Basic bead weaving techniques: parallel threading, weaving, cross stitch, brick stitch

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

Beads are the material from which unusual jewelry, toys, napkins and much more are created. It all depends on the imagination of the master. Each needlewoman at least once tried to use this material for her products.

Beading Methods

To create figures from beads, wire is most often used. It should be thin enough to go inside the ball at least 2-3 times. There are many different ways to string beads and beads. Schemes and patterns, lessons in the photo often look very confusing and incomprehensible. There are times when different techniques for performing figures can look very similar. In finished crafts, it is not always clear exactly how the material was located during the weaving process.

The most famous weaving methods are:

• parallel lowering;
• brick stitch;
• cross stitching;
• canvas technique.

A popular type of needlework is embroidery and knitting with beads. From such elements you can create crafts. The schemes for them look similar to the schemes for embroidery and knitting, with the difference that at the final stage the formation of three-dimensional figures takes place. Such products are most often created using the parallel threading technique.

To create beads, monofilament or fishing line is used as a basis, not wire. The strength of the jewelry is given by the beads themselves. In master classes with parallel beading, one of the basic options for creating a product is usually described.

At each weaving step, a certain amount of material is added and a row is obtained. The process of creating a product often seems complicated, but usually it is enough to master a few basic techniques to try to make an ornament or a toy. You can start with parallel threading or arc stringing, looping or chaining. Those who dream of creating intricate beadwork should explore and try a few different methods. Then the master will be able to freely change the weaving technique right in the process, focusing on the pattern.

Parallel weaving

Parallel beading looks simple, but requires careful approach. There are several ways to weave this method, depending on the materials used.

For weaving animal figurines in a parallel thread, a wire is used that can hold a row or a circle of beads. Such crafts will be durable and heavy. master thiseven a beginner in beading can use the technique, because the tension of the wire is not able to spoil the shape of the product, as is the case with fishing line or monofilament. Parallel threading with beads is more convenient to use for creating flat figures, but it can also be used for voluminous crafts.

There are two main ways of parallel weaving:

• stringing a whole row at once;
• weaving each bead separately.

In the first version, the required amount of beads is strung on the wire according to the scheme, and then each row is attached to the previous one. In the second case, each ball is attached separately to the same bead in the previous row. This method is used to make voluminous beaded toys. Most often, an additional frame is used to give the products the necessary strength.

Brick stitch

Products created using brick technique look unusual and are often irregular in shape. This beading method has little to do with parallel threading and is most often used to create jewelry, flowers and various decor.

It can be used to weave complex elements, with full confidence that the product will not crumble if damaged. The material for this method must be perfectly even and of high quality. For brick stitch weaving, all beads must be the same size.

Weaving is performed as follows:

1. Two beads are placed on the fishing line andpass it through the central part of both so that a loop is formed that needs to be tightened.
2. Then the next bead is strung and the end of the fishing line is brought down through the previous bead.
3. The tip of the fishing line is placed in a new ball and so the row continues.
4. The second row is obtained with the help of two beads, which are collected on a fishing line, and then thread its tip under the loop between the beads of the first row, lead out through the first of them and tighten the knot.
5. The next beads are strung through the knots in the bottom row, passing through the center of the adjacent bead.

With proper weaving, the resulting product will resemble a brick wall.

Cross stitch

This method of weaving is also called monastic. This is one of the basic beading techniques. Most often it is used to create jewelry and accessories. For stringing the material, a fishing line or monofilament is used. You will also need beading needles. You can use one or two, but experienced needlewomen prefer to weave a chain with a single needle.

Work begins with a set of 4 beads that need to be closed into a ring by threading the needle through the first, second and third bead. Then 4 more beads are collected and the needle is inserted into the fourth bead of the previous row. You should get a link in the form of a cross. The needle is inserted into its upper part, and weaving continues to the desired chain length.

Technique "canvas"

The “linen” technique is often called “weaving” and is of two types:weaving on the loom and hand weaving. In this way, you can create jewelry, belts and even paintings. Beads made in this way are dense, and each ball is connected to another.

First, a few beads are strung - the exact number depends on the size of the bracelet. Then another bead is collected and the thread is threaded through the previous bead. By repeating these steps, a series is formed.

Having mastered the main techniques, you can start creating products to your taste and delight your loved ones with unusual gifts.