How do I get started beading?

Doris Worthen
by Doris Worthen

How to get started beading. What tools are needed starting out?

  4 answers
  • Lizbeth Lizbeth on May 27, 2019

    It really depends on what kind of beading you want to do. For bead weaving, you can do right angle weaving with nothing more than a thin sewing needle (doesn't have to be a special beading needle as long as it is thin enough to go through your beads when threaded) beading thread (available at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or Michael's) and seed beads. You'll also need findings such as jump rings and necklace/bracelet clasps or earring wires. There are lots of free patterns online. You can also bead bracelets on memory wire. If you work with memory wire you must use special wire cutters. The wire will damage other tools.

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on May 27, 2019

    It depends on what kind of beading you want to do. If regular necklaces and bracelets, you will need a flat surface and you can use a towel (they sell beading boards that work really well) to lay out your beads. You will then need beading wire, endings (or findings as beaders call them) to finish off, crimps and pliers to close the crimps (they actually sell a crimper for this). Try it before you invest to see if it's something you really want to do.

  • Karen Karen on Jun 02, 2019

    Perhaps Jemco has a location somewhere in a major city close to you with beading classes. Their teachers are good. They sell all sorts of jewelry making supplies.