2 | 4" | 1711BS | Flexible and magnetic | ||
| John James | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| BEADING NEEDLES | |||||
| #10 | 0.45 | 0.56 | 2-3/16" | 1031BS | Beading |
| #13 | 0.31 | 0.41 | 1-15/16" | 1029BS | Beading |
| #15 | 0.26 | 0.36 | 1-3/4" | 1030BS | Beading |
| #10 / #11 / #12 / #13 | 0.30 to 0.56 | 2" and 2-1/8" | 1025BS | Assortment | |
| 0.6 to 1.2 | 0.7 to 1.8 | 1-1/4" to 2-1/4" | 1942BS | Beading | |
| #3 to #24 | 0.6 to 1.8 | 0.5 to 1.2 | 1-1/4" to 2" | 1943BS | Assortment pack + threader |
| SHARPS | |||||
| #10 | 0.52 | 0.64 | 1-1/4" | 1023BS | Beading |
| #11 | 0.45 | 0.55 | 1-1/4" | 1024BS | Beading |
| #12 | 0.4 | 0.45 | 1-3/16" | 1027BS | Beading |
| #12 | 0.38 | 0.55 | 3" | 1026BS | Extra long - Beading |
| ENGLISH | |||||
| #12 | 0.36 | 0.57 | 2" | 1028BS | English - seed bead and loom work |
| MILLINERS | |||||
| #3 to #9 | 0.60 to 0.85 | 0.77 to 1.05 | 1-1/2" to 2" | 5455BS | Meant for professional hatmakers |
| GLOVERS LEATHER NEEDLES | |||||
| #1 | 1.15 | 1.46 | 1-7/8" | 1020BS | Triangle tip |
| #4 | 0.8 | 0.97 | 1-1/2" | 1021BS | |
| #8 | 0.62 | 0.72 | 1-5/16" | 1022BS | |
| #10 | 0.52 | 0.75 | 1-1/4" | 1032BS | Triangle tip |
| Somore | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #10 | 0.43 | 0.46 to 0.64 | 2-3/16" | 3880BS | Assortment - Carbon Steel - Flexible - Good for looming and embroidery |
| #12 | 0.36 | 0.46 to 0.64 | 2" | ||
| #15 | 0.46 | 0.46 to 0.64 | 1-5/8" | ||
| Steel | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| 0.50 | 0.64 | 2-1/4" | 1017BS | pkg 6 + threader - Seed bead projects | |
| 0.52 | 0.62 | 1-3/4" | 1016BS | Pkg 8 - Seed bead projects | |
| 0.52 | 0.62 | 3-1/2" | 1019BS | Pkg 4 - Seed bead projects | |
| 0.52 | 0.62 | 4-3/4" | 1018BS | Pkg 3 - Seed bead projects | |
| Tulip | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| BEADING NEEDLES | |||||
| #3 | 1.2 | 2-1/4" | 7359BS | Milliners - Assortment pack | |
| #5 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 2" | ||
| #7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1-3/4" | ||
| #8 | 0.64 | 0.64 | 1-3/4" | 7360BS | Assortment pack |
| #9 | 0.62 | 1-3/5" | |||
| #10 | 0.6 | 1-1/2" | |||
| #10 | 0.47 | 0.6 | 2" | 7361BS | Long |
| #10 | 0.47 | 0.6 | 1-1/2" | 7362BS | Short |
| #11 | 0.42 | 0.52 | 2" | 7363BS | Seed beading and embroidery |
| #11 short | 0.46 | 0.52 | 37mm | 7897BS | Seed beading and embroidery |
| #12 | 0.36 | 0.48 | 1-4/5" | 7364BS | Seed Beading |
| #10 / #11 / #12 | 0.48 to 0.60 | 1-1/2 to 2" | 7365BS | Assortment pack | |
| #10 / #11 / #12 / #13 | 0.35 to 0.60 | 1-2/5 to 2" | 7366BS | Assortment pack + fine beading awl | |
| #13 | 0.30 | 0.42 | 1-3/8" | 7631BS | Meant for stringing and embroidery |
| 0.20 | 2-3/4" | 7632BS | Meant for crochet work | ||
| 0.20 | 4-3/4" | 7633BS | Long | ||
| 0.50 | 0.68 | 3-1/2" | 7634BS | Great for loom work | |
| 0.50 | 0.68 | 3-1/2" | 7635BS | Assortment pack | |
| LEATHER NEEDLES | |||||
| 0.96 | 1 | 1-1/2" | 7356BS | Short | |
| 0.96 | 1 | 1-3/4" | 7357BS | Medium/Middle | |
| 1.2 | 1.3 | 2" | 7358BS | Long | |
| Twisted | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #6 | 0.15 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1039BS / 1043BS | Light + collapsible eye | |
| #8 | 0.29 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1040BS / 1044BS | Light-Medium + collapsible eye | |
| #8 | 0.19 | 1.8 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1049BS | Light-Extra Rigid |
| #10 | 0.22 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1048BS | Light-Medium + collapsible eye | |
| #10 | 0.39 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1041BS / 1045BS | Medium-Heavy + collapsible eye | |
| #12 | 0.27 | 2-1/2 to 3" | 1047BS | Medium-Heavy Extra Rigid + collapsible eye | |
| "J" shape | 0.47 | 0.75 | 4" | 3279TL | For Speedy Stringer Tool |
| 0.50 | 1.9 | 2-1/2" to 3" | 1042BS | Heavy + collapsible eye | |
| 0.50 | 1.9 | 2-1/2" to 3" | 1046BS | Heavy + collapsible eye | |
| Wide-Eye | |||||
| Size | Width/mm | Eye/mm | Length | Item no. | Usage / Info. |
| #12 | 0.5 | 2-1/4" | 2615BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| #14 | 0.54 | 4" | 2616BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| #16 | 0.58 | 1-1/2 to 5" | 2617BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| #18 | 0.13 | 2-1/4" | 2618BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| #22 | 0.13 | 2-1/4 and 4" | 2620BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| #20 | 0.13 | 4" | 2619BS | Seed bead and Loom work | |
| Elastacord™ Bead Threader | |||||
| 1 | 1.2 | 10-1/2" | 4695TL | Fits beads with hole sizes 1mm or larger. | |
| What size needle should I use? | |||||
| Can I use a Delica Beading Needle? | Can I use an Economy Needle? | Can I use an English Beading Needle? | Can I use a Big Eye Needle? | Twisted Beading Needle Size | |
| Austrian crystal beads | yes | yes | yes | yes | light-medium |
| Cloisonné | yes | yes | yes | yes | medium-heavy to heavy |
| Fire polish beads | yes | yes | yes | yes | light-medium |
| Gemstone beads | yes | yes | yes | yes | light-medium |
| Glass beads | yes | yes | yes | yes | light-medium to heavy (depending on the size of the hole) |
| Pearls | no | no | no | no | light |
With the right beading needle in your hand, you can transform beads into stunning creations. There's a perfect tool for every beading project. Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, unleash your creativity and let your beads shine like never before! Happy beading!
Shop for Your Materials Here:
Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.
Copyright Permissions
All works of authorship (articles, videos, tutorials and other creative works) are from the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Collection, and permission to copy is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. For more information, please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com.