Beading 101

[Sorcha]

I'm thinking of beading some sleeves and a forepart and I've never beaded anything before.
So...  Can someone walk me through it?  So far I've come up with these questions:

What kind/size of beads do I buy?  White pearls I would think would be the most HA??
Is there special thread to use or is regular thread fine?
On sleeves, I'm assuming that you bead the fashion fabric first, and then sew your lining on.  Yes?
Any other tricks I should know?
Any lessons learned??

Words of wisdom for care and maintenance?

[operafantomet]

I have no suggestions on beads and threads and such, as I suspect the brands I use here in Norway for the most is different from what is available in the US. But:

If you're to bead intricate patterns with lots of beads, it can be a good idea to make strings of beads and tuck the thread/string down, instead of sewing down each individual bead. It's easier to control the pattern that way, and a lot quicker. The beaded "faux vest" and cuffs of this Victorian costume was made that way, with strings of beads attached on top of copper appliquées:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/originalwishing/hwishwhole0b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/originalwishing/hwishbod11.jpg

It's always a good trick to do the beading before lining and sewing. Exceptions are if you for example are unsure on exactly where the beaded pattern should be placed, or if it's going to go over seams or similar.

[stonebiscuit]

I hear good things about unwaxed dental floss.

[Adriana Rose]

What kind/size of beads do I buy?  White pearls I would think would be the most HA?? : There are zillons of bead sizes, for the kind of beading that goes on clothing I would use a seed bead that is well the size of a seed. Pearls are great too.

Is there special thread to use or is regular thread fine?: There is a beading thread this is much more heavy duty than standard sewing tread. It holds up better, that is what I think.

On sleeves, I'm assuming that you bead the fashion fabric first, and then sew your lining on.  Yes?
Yuppers I beaded a stomacher on a bodice and I did the beading before the sewing though looking back I probably should have sewed it first then beaded then put the lining in.

Any other tricks I should know?
When you set a line of like 3 beads I always go back through the set of beads and then loop under the fabric and then come back out on the end that i finished. It helps stick the beading better, so if by chance you snag part you wont loose the whole thing. Oh and I put a dab of superglue on my knots to help them stay.

Any lessons learned??
Take your time, be patient and have fun! I find beading rather addicting my mom taught me and I love it just as much as she does

[Sorcha]

Okay....  
Something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330533944586&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Or something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/SEED-BEADS-SIZE-11-0-SNOW-WHITE-OPAQUE-50-GRAMS_W0QQitemZ330533565510QQcategoryZ3810QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7395508864296541826

[operafantomet]

White pearls would definitely be the best H/A choice, especially for English fashion. If you want some structure, you can go for two or three different sizes. Say, if you're going to make a flower or star, you can use a big bead in the middle, and smaller ones around. As for other beads used, I haven't found too many variations. Coral was much used, but for children, and mostly in long strings they could chew/bite on when teething. But metal studs of various kinds were popular, both as they were, and with gems inserted. Like here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze3/allori1570s.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze3/camillamartellipossibly.jpg

I usually cheat and use sewing thread; the very solid kind. But keep in mind that both sewing thread and nylon threads (like fishing lines) can hold up well in the beginning, but is affected by human sweat and other salty substances, and will deteriorate. Fishing lines are also sensitive to too much direct sun light. I think beading threads are made to sustain this. If you're to use it for a forepart or similar, and will not be particularly exposed to rain, I think a strong sewing thread will do the trick. But if it will be more exposed to your skin, or to the weather, do buy a special beading thread - like the wax ones someone suggested.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

www.firemountaingems.com is my #1 go to source for beading, Jewelry findings, etc. for embellishments for garb. Using a back stitch works best in securing pearls for a better hold. Using Pearls for a gown gives garb that WOW factor!

For most garb I pearl, 6mm is an ideal size. I use Glass pearls in white. I also like using 8mm.

Some examples of pearling using 8mm white glass pearls and buttons for a Tudor Under Kirtle..

Using 6mm and 8mm pearls on a  Bodice...my version of recreating the Pelican Portrait gown..

[Adriana Rose]

Use the pearls! The other beads that you found are called Pony Beads they are plastic and well not that pretty looking. Think cheapie keychain beads.

I would use Firemountain Gems - www.firemountaingems.com
Or
Shipwreck Beads - www.shipwreckbeads.com

They are very helpful to deal with and they have great choices and fairly good prices too.

And thank you Lady K I could not spit the word out for backstitching for the life of me!

[DonaCatalina]

maybe we need to make one of these beading threads a sticky since it comes up a lot.