Beading

[Magpie Flynn]

Any tutorials/suggestions/hints on beading garb? What beads work best, what kind of thread? All my previous attempts are laughable.

[DonaCatalina]

From personal experience:

1.Glass beads of any type work best.
2. Pearls larger than 6mm have a tendency to look 'too fake'. Use with caution.
3. Usually its best to use a thread color that matches your fabric.
4. If you are using transparent glass beads (like red), try experimenting to see if your thread should match the bead or the fabric before you sew on 300 of them.
5. Always go through each bead twice with your thread.
6. When tying off the knots on each bead, leave a little 'tail' so that friction doesn't rub the knot out.
7. Beading your butinsky area usually leads to regret.
8. Be careful that you don't bead too close to the edge of your fabric and make sewing difficult. Use your thumb as a spacing guide. You can always add the odd bead later.

[Devangelon]

For beading "string" I and my friends use fire wire or fire line. Its a clear fishing line. Its a lot stronger than thread and doesn't tangle as bad as thread can.

[ArielCallista]

I've used clear thread for beading quite a bit before...its a little stiff so the knots are a bit weird to tie, but I usually use a tiny drop of fast drying super glue on the knot to make sure it wont untie.

[Sorcha]

I just started beading too!  It's fun and a bit addicting.   
Here's the thread I had posted when starting out.  Some good info here.
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14542.0

And here is a link to my first beading project.   A set of sleeves:
http://pics.livejournal.com/coamrey/pic/00037g4w

[Magpie Flynn]

Awesome! Thanks for all the help guys!!

[Cilean]

I have found this site invaluable in beading my Garb!
http://old.medievalbeads.com/

I like fresh water pearls they have the best look for the buck!

Good luck!

[Evie McCann]

Sorcha, those are beautiful. It makes me want to start myself. Maybe I'll do something for my dad's new doublet.

[DonaCatalina]

I've used clear thread for beading quite a bit before...its a little stiff so the knots are a bit weird to tie, but I usually use a tiny drop of fast drying super glue on the knot to make sure it wont untie.

This is ok for small projects; but I was not about to go back and glue 5,240 pearls on the doublet we call Mr. Pearly.

[Syrilla]

It depends on the project, but I normally double two threads through a needle.  So, I end up with four thread going through the material at a time.  Most of my larger beads or ones that need a "straight" line is from the fabric one through, then back stitch then back through and add the next bead.  A bit time consuming, but with all my beads go through, it very rare for them to come off.  I also tie off frequently.

[isabelladangelo]

A friend of mine has posted a video on how to bead:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PF1JkEbbI4&feature=player_embedded

and a picture tutorial http://www.jennylafleur.com/bead/embroidery.htm

It's for multiple beads at a time.   For one bead at a time, I use a special "big eye" beading needle and thin thread that I can get through the bead at least twice before I knot it in the back.   I try to keep designs small so I don't have to cut the thread often (ie, keep the beads only a couple of inches a part).  I'll be beading this weekend so maybe I'll actually get around to making my own tutorial.  ;-)  but probably not...

[iain robb]

It depends on the project, but I normally double two threads through a needle.  So, I end up with four thread going through the material at a time.  Most of my larger beads or ones that need a "straight" line is from the fabric one through, then back stitch then back through and add the next bead.  A bit time consuming, but with all my beads go through, it very rare for them to come off.  I also tie off frequently.

That's similar to what I do. But I tie off each bead, then go to the next one. Unfortunately, I do not have experience with how well that holds up to wear -- all my beading is still in the "boy, someday I ought to finish what I started" pile.

[gem]

I hope Magpie doesn't mind if I glom onto her thread here, but I'm hoping I could get some advice/suggestions.

I am wanting to make an escoffion/beaded caul with the fabric below. I am an experienced beader with needlework (so I know how to thread/tie off, etc), but get very overwhelmed and confused in the beading aisle when it comes to costuming! I thought a little hat would be a good place to start, and I'd love to hear your suggestions for how you would bead this fabric.  It's a slightly metallic gold upholstery fabric with black accents:



...And this is the sort of hat I'm wanting to make:



Any ideas/suggestions for where to put the beads (a pattern/design), as well as for the exact sorts of beads to use (hopefully with pictures?)?

I look at everyone's beaded projects with envy, but my eyes glaze over when I actually go bead shopping! Help!

Gramercy!

[DonaCatalina]

You could use the same exact pattern with oat pearls and make the black dot the center of the 4 pearls. Oat pearls come in many colors so you really aren't limited to the traditional white.

[gem]

Thanks, Dona C!

I wouldn't do *every* intersection, right? I should space them a little more broadly?

I saw the oat pearls (which I have never heard of before, so thank you!) come in a really pretty purple. Would that be appropriate? Or do I need to stick to "natural" colors?