Do you want to master bead stitching? Discover the best ways to learn this jewelry-making skill.
It’s always exciting learning something new but it can be a bit overwhelming even when it’s supposed to be a fun thing like bead stitching.
Just in case you’re a newbie and you’re wondering, what the heck is bead stitching? It’s literally what it sounds like — the art of stitching beads together to make jewelry using a beading needle and thread.
If you want to learn how to DIY jewelry using bead weaving, there are no shortage of options to choose from. Each one has pros and cons.
Here are the various ways to learn how to bead.
6 Ways To Learn Bead Stitching
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1. Classes
When I first started jewelry-making, I took a class at a local community center. It was just the beginning of my journey into creating beaded jewelry.
Pros:
- Classes are fun because you get the opportunity to interact with the instructor and the other students.
- You can ask questions and get feedback instantly, if you need it.
Cons:
- You may feel intimidated by others if they seem to be catching on to the beading projects faster than you are.
- Large class sizes mean you may not get the attention you need.
- You’ll have to leave home to join an in-person class. (This could also be an advantage, depending on how you look at it.)
2. Books
After completing my first jewelry-making class, I realized how important it was to know the fundamentals of individual stitches. All I had learned was beading basics like threading needles and how to follow a pattern. I didn’t know there was something called Herringbone Stitch or Brick Stitch etc., so I decided to teach myself.
After purchasing, Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher, I spent weeks working through the projects and I learned a lot.
Pros:
- Books are a great way to hone in on several stitches or just a specific one e.g. Peyote Stitch beading techniques.
- It’s easy to refer back to them any time you need a refresher on something.
- They’re affordable.
- You can take them along with you anywhere, especially if you have the eBook.
Cons:
- Beading books usually contain photos or diagrams along with the instructions. Not everyone learns best from this format.
- There’s no-one to ask if you have any questions about the content.
3. Magazines
Beading magazines e.g. Beadwork and Bead & Button are great resources for patterns. They’re also a good source of tips and information about new products.
Pros:
- Available in print or digital versions
- Packed with fun beading resources
Cons:
- Annual subscription fee
- There’s no-one available to answer questions you may have about projects
- Instructions sometimes seemed condensed so they can be hard to follow
- Print versions just clutter your home, unless you throw them out once you’re done
4. Bead Weaving Patterns
You can find written beading patterns all over the internet e.g. The Bead Club Lounge’s shop.
Pros:
- Patterns are affordable
- Print them out and take them with you or access them on your favorite electronic device
- Photos or diagrams usually accompany the text, making it easy to follow along with a project
Cons:
- If you prefer to see step-by-step what you need to do to make a piece of jewelry, you may not like written tutorials.
- The pattern creator may not be available to provide assistance should you need it.
5. Online
With advances in technology, online learning is more common now than ever.
Pros:
- You can find plenty of online sources to learn bead stitching. From free websites like YouTube to paid sites e.g. Bluprint, there’s something for you.
- You can choose from video or written formats, whichever one suits you best.
- Learn from the comfort of your own home.
Cons:
- You may not have the option to get clarification if you have questions.
6. Join a Beading Membership Site
Updated May 2021: The membership site has been closed and will not be accepting new members at this time.
The Bead Club Lounge will be launching their very own membership on 27th January, 2020. This is the perfect opportunity to join so you can learn how to do beading in a setting that combines the best of all the previous methods.
Pros:
- Learn various beading stitches when you gain access to several in-depth off-loom bead weaving courses with video and written tutorials
- Select from a library of PDF patterns ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels that you can print out and use anywhere
- Ask questions and get feedback when you need it from the instructor, Maria (that’s me!) plus other members
- Interact with like-minded people in the community
- More content will be added frequently so you’ll never run out of fun beading projects to choose from.
- Access all of the content from any device, anywhere and at any time.
Cons:
- Monthly or annual fee
So, as you can see, there are lots of ways you can learn how to do beadwork. Choose the option that suits you best.
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