How to Plan a Beading Project

Before you begin any beading project, you should first plan it out. Planning a project means deciding:

• Whether you want to string or weave beads
• The type of beads you want to use
• The piece’s shape, color, texture, pattern, and focus
• The stringing material you want to use
• The findings you want to use
• The tools you need

Determining the Number of Beads

You should determine the number of beads you need to use ahead of time in order to:

• Help plan your patterns
• Avoid buying too many or too few beads

Length

If you’re working on a project that requires many beads, such as a necklace or bracelet, decide on a length before you begin to calculate the number of beads you need. If you’re using a clasp, subtract 1″ from the total length of the necklace or bracelet to find the length you’ll need to bead.

Necklace Length

Necklace length should be based on the size of the wearer’s neck and how you want the necklace to hang when worn. The table below offers general guidelines.

For chokers, subtract 2″ from the lowest suggested length.

Bracelet Length

Measure the circumference of the wearer’s wrist. If the bracelet is to be made with elastic, use that measurement. Otherwise, add 1/2–1″.

Calculating the Number of Beads Based on Length

To estimate the number of beads you’ll need, first figure out how many beads are necessary to fill an inch, then multiply that number by the length of the piece (in inches). If you’re stringing a piece, lay out the pieces on a beadboard or flat surface, and count the number of beads in one inch.

For bead-woven projects, create a beading swatch by working about an inch or two of the pattern to determine how many beads (and in which colors and styles, if using more than one) are required for each inch. For example, if a daisy stitch features 1 yellow and 6 pink beads per flower, and there are 3 flowers per inch, you’ll need 3 yellow beads and 18 pink beads per inch of bracelet.