BEADING ON A LOOM

Tips for Beading on a Loom

There’s an old technique that’s making a big comeback these days–loomwork. Not relegated to hat bands, belts, and wall hangings made of seed beads anymore, today’s loomwork is bold, trend-focused, and incorporates all sorts of beads, including the two-hole variety.

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1. Why weave beads on a loom? Weaving beads on a loom gives you the same look as when you use square stitch, but the actual weaving goes much faster. Using a loom for weaving beads also makes it easier to adjust the tension in the beadwork, something that many beginners find difficult when working in square stitch.

2. What type of thread is best for bead-weaving on a loom? Thread choice is always personal, depending on what kind of bead loom you’re using and what kind of beading project you’re creating. S-Lon beading thread works well because it’s strong, comes in a wide range of colors, and holds up without fraying. If you’re creating a piece like an evening bag or something else that needs to hold its shape, you may want to experiment with using Fireline beading thread.

3. What’s the difference between warp threads and weft threads? Your warp threads are the threads that you string going up and down on your loom. These are the threads that will nestle between your beads when you begin weaving. The weft threads are what you thread into your needle when you string your beads for weaving. Weft threads get tucked into the beadwork as you go along. The warp threads are what you will finish off after you’ve finished your beading project and have cut your piece off of your loom.

4. How tight should the tension be on my loom? When setting up your loom, you want your warp threads to have an even tension — not too loose, not too tight. The more you weave beads with a loom, the better you’ll be able to judge the tension of the warp threads.

5. What other beading tools should I have to start weaving beads on a loom? Other essential beading tools to have handy would include a good, sharp scissor or thread cutter; a tapestry needle or your favorite beading needle; a pair of chain nose pliers or a thread puller for gently helping your needle through a tight spot; a ruler or tape measure; your favorite bead board, mat, or ceramic dish to hold your beads; and good magnification, if you need it or if you’re working with smaller beads.

6. How many warp threads do I need for my pattern? Because you’ll have one warp thread on either side of each bead in your pattern, you’ll need one warp thread for each bead in each row of your pattern, plus one extra warp thread on the outside. So if you’re making a piece of beadwork that is 15 beads across, you’ll need 16 warp threads on your loom.

7. How do I finish off my warp threads? There are many ways to finish off your warp threads, and this is just one place where you can get very creative with your loomed beadwork! There are a few things you can do to finish off your warp threads:

• When you first start weaving your piece of beadwork, work a “header” and “footer”, using just plain beading thread for an inch or so at the beginning and ends of your loom beading. After you remove your piece from the loom, tie your warp ends into this piece of thread weaving, and either glue it against the back of your piece or cover it with a small scrap of faux leather (like Ultrasuede) and finish the edges with a beaded whip stitch.
• Use your warp threads to make fringe on one or both ends of your piece.
• Weave your warp ends right into your finished loomwork.

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Curious to learn more about beading on a loom? Come by Bead Unique and meet with Zina, she can show you how to make a loom bracelet, step-by-step.