Instructions for Basic Loom Beadwork
Bead looms, available through craft supply outlets, are used to make flat pieces that can be used to create jewelry, bookmarks and decorative insets.
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Materials
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Metallic threads add glitz. For the warp (threads between the beads), use sturdy cotton or linen thread, nylon beading cord, embroidery floss or fine elastic. The weft (thread going through the beads) has to be strong and thin, as it passes through each bead twice.
Seed beads come in diameters from roughly 1 mm to over 3 mm. The size bead to use depends on your loom.
Beading needles must be fine and longer than the width of your beading. Since they have tiny eyes, you may need a needle threader.
Choosing a Pattern
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You can find beading patterns in books or on line, or make your own on graph paper. Square graph paper does not give the proper proportions because when seen side-on a seed bead is rectangular, so use beading graph paper with rectangular boxes.
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Threading the Loom
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Cut one more warp thread than the number of beads in a row of your work several inches longer than the working length of the loom. Tie the threads together at one end and attach them to a crosspiece at one end of the loom. Carefully thread each warp through the corresponding slots at each end of the loom, making sure not to have two threads in the same slot or to miss a slot. Then tie the loose ends of the threads together and attach them to the second crosspiece. Adjust the crosspieces to tighten the warp.
Working the Pattern
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Tie the end of your weft thread to an outside warp thread, leaving a long tail. Load the beads for the first row onto the needle and slide them to the end of the thread. Position the beads under the warp with each bead between two threads. Gently push the beads upward until you can run the needle through them again, above the warp, to the side where you began.
Finishing Your Work
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To finish the weft, run it back through the previous one or two rows of beads and clip any excess. Cut the warp threads on both ends of the piece some distance from the beading. Tie adjoining threads together as close as possible to the beads with a tight square knot. Use a drop of clear glue or nail polish to reinforce the knots. Now either clip the warp threads close to the knots or braid them together to make thin cords that you can tie.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit beadwork bracelets from guatemala image by monamakela.com from Fotolia.com Thread and needle image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
