Beading for Beginners

January 3, 2012

Try a handful of basic beading techniques inspired by our 5 lovely looks. Then, put your own personalized spin on them to create anything from darling necklaces to gift-perfect friendship bracelets.

5 Beading Techniques for Beginners

Look One: Knots as Beads

Select beads with larger openings that can accommodate thicker cording.
String your beads onto a thick, leather cord, and divide your pattern into sections by tying knots in between, providing a faux bead effect.

Look Two: Charmed

Go classic with pearly beads in one size and colour, or for subtle variety, alternate between shapes in similar sizes and style.
For friendship bracelets, personalize with charms. Find them at craft and jewellery stores, or make your own keepsake pendants.

Look Three: Stone-Laced Pins

Arrange bold stone beads on eye pins (bendable metal wire pieces found in the beading aisle of most craft stores), and then use fine-tipped pliers to bend the tip into a loop.
Create a bridge between the loops of adjacent eye pins with jump rings (also found at craft stores). When doubled-up, they make a strength-enforcing touch that’s also decorative.

Look Four: Thread in Threes

Group three pieces of twine together, knot at the end, and thread tiny beads onto each piece of twine to create a pattern.
Once each patterned section is created, cinch the three pieces of twine together and run them through one larger bead as a spacer. Continue with each section, alternating bead colours for added interest.

Look Five: Varied Textures

String long, thin beads that have a hole near the tip onto metal beading cord. For spacers, use solid-coloured beads with a centre opening.
Flip the beads in different directions, and switch up the pattern when worn as a bracelet.

Tip: Can’t find the beads you’re looking for? Try making your own. Follow our instructions to hand-roll felt beads, or create them from homemade salt dough.

If you like this article, you might also like:

Recent Inspiration

Inspiration Meets Conversation

Previous statement Next statement

Join our community for daily inspiration & advice for home.
Get solutions, deals, and cleaning tips directly from home experts.
Visit our channel for quick and easy how-to videos.
Sign up for our free emails & get the latest recipes, projects and special offers.
Subscribe to our feeds & receive automatic updates on your favorite content.