In this section, I will introduce you to some of the basic beading techniques and skills you’re going to need.
This includes simple techniques that don’t really fit into the bead-weaving stitches. You also get help with basic skills like setting up your beading space, threading a needle and finishing off threads.
This is quite a broad category, with some overlap with the jewellery making section. So, you may see some shared posts here. For example, you would need to find out how to add a clasp if you are making any kind of jewellery. So, I have included that kind of information here as well as in the jewellery making section.
There is an awful lot that I could cover in the basic beading techniques section, so please check back often to see the new posts.
As with all the information on this website, I am still adding things. So, if you can’t find the answer to your question, please follow this link and use the form to ask me what you need to know. I can then prioritise that information for a future blog post.
If you are also signed up to my mailing list, then you can be sure that you won’t miss out on anything as I add it. So, if you’re not already a member, click here to join the Better Beader mailing list and receive your free welcome gift today.
Now, I’ll leave you to have a browse through the information here. Hopefully that will offer you some useful advice and help.
Have you ever tried making beaded tassels, or adding a fringe to your designs? If you have, then you’ve probably discovered something… The thread paths are very easy. But it’s actually surprisingly difficult to...
I frequently get asked, ‘what is the best bead weaving technique to learn first?’ In fact, between 2012 and 2016, when I was teaching beginners in person, it was a question that I always...
The basic spiral stitch beading technique is one of my favourite stitches. I love it because it’s so versatile, quick and easy. It was one of the first techniques I ever learned as a...
If you’re new to beading (or even if you’re not), you might be wondering what spirit beads are. So, let me start by explaining that, then tell you why you should love, not fear...
Finishing old threads and weaving in new ones has to be one of the most tedious parts of any beading project. Now, there are loads of different ways you can do this. So, I...
Have you got questions about how to use jump rings in jewelry making? One of my ‘Become a Better Beader’ members does. So, I’m guessing she’s not the only one! Now, you can use...
My own personal experience of working with wire is mostly for French beading. However, the secrets I am about to share with you are also applicable to other types of wirework. So, even if...
If you’re reading this because you already love French beading, then you probably know about the basic tools. But, did you know there is a whole set of free French beading tools? I use...
Have you been mystified by a beading pattern in which you needed to follow a Peyote stitch chart? Do you even know what a Peyote stitch chart is? If you answered ‘no’ and ‘yes’...
How to get good beading tension is a question that often comes up in my classes. I am constantly thinking about how to help people improve. My thoughts led me to consider how different...
I came up with this idea after watching so many people struggle with starting Tubular Peyote. If you have ever tried this, you will understand what I mean. If you haven’t, then I do...
One of the first beading techniques I learned was one of the beaded spiral rope variations, known as a Spiral Staircase. Since then, I have learned a lot more different types of beaded spiral...
What are beading patterns? This may sound like a blindingly obvious question, so I hope the answer won’t surprise you. Beading patterns are the instructions for making a project using beads. This could be...
One of the questions I am most often asked is how to finish beading thread. As my beading has evolved, I’ve found new ways to finish my threads. I have also experimented with different...
Beading patterns can be a little confusing if you are a complete novice. Like any other craft, beading has its own language and terminology that might seem strange when you start out. Here I’ve...
How to thread a needle? …It sounds like a pretty simple task, that is, unless you’ve ever tried it! This post looks specifically at beading needles, but the advice it offers on how to...
Whenever you make a piece of jewellery, you will need to decide how to fasten it. This usually means using a clasp of some variety. Once you have decided which clasp you are going...
