Tips for New Beaders

(From March 2002 newsletter by Lois Hartwig)

Several people have asked me the same questions, so I'm going to try to answer some of them here in the newsletter.

Question: I'm just a beginner. What is the best way to learn beadwork?

Answer:

1. Read, read, read and read some more. There are excellent books and magazines available to help you learn terminology, technique, and provide inspiration. Use the Internet and your local library for finding and acquiring books or magazines that interest you.
2. Participate in Bead Society programs and other workshops. We have some in this area, Chicago area offers classes, and the two national shows, Bead and Button in Milwaukee and Embellishment in Oregon offer a wide variety of classes.

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Question: What size needle and thread should I use?

Answer: Here's a general "Rule of Thumb" from Shipwreck Beads for seed beads:

More important than numbers, the needle and thread must make a minimum of two passes through the bead hole. Three passes is even better - that's why big-holed beads are so enjoyable to work with.

Question: What color thread should I use?

Answer: Thread color should match closely the foundation color of your project and can be purchased in a variety of colors including pink, blue, taupe (various shades), brown, black and white.

When using a large number of medium colors, use a medium taupe. It virtually disappears into the space between beads. The same would apply with light colors or dark colors - use light taupe or dark taupe. When using white beads, use white thread; very dark or black beads work well with black thread.

Use white thread for little samples of various stitches. It's more readily available in large spools and you won't "waste" your colored threads.