How to Create Bead Patterns
When working with arts and crafts tools such as paints, markers, construction paper or beads, people often have the natural inclination to make patterns. Whether creating a color scheme, a paper design or a beaded pattern, much of the fun in making a pattern is in coming up with the pattern itself--although admiring your work afterwards is a close second. Here are a few ideas for how to create bead patterns.
Things You'll Need
- Small, colorful beads such as seed beads
- Graph paper
- Markers, colored pens or pencils
- Craft supplies such as thread, needles and other materials, depending on the final intention of your design.
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide on the type of bead pattern you want to make. Bead patterns can be anything from simple strands, such as found on a necklace, to something as intricate as a beaded belt, purse or vest. If you have never created a beaded pattern before, start with a simple design and work your way up to more difficult projects and patterns.
-
2
Plot your design on graph paper. In each square of the graph paper mark the color bead you want to use by putting a letter or number corresponding to the color. You can also color in the squares with the corresponding bead color. As you go about this, you will see your pattern emerge from the paper; keep working until you've created the bead design you want.
-
-
3
Get the supplies ready that you need to create your final bead pattern. Determine about how many beads you need of each color. Beads and bead supplies can be purchased at most craft stores, bead stores or online craft and bead websites.
-
4
Work on your design. Make changes to the bead design as you see fit. Remember, this is your project and you're doing it for the fun and creative experience.
-
5
Work with someone else if you want input and company. Creating and making bead designs is definitely something that can be done with another person or even in a group. This way you can get and give immediate feedback on bead projects.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you want help creating a bead design, free bead pattern designs are available online, as well as in beading books and magazines.
