How to Use a Jewelry Bead Loom
Weaving beads on a loom is a creative way to design a piece of jewelry. Design Native American-inspired chokers and bracelets, which can be as simple or intricate as you like. Basic metal bead weaving looms can be purchased at crafting stores for around 10 dollars. Using a basic loom will help you decide if you want to make a larger investment in this craft. Seed beads are used for creating the patterns on the loom, so make sure to buy these in bulk before starting a project.
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Things You'll Need
- metal bead weaving loom
- needle
- seed beads
- bead weaving thread
- ruler
- toothpick
- large crimp beads
- clasp
- foam used for jewelry making
Instructions
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Adding Thread to the Loom
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1
Add the thread to the loom by first counting how many strings will go in between each of the thread separators.
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2
Use a ruler to measure the length between both ends of the loom, which ranges between 6 to 8 inches on a basic metal loom. Make each thread about 2 feet longer than the area between both ends of the loom.
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3
Divide the number of threads you are working with in half and knot both sides together. Put the knot under the nail head on the left-hand side of the loom, and bring both halves of the divided threads across the loom to the other end. Loosely tie the threads on the nail head on the right-hand side of the loom, which will leave enough slack for placing the threads on each of the thread separators.
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4
Use a toothpick to place the first thread on the thread separator in the middle of the loom, and keep doing this until all of the threads are in place on the loom.
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5
Make the loom taut by turning the spools on both ends and by securing the wing nuts that hold these in place.
Creating the Bead Design
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6
Use a sheet of graph paper to create the bead design. Keep in mind there is one extra thread than bead on each row of the loom because each bead goes in between two threads.
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7
Create a simple design to begin with by using alternating rows of colored seed beads, such as red and white or blue and black.
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8
Use colored pencils on the graph paper to stand in for the color of seed beads that will be woven into the final design.
Weaving the Beads
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9
Tie a large string of thread on the side of the loom where you will begin weaving your design.
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10
Carefully weave the beads in between the threads using the needle, and use a toothpick to push down each row so these stay nice and secure.
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11
Use tape to secure the ends when you are finished weaving, and cut the design off the loom.
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12
Sew the woven beads on a piece of foam to make a bracelet, or simply secure with large crimp beads and a clasp.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider making a bead loom on a shoe box if you don't want to buy one.
Teachers can use a bead-weaving project to tie into a Social Studies unit on Native Americans.
Choking on beads can be a hazard for young children.
Read all directions before using the bead loom.
References
- Photo Credit multi-coloured beads, background from beads image by 26kot from Fotolia.com
