A few tools are essential for beading projects. Some you may already own, and others can be bought from any art supply store.
Table of Contents
Tools for Working with Thread
To bead with thread, you need beading needles as well as a few other tools.
Beading Needles
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Two of the most popular types of beading needles are English beading needles and twisted wire needles.
- English beading needles: These look like standard sewing needles but are longer and thinner. They can be difficult to thread but may be necessary when you’re working with beads that have small holes. English beading needles come in sizes ranging from 10 to 13—the higher the number, the thinner the needle. A pack of all four sizes costs just a few dollars.
- Twisted wire needles: Made from wire twisted around itself, these needles have a round head that’s easy to thread and is forced closed when the needle passes through the hole of the first bead. These needles may not work with the smallest beads.
Other Tools for Beading with Thread
- Scissors:Â These are necessary for snipping thread.
- Tweezers:Â These can be used to select and place small beads and to make it easier to work with thread.
- Beading awl:Â This long, pointed piece of metal with a wooden or plastic handle is used to maneuver knots in thread.
- Beeswax: Coating some beading threads, such as Nymo, with this substance prevents fraying, tangling, and water damage. Beeswax also keeps these threads smooth to facilitate knotting and weaving.
Tools for Working with Wire
If you’re working with wire, you’ll need several types of pliers and some other tools.
- Pliers: You should have a pair of round-nose pliers and a pair of flat-nose pliers. Round-nose pliers are used to shape loops, while flat-nose are used to bend wire into angles. Both types can be used to apply pressure in order to crimp findings together (see Findings [Beading Components]), though you can also get a beading crimper for that job.
- Wire cutters: These tools are essentially pliers with sharp, scissorlike edges that provide an even end for cutting beading wire or cord. (Scissors should be used to cut thread only—not wire or cord.)
- Jewelers’ files: Abrasive metal tools used to smooth the cut ends of wire. Files come in various shapes and create finishes that range from fine to coarse. It may be worthwhile to buy a set of different files if you plan on working with wire regularly.
Helpful Accessories
Though not essential for beading, the following accessories can help keep your work area neat and make certain beading techniques easier.
- Bead trays: These compartmentalized plastic trays help you store, sort, and identify your beads.
- Bead boards: Used to plan bead-stringing projects, these flat, plastic boards contain channels in which you can lay out beads before stringing them. Bead boards also have length marks along the channels to facilitate measuring.
- Jewelers’ glue: This glue can be applied to knots or any other finding thats need to be fixed in place.
