Think of this as your beading encyclopedia
Welcome to My World of Beads…if you have beading questions, Katie has answers for you
Click here to browse articles on My World of Beads and find answers to your beading questions
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been beading, there are always things you don’t know. So, if you want to become a better beader, ‘My World of Beads’ is here to help. This is the place where you can find the answers that will make your beading world more enjoyable.
So, what is it that you need to know today?
You can start by using the link, above, to browse the existing articles and see if I’ve already answered your question. Or, you can get straight into learning by taking a FREE email course. Use these courses to learn beading techniques, learn about the beads and other materials, or learn related skills like how to photograph your beadwork.
Click here to get a list of free email courses and start learning today
If you’re not sure where to start today, then let me guide you through the options so you can find what you need right now…
Do you want to find out more about beads and beading tools?
“I am completely new to this. I’m confused about the beads needed.”
“What is a more comfortable magnifier to work with?”
” I want to know what size and weight of components to attach for clasps on a bead embroidery project.”
If you have questions about beads, clasps, beading thread, wire, needles, scissors, pliers, beading mats… Basically any tools and materials, then you’ve come to the right place!
Would you like to learn a new beading technique?
“Right now, I’m soaking up everything I can to learn the multitude of stitches and items that can be beaded.”
“I have fallen in love with 3D sculptures made with seed beads. But I can’t seem to find much on how to do this type of work.”
“Understanding Peyote graphs would be really helpful for me.”
“I want to learn how to increase and decrease.”
If this is you, then My World of Beads has you covered. In the beading techniques section, we take a look at specific beading techniques, covering everything from bead-weaving, to French beading, bead embroidery, bead loom weaving, jewellery making and more. So, if you’re struggling with a technique, or looking for something new to learn, then…
Are you simply looking for new projects, or places to buy beads?
“I would like free tutorials.”
“I want a pattern for a starfish.”
“Different ideas for projects. Anything new with new beads.”
“Bead stores close to me.”
Well, guess what? We’ve got plenty to help in this area too! The Beading Directory gives you lists of bead stores. We’ve got interviews with designers, so you can discover new projects that way. Or, browse our pattern collections for ideas to try.
Would you like to learn how to create your own designs?
“I’d like to learn more about creating my own jewelry designs.”
“What computer programs are available for designing with beads?”
“Info on choosing colours would be a big help. The beads look so different in the tubes.”
“I want to make my own designs, but I don’t know where to start. Then, how do I write up a pattern? There’s so much to think about!”
Well, we’ve got a lot of helpful articles covering all aspects of design. So, whether you’re struggling with colour, choosing the right beads, or just knowing where to start…
Do you want to sell your work to earn some money?
“I’m interested in putting together a website which showcases my work. How do I start on something like this?”
“I want to become better at marketing and selling my jewelry.”
“How do I come up with a portfolio of jewelry and start selling it?”
“Do you have any advice about getting my work published in magazines?”
As your beading progresses, you will probably start to think about using it to earn some money. You might have dreams of a full-scale business. Or, you might just want to earn a little ‘beading money’ from selling articles to magazines, or taking a stall at a craft fair. But where do you start with these plans? What do you need to know to succeed? What pitfalls should you avoid?
Do you need some general tips?
“I’m bad about tangling thread. Do you have any suggestions (besides just using a shorter length!)?”
“I would love to learn how to convert cross stitch patterns into loom or Peyote graphs.”
“I just enjoy reading bead trivia and picking up new ideas.”
“I’ve been beading for a long time, but I’m still interested in learning new ways of doing things, tips and things I might not have thought of.”
Whatever your level of experience, there are probably neat little tips and tricks that you don’t know about… Yet! So, this is the place to start finding out about them.
Do you just want to join the mailing list and have everything delivered straight to your inbox?
Now, if this all feels a bit overwhelming to dive into right now, I can help. How would you like a monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox, giving you a round-up of all the new articles on here?
“I love your website, your emails and your willingness to help. Thank you!”
“Thanks for emailing me this link. It’s awesome you do that. Very personable.”
Welldone.
Thank you!
How can i reach you directly,, i’ll love to talk and show you my kind of bead works. Please lookup my facebook page to see some of my beadsigns ” idigwu beads “
You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook and contact me there – links are in the right-hand side bar. I looked up your facebook page and your beadwork is fantastic! Thank you for getting in touch and letting me know about it 🙂
What a wow. This’s lovely, to fit on my table.
What a wow!
I’m interested in the Ava beads. Are they for sale now?
Thank you!
Sally Gecks
Yes they are – if you can get them direct from Potomac Beads through this link or check your local bead store – I’m not sure which stores will stock them, but it’s always worth asking!
Thanks!
Katie
Great idea and good luck cant wait to get going x
Thank you Pauline! xx
Please would you have a pattern for ear rings with just one letter on it. I am using 15/0 beads. I have made a bracelet and I wish to do ear rings to match.I cannot find any many thanks
Hi Mary, I’m not quite sure that I understand what it is that you want. Are you able to show a photo of your bracelet so I can see how it would be possible to make matching earrings?
You can also check out all my existing earring patterns here: https://beadflowers.co.uk/beads/category/patterns/by-type/earrings/
Thank you! This is fantastic! Now I will try to start to bead! This is what I need to get started.
Hello from Ewa in Stockholm, Sweden.
Hi Ewa! I’m so thrilled to be able to help you. Welcome to the wonderful world of beads 🙂
I have written a question and now want to know if someone answers where do I see their comments? My original question is a specific bead stitch that I have seen that no one in my beading group knows how it is done and all I have is a photo of what a person wants me to make.
Hi James, if you have posted a question in the comments, you will see any replies here in the comments, and I think will be notified by email if someone replies. Regarding your question, you would need to include/send a photo of the beadwork in order for someone to identify the stitch for you. You can contact me direct by email at beadflowers@btinternet.com, and if you attach the photo I will take a look and see if I can recognise the stitch for you. Hope that helps! Katie
Hello, I was trying to look for you on facebook, but I can’t seem to find you?
Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/BeadsByKatieDean
This is my first beading project and I’m using your Parcel Beaded Box pattern. I’m on Page 9 – how do I get the needle through row 45 to start the second row of the wall? My beads are too tight to get a needle through.
Hi Ann, as a general rule, the comments on here are designed for general discussion about beading, NOT for answering specific questions about projects. However, the question you ask covers a general issue with stitch in the ditch technique, so my answer may help others too.
When you have very tight tension, as you clearly do, then yes, it can be tricky to try and get your needle through an existing row of beads (stitch in the ditch technique…SITD for short). So, you have a couple of options:
First, try switching to a finer needle, and you may find you are able to access the beads.
Second, if that doesn’t work, you are best to un-do your beadwork back to the row that you will later be adding onto. Now, add that row again, but keep your tension looser for that row. Then bead the rest as normal.
If you become aware that tight tension is often causing problems like this, then whenever you get a beading pattern, you should read it all the way through (I always recommend doing that anyway). If you see any instructions for stitch-in-the ditch rows, make a note to yourself. For example, if you see that you are required to add a SITD row in, say, row 22. Go back to where you are originally asked to stitch row 22, in the instructions, and make a note to yourself that you will later be adding onto this row, so you need to loosen your tension.
With more experience of making beaded boxes, you will come to understand what tension is best to use in each given area.