Sunday 20 March 2011

To Seed Bead Or Not To Seed Bead

Well hats off and a massive applause to those that constantly work with seed beads.

I received my packets of seed beads weeks ago from Aunties Beads and what a time I had trying to fathom out what to do with them. The only time I had worked with seed beads is as an addition to my stringing designs. Never had a tried any of the stitches that you can do with them.

I have to admit completing a bracelet was a challenge for me. Although I actually found it relaxing. Once I got the hang of it and watched a video about half a dozen times it was - away I went. Alas I do have a problem with keeping the tension all the same.



Carla was a great help with this video on peyote stitch. Maybe Aunties Beads should put some more on.

So what is the secret to keeping the tension correct? How about some tips.

8 comments:

cserpentDesigns said...

LOL- relaxing? I get very tense! But it's still fun. Maybe I get tense keeping the tension even??

Mary said...

OMG, I could never have the patience for working with seed beads! The closest I get to doing anythng with seed beads is sucking them up withthe vacuum when I dump them all over the floor!

Michele said...

Haha Mary, I also did try to work with seed beads and watched those videos which are great, but still have them sitting, never did get into it. Good luck to you.

Ida @ Adroit Jewelers said...

Always interesting to learn something new. I'm afraid I can't be of help with this. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

To keep my tension correct, I "snap" the thread at the end of every row. Grab it with your hand and gently yank a few times. Also, to keep my starter row even, I slide an ultra-thin quilting needle inside the holes of the row. Keeps everything so nice and tidy!

Joyuna said...

Ah, seed beads... I'm not a beader, but I do have a little experience in putting beads in my knitting. I have to use this miniscule crochet hook and squint til I get the bead over the stitch. Not my favorite thing to do, but the finished product does look nice. :)

Chrisbeads said...

I agree with Lisa, just give the thread a "snap" at the end of each row to tighten it up. If you are using nylon beading thread (Nymo for example) and large beads size 8/0 and above, double thread is usually better than single for keeping tension correct.

Chrisbeads said...

Watch out! Seed beads are addictive!