Seed Beading

I am new to the right-angle weave. I have watched the video several times. My thread is showing really bad and is loose in some spots. I am using round beads on FireLine thread. What am I doing wrong and also how do I finish it off? Thanks.

Right-angle weave (RAW) takes a bit of practice, particularly in achieving the correct tension. You can go through each row (round) a second time...

What is free form beading?

Freeform beading is a more sculptural and abstract style of beading than traditional bead stitching. You usually start with a base of peyote stitch...

I am in love with seed beads but I have serious issues getting my work finished. I can stitch a toggle clasp but the toggle-bar never fits. It's too small or too big. Could you please help me?

The design "Peyote Linked Squares" offers instructions on how to create a toggle bar. The dimensions for the toggle bar are based on the size of the...

What is the easiest way to read a peyote stitch pattern without getting lost?

Try using a sticky note to mark where you are in a peyote stitch pattern. Align the edge of the sticky note along the bottom edge of the beads of the...

I am pretty new at beading and I am in love with seed beads. I am trying to do a two-row base for a necklace. I have tried peyote and square stitch. How do I get the tension right? I end up with it wiggly, or spiral, or twisty, anything but flat....

Keeping your tension tight, but not too tight takes practice. Using too much tension will make your work stiff and inflexible, not enough tension and...

I love working in all kinds of bead weaving stitches. However, no matter what stitch I use the bracelet always stretches or "grows". I use Fire line. I tie knots often. What else can I do to retain size? Thanks in advance.

You can condition FireLine® which should help. Cut the length you require and run the thread between your thumb and forefinger, using a tight grip on...

What is the difference between a round-hole seed bead and a square-hole seed bead? Are the two interchangeable?

The overall size of the bead is the same and aside from the shape of the hole in the bead, a square- and round-hole seed bead are the same. The size...

I've just learned the tubular peyote stitch, and I really enjoy it. I really like the spiral effect shown on the bracelets in the tubular peyote instructional video, but I can't figure out how to do it. Is there some trick I'm missing for...

Using a larger size bead within the traditional tubular peyote stitch pattern will create the spiral effect.The "Bracelet with Porcelain Bead,...

I am beading a bracelet that is odd count flat peyote (Delica size 11 beads). I am beading it by holding it in my fingers, but when I set it down flat on the table top, it is wavy on the edges. If I flatten the top, the bottom becomes wavy. If I...

Most of the time, waves like the type you are describing happen when you have missed adding a bead, or when the beads are an uneven size. If this is...

Can any size bead be used for tubular peyote, or is it confined to the smaller beads? What shape bead works best?

You can use any size bead for the tubular peyote stitch. Just be aware that the larger size bead you use, the larger diameter the finished piece is...

How are seed beads made?

Seed beads are made by cutting pieces from long, hollow glass tubes called canes that are cut into small equal lengths. The length of the cut piece...

Do Delica® beads fade?

Some Delica beads may fade when exposed to sunlight, perspiration or water. See the ''Delica® Color Durability Chart'' for information about the...

What is the difference between seed bead finishes such as matte, inside color, transparent, etc.?

There are many different styles, finishes and colors in seed beads to accommodate any design. Refer to the following chart, which includes all the...

How do seed bead sizes compare?

Seed beads are sized in "aughts" and the number for each size indicates how many aughts fit into a standard unit of measurement. The higher the...

I'd like to make a loop using seed beads, to show off this focal piece I have. How do you do that?

If the focal is drilled or has a hole of some sort, create a simple seed bead bail by cutting a piece of Accu-Flex® beading wire, passing it through...

What's the least expensive way to get a large assortment of seed beads?

We currently have assortments of seed beads available which is a great economical way to get a mix of seed beads. These assortments include Matsuno,...

In seed beads, what size are "E" beads? They look like tubular glass beads, but are larger than the average seed bead. Are they somewhere at Fire Mountain--I can't find them by that designation!

E-bead is a common term for a size 6/0 seed bead. You can find them in the sead and bugle beads category of our website.Materials

I'd like to make a multi-strand necklace with seed beads but cannot figure out what to use to tie all the ends together and how to attach a clasp.

Cone findings are a great choice for multi-strand jewelry designs. Gather all your strands into an eye pin and pull up through the cone, making a...

How do you recommend I relieve eye strain when working with seed beads?

To help relieve eye strain, I would suggest, every 10-15 minutes, look out a window and off into the distance at a tree, the mountains, the ocean, or...