Q I've been beading for 3 years, making simple jewelry. Now I am ready to start learning stitches so I can make more advanced projects. What is the easiest stitch to learn? The easiest pattern for a bracelet/necklace? What kind of thread should I use on the seed beads? I don't knit or crochet, so I'm lost there. I love making wire jewelry but want to try the patterns for seed beads, or is it not for me since I don't knit or crochet? I learn better by watching/looking at pictures. Thanks so much! Nikki
A Well, Nikki, I don't think there is any wrong way to start stitching! You can try beading even if you don't know how to knit or crochet. (Just ask Lora, our editorial assistant. She has patiently tried to teach me to knit to no avail!) But your desire to start something new is going to help get you through any tricky stitches you face.
Start designing your own jewelry once you feel comfortable with the techniques. These earrings are featured in the
Bead&Button special issue
Vintage Style Jewelry.
It is a great idea to research the materials you will use when you begin stitching. Finding out what threads should be used with what beads, needle sizes, and the proper tools will help you start out on the right foot. Thin nylon beading thread works best when using tiny seed beads, while Fireline works better for sharp beads or crystals. Look for our new Beader's Glossary under the Resource tab on our home page, coming at the end of April. It will be packed with useful information. And coming in the June issue of Bead&Button, I offer some stitching tips in our Expert Advice column.
I imagine it makes sense to some people to begin by making a specific project, whether that involves taking a class or making something out of a magazine or book, but that is not the only way to start. I think a great way to get into stitching is to teach yourself the stitch basics. It is an inexpensive way to see if stitching is right for you. My advice would be to pick one stitch, say peyote stitch. Even-count flat peyote is a good place to start. Gather up some beads - size 8 seed beads are a good size to work with - and check out our online basics on peyote. Then take a moment to review our peyote stitch video, practice a few times, and you've got it! Then you can move on to the next peyote technique, maybe odd-count flat peyote. If you get bored just making samples of the stitches, you can search our projects, and find a piece of jewelry that uses your newly mastered technique. Or if you are feeling really creative, try designing a project of your own.
Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Associate Editor
Bead&Button magazine