There are few hobbies as relaxing and therapeutic as beading. Whether you want to create jewelry, wall hangings or other decorative items, there are plenty of tools and supplies you will need to get started.
To help you figure out what those supplies are, we’ve put together this list of our favorites.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Beading requires a variety of supplies, including beads, beading wire, pliers, and findings. |
| 2. There are many types of beads available, including seed beads, glass beads, and crystal beads, each with different properties and uses. |
| 3. Learning how to bead is easy and accessible, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker. |
| 4. Beading offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression, from designing simple bracelets to creating intricate beaded works of art. |
| 5. With a little practice and patience, you can master the techniques of beading and create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry and accessories. |
Beading board
A bead board is a great way to organize your beads. They’re available in many different sizes and shapes, so you can find one that’s best for your space. Some bead boards are made of wood, others are made of plastic or metal.
If you want something that will be easy to move around or take with you when traveling, look for a lighter weight board; if you have plenty of room in your home studio, then go ahead and get that heavy duty wooden version!
Ready to create some stunning jewelry pieces? Our Beading 101 guide covers everything you need to know to get started with beading, including essential supplies and techniques.
Chain-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers are extremely versatile. They can be used to bend wire, cut wire, and grip the ends of jump rings to open them or close them.
They’re also perfect for grabbing onto very small things like beads (to place or remove from a project) and working with tiny seed beads.
There are three main types of chain-nose pliers: round nose, straight jawed and bent jawed (or needle-nose). Round nose pliers have flat jaws that allow you to make a neat crease in your wire as well as hold small pieces securely in place.
Straight jawed chain-nose pliers are great for working with larger projects because they give you more room to maneuver than the other two options do. Bent Jawed Pliers have curved tips which make them ideal for reaching into tight spaces where round or straight jawed pliers won’t work
Crimping tool and crimps
Crimping tools and crimps are used to add a crimp bead to a strand of wire. Crimps are then used to secure the crimp bead.
Crimping tools and crimps are made of metal and come in various sizes for different needs. They’re available at any craft store, or you can order them online from Amazon or eBay if you don’t have access to one nearby.
Take your jewelry-making game to the next level with our tips for creating your own custom beaded jewelry. From choosing the right stringing materials to mixing and matching different bead styles and shapes, our guide has got you covered.
Bead mat
A bead mat is a flat surface to work on. It’s similar to an easel, only it’s not made to stand up by itself–it stays on your table or desk.
Bead mats come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re most useful when they’re made of a material that will not hold any moisture from glue or resin. You can buy them at craft stores and online for around $10-$20 (but don’t pay more than that!).
If you have trouble with keeping your place while working with beads, a bead mat can help keep things organized so you don’t lose track of what you have left over in between projects!
Thread conditioner or beeswax
Thread conditioner is a product that you can use on your thread to help keep it from tangling, becoming brittle and breaking.
When used properly, it will extend the life of your thread by making it more pliable and less prone to breakage. It also helps reduce friction between the fibers of the yarn and prevents knots from forming.
So what exactly is thread conditioner? It’s really just a combination of vegetable or mineral oil mixed with beeswax or paraffin (which is a type of wax).
The main purpose of these two ingredients is to make your beadwork smoother so that movement between beads isn’t as difficult as if there were no lubrication at all.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced beader, learn how to make a gorgeous bracelet in just 15 simple steps with our easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make a beaded bracelet.
A selection of needles
Needles come in different sizes, shapes and materials. They can be used for stringing beads, bead weaving or sewing on appliqués to your finished projects.
You may want to purchase your needles individually or in bulk packages. If you’re just starting out, you can buy a pack of assorted sized needles to get started.
Needle size is important because the larger the needle diameter, the more likely it’ll break if you use too much pressure when stringing beads onto your thread or yarn.
The smaller the needle diameter (and therefore the thinner), the less likely it’ll break when strung with heavier materials like leather cording for jewelry making projects such as bracelets and necklaces!
| Needle | Description |
|---|---|
| Tulip® Beading Needles | Made in Japan, these high-quality needles are strong and flexible, with a sharp tip for precise beading. |
| John James® Beading Needles | A classic choice for beading, these English-made needles come in various sizes and lengths to suit different beading techniques. |
| Beadalon® Big Eye Needles | Featuring a unique design with a large, easy-to-thread eye, these needles are great for people who struggle with traditional needles. |
| Pony® Beading Needles | Made in India, these affordable needles are available in a range of sizes and lengths, with sharp tips for easy and accurate beadwork. |
| Clover® Soft Touch Beading Needles | Designed with a padded grip for comfortable handling, these needles come in various lengths and sizes, making them suitable for a variety of beading styles. |
Choosing the right needle for your beading project can be a game-changer. Whether you’re stringing simple beads or tackling a more complex beading technique, the right needle can make all the difference.
Bead-weaving loom
Bead-weaving looms are simple tools that help you create beaded jewelry. A bead-weaving loom is a metal frame with pegs to hold the beads in place. You use it to weave the beads together, creating a patterned piece of jewelry.
Bead-weaving looms come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they’re all made from metal. This makes them durable, easy to store and portable – no matter where you go! They also come at an affordable price point so that everyone can afford one for their own home craft studio!
Fireline thread
Fireline thread is a nylon thread that can be used to string beads. It’s great for bead weaving, but it also works well for making jewelry it’s strong and durable, so it won’t break easily when you’re working on your projects.
Fireline comes in different colors and thicknesses, but the most common type is #64 (also called “extra fine” or “micro”).
This thread is an alternative to fishing line if you want something more durable than regular floss or other types of embroidery floss.
Beads come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and each type has its own unique properties and uses. Our guide on the different types of beads and how to use them will help you navigate this world of options and choose the best beads for your next project.
Scissors
You’ll need a pair of scissors for any sort of craft, so it’s best to have a few on hand. You can find these anywhere from your local craft store to Walmart, but if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, we recommend cutting out the middleman and buying them online.
You’ll want to pay attention to what type of scissors you buy: straight-edge is better than curved ones because they’re easier on your fingers; metal is better than plastic (that’s why kids’ scissors are almost always made out of metal).
If you’re going to be using them frequently and/or cutting through thick materials like leather or fabric sometimes, look for ones with serrated blades; these will make it easier for them not only cut through such materials quickly but also last longer without dulling as quickly as regular sharpened ones would over time due their additional durability against friction while in use—not just during manufacturing when they’re being produced!
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about crafting tools throughout our years working at [store name here]
| Scissors | Description |
|---|---|
| Fiskars® Amplify® RazorEdge™ Fabric Scissors | Designed for precise fabric cutting, with sharp blades and comfortable handle grips. |
| Westcott® Titanium Bonded Scissors | Lightweight scissors made with durable titanium blades that resist corrosion and stay sharp longer. |
| Gingher® Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears | Premium shears with a longer blade and sharper edge, ideal for cutting through layers of fabric or heavier materials. |
| OLFA® Precision Smooth Edge Scissors | Ideal for detailed cutting, with sharp blades that cut all the way to the tip and comfortable handles for precision handling. |
| Micro-Tip® Easy Action™ Scissors | Perfect for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength, these easy-to-use scissors require minimal effort to cut through various materials. |
Having a few high-quality pairs of scissors on hand is a must for any crafter. Invest in a pair that is durable and comfortable to use, and your cutting tasks will be a breeze. Purchasing online can be a great, convenient option for finding the best pair for your needs.
Organizers
Beading is a creative hobby, and with that comes a need for organization. Keeping your supplies organized will help you be more creative, efficient and productive in the long run. If you’re looking to buy new beading supplies or upgrade your existing ones, I recommend getting some kind of organizer.
There are many different types of organizers available on the market today: bead organizers made out of wood or plastic; compact portable cases; fabric cases that can hold one bead project at a time (such as cross-stitch embroidery kits).
Expandability: As any crafter knows, if we don’t have enough storage space for our stuff then we end up having to store things in random places around the house which makes everything harder to find when needed later on down the road!
That’s why it’s important not just to think about how much room each piece takes up but also what kind of expandability they offer when buying something new so that if needed later down
| Organizer | Description |
|---|---|
| ArtBin® Solutions™ Cabinet | A versatile storage system that includes adjustable dividers and can be customized to fit all sorts of beads, findings, and tools. |
| Beadalon® Bead Design Board | A lightweight tray with measuring marks, useful for keeping beads organized and visualizing designs before stringing. |
| Darice® Plastic Bead Organizers | Clear plastic storage cases with removable compartments, available in different sizes and configurations. |
| The BeadSmith® Bead Storage Solutions™ | A range of stackable containers and trays designed specifically for bead storage, with snap-tight lids and various compartment sizes. |
| Ikea® Raskog Cart | A portable, three-tiered rolling cart with ample space and multiple compartments to store supplies and tools. |
These organizers can help keep your beading supplies tidy and easy to access, enabling you to focus on your creative process and spend more time making beautiful jewelry.
Beads!
Beads are an essential component of beading projects. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors to match any style or color scheme.
Beads can be made of glass, metal, plastic or other materials. You can even use beads that you find at home and turn them into jewelry using wire!
The best part about working with beads is that they come in pre-made strands so you don’t have to worry about individual pieces either way.
If you want some beads but don’t know what kind or how many to buy just yet then just buy them individually in small quantities at first until you know exactly what works for your project.
You can also find these pre-made strands online (like from Amazon) or even at local craft stores like Michael’s/Hobby Lobby where there might be special deals offered during certain times such as Black Friday weekend sales!
Ready to tackle more advanced beading techniques? Our ultimate guide to bead weaving techniques covers everything from loom weaving to peyote stitch to herringbone stitch, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to take your beading skills to the next level, there are plenty of supplies to help you do just that.
Beading boards and mats make it easier to work on projects without losing any beads, while crimping tools can give your beaded jewelry more detail than ever before. And don’t forget about those fireline threads!
They’re great for making intricate designs with different colors or even braiding together two strands of pearls.
When shopping for new supplies, remember that every crafter has their own preferences so try out different styles until you find something that works best for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on beading supplies and techniques to continue your learning:
The Bead Shop UK: A comprehensive online shop offering a wide range of high-quality beads and beading supplies.
Jewelry Making Supplies for Beginners: An excellent guide for those who are new to jewelry making, covering essential tools and supplies.
Top Places for Discount Beads & Craft Supplies: A helpful list of online stores that offer beads and craft supplies at discounted prices.
FAQs
What are the essential beading supplies for beginners?
The essential beading supplies for beginners include beads, beading wire, pliers, cutters, and a bead mat or tray. You may also need findings (clasps, jump rings, etc.) depending on the type of project you’re working on.
What is the best type of beading wire to use?
The type of beading wire you use depends on the weight of your beads and the strength and flexibility you need for your project. Most commonly, beading wire made of nylon-coated stainless steel, like Tiger Tail or Soft Flex, is preferred.
How can I clean my beaded jewelry?
To clean your beaded jewelry, you can use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Be careful not to get the beads too wet or use harsh chemicals,such as bleach, which can damage the beads.
How do I choose the right beading needles for my project?
The size of beading needle you use will depend on the size of the bead holes and the thickness of the stringing material. In general, a size 10 beading needle is a good all-purpose choice for most projects.
How do I finish off my beaded jewelry?
To finish off a piece of beaded jewelry, attach a clasp or other finding using crimp beads or knots. You may also choose to add a drop of glue to the knot or crimp bead for added security.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
