Tools and Materials to Get Started Beading

Beading is a great craft because it is not very difficult (if you can sew, you can bead), nor is it very expensive to get started. Typically all you need are some beads, thread, needles and scissors. And don't forget things to stay healthy while doing it like bright lighting, good readers and a substantial amount of patience and humor.

With just those few things, you can get started stringing beads, exploring color and patterns, and making jewelry. You can also experiment or learn a few beadwork stitches to expand your knowledge. 

Of course, you might experience frustration in the beginning if your needle is too thick for your beads, or your thread is fraying or breaking, or you can't get a knot to hold and your project falls apart within days (or hours) of you proudly wearing it. Those are just some of my beginner experiences, but it was before the days of internet and online stores to be able to quickly find answers or help. 

I hope this is one of those articles that I wish I found in the early years - a list and details of what you need and where to get it to get off on the right foot. Plus some links to other helpful beginner information sprinkled in like fairy dust.

Delica beads are uniform size cylinder shaped beads in oh-so many colors!

Seed Beads for Beginning Beaders

Just thinking about this topic, I'm already balking. I've written numerous articles about types of seed beads, bead sizing, bead colors/finishes, bead manufacturers - you get the idea. Some of those articles were for other sites, so I'm not linking them until I've moved the information here. It's a big topic because there are so so so many different types of beads. 

But you don't need to drown yourself in information to get started. 

For stringing, find some beads that you like and just do it. Make sure your thread is heavy enough to support the beads (thread is the next topic below). 

For bead stitching, if you're using a tutorial or pattern, the author will usually advise you which beads to use. There are two main shapes of seed beads; round (also called rocaille) and tube beads. There's also bugle beads, drops, multi-hole and shaped beads - but I'm trying to keep to the basics here. I'll link to articles about those in the future.

If you're practicing or learning a new stitch, I like to start with round beads because it is easier to get your needle under the edge of the bead and they are slightly larger in the most used size, which is size 11. You can also start with a larger bead to make stitching easier. Size 10 or 8 are both larger than size 11, but be aware that the tension on your beadwork may be harder to manage with larger sized beads.

To keep it short, I advise you to avoid cheap Chinese or Indian made seed beads for bead weaving. They are often inconsistent in size which can make the project uneven. Of course, if it's just practice, they will work. You can learn how to cull your beads to separate beads that are significantly larger or smaller. I recommend you avoid the hassle though and choose beads from a brand name like Toho, Miyuki or Preciosa (these are affiliate links to Amazon). 

Some craft stores don't tell you the manufacturer though, so look at the beads in the package to see if they are the same size and shape before buying.

Also, using opaque beads, preferably without a finish, are easier than transparent ones when you are starting out.  Bead transparency and shiny or even matte finishes are distracting and make it harder to see that the thread is situated correctly.

Nylon thread is a great choice for learning bead weaving stitches

Beading Threads to Try When You're New to Beading

How much do you want to know about beading threads? 

Will any thread work? Probably not. Sewing thread will fray and break and may not pass through the beads multiple times as needed for beading. Fishing line is the other option, but you need certain characteristics of fishing line, so invest in one that is labeled as a beading thread - at least when you're getting started.

If you just want to get beading quickly, and can invest a little money, buy a fishing line style of thread like FireLine 6 lb and a medium size nylon beading thread. My latest favorite nylon thread is KO beading thread. Both types of thread are good for stringing and stitching, but FireLine is more sturdy and gives more body to the finished piece while nylon thread yields more supple results. Typically, a single thread is used for bead weaving, but you can use a doubled thread for stringing, especially with heavier weight beads. 

Smooth thread and avoid tangles with thread conditioner

KO beading thread is preconditioned to smooth the fibers. Other nylon threads including Nymo (discussed below) may need a thread conditioner like beeswax to keep the thread from tangling and make it easier to thread the needle and glide through the beads.

I like Nymo D, but not the colorful bobbins which tend to fray and is a thinner thread. The spool thread is slightly different, flatter and heat bonded, but is a big investment so you may want to wait to try Nymo until you know if beading is something you want to continue with. "D" is the size of the Nymo and it is a medium size. "B" is thinner than "D" just to provide context.

Note that FireLine is fishing line that is re-labeled for sale as a beading thread by the BeadSmith. 6 lb test weight is a good medium weight that can be used for a variety of purposes. There are other similar fishing line styles of beading thread such as WildFire and DandyLine, but to me FireLine is the easiest to use.

Choosing a thread color is personal choice and some threads have very limited options. FireLine, for example, comes in crystal (white) and smoke (dark grey). Nylon threads have a wide selection of beautiful options to coordinate or contrast with your design. As a beginner, using a thread that stands out from your beads will make it easier to see thread paths, if you accidentally skipped a bead, or if a thread loop has wrapped around a bead. Thread color also impacts the color of transparent beads, but this is a more advanced topic for another day.

If you want more details about options and why these threads are good choices, check out this article: What is the best thread for beading. 

Beading Needles to Try - One Cheap, One Fancy

A sewing needle won't work for anything other than stringing larger beads. While you're getting supplies, invest in some needles designed for beadwork.

A size 12 beading needle is a great all purpose size to get started. I like John James needles which are inexpensive and flexible, but they have a small eye and are only kinda durable. My favorite are Tulip brand beading needles, also in size 12. They have a larger eye and are a little stiffer and more durable, but are pricey. They're not necessary to get started.

For stringing, collapsible eye needles are a great choice. This is a thin flexible wire with a large eye that is easy to thread. The eye closes around the thread when pulled through smaller beads locking the thread in place.  You can also squeeze it closed around the thread.

Beading scissors need to be sharp with fine tips to cut close to beadwork

Beading Scissors to Get into Tight Spaces

To get started cutting beading thread, almost any scissors will work. 

Ideally though, you want thread scissors that are precise enough to cut an angled pointy tip on thread to make threading a needle easier. You also want to be able to snip threads very close to the beading or knots to avoid thread ends poking out. 

My recent favorite are thread snips (amazon link). They are inexpensive, typically sold in packs of multiples, and come in different colors,  so you can reserve one for nylon thread and another for fishing line which is harder to cut and can dull scissors quickly. They have a very satisfying snip sound/feel that oddly makes me happy - but your feelings about that might be different. 

If you look through my site, you'll see pictures of the different scissors that I've used over the years in the materials photos. I don't change scissors because they've worn out. It's typically because I've misplaced them.

Some beaders recommend kids scissors for fishing line style of thread. They work, but they also have rounded tips so you'll need another pair to cut close to your beadwork.

Good Lighting (and Posture) are a MUST for Healthy Beading

Good lighting is so important for healthy beading! 

A daylight bulb is inexpensive and can be used in any lamp. Daylight bulbs are full spectrum white light bulbs that help you see true colors of your beads. Beading outdoors is also a treat. Make sure to use reading glasses or magnifying lenses to help you see clearly. Eye strain isn't relaxing or healthy. 

Stay aware of your posture and optimize your beading setup. I use portable TV tables to hold bead trays, sometimes work at my desk and other times with a bead tray in my lap. I take breaks often just to stretch, adjust position and give my eyes a rest.

Beading workspace with bead tray, tools and supplies

Other Nice to Have Tools for Beading

Pliers will help you open jump rings, add jewelry findings and also pull the needle through stubborn beads. Be gentle, glass beads break easily and it can be hard to replace a broken bead without it being noticeable.

Beading mats, beading dishes and beading trays will help you keep supplies and projects contained and away from pets or children. They'll sometimes prevent major spills, but also sometimes cause them (in my experience). Beading mats are inexpensive from craft stores, but I cut up an old bathrobe that had a nice soft low nap that holds beads in place. Little ceramic dishes, painters palettes - there are lots of options to hold beads, most that you may already have. Look around and get creative.

For safety's sake, have a dedicated spot to always place your needle! Beading needles are sharp and thin and I've heard stories of surprisingly difficult surgeries to remove them from feet and legs when they're stepped on or sat on. Pin cushions are useful between projects, magnets are a perfect place to rest your needle in between stitches and to find a needle that dropped off the end of the thread. 

Discard (or save) thread ends to keep them out of reach of your fur babies. Swallowed thread is another hazard to their health.

Did I forget anything that you think is essential to get started? Questions? Let me know in the comments.