Beadwork
Hopefully Helpful Hints
Although there aren't any really hard and fast rules concerning beadwork,
there are methods and techniques that can make life easier. The following
are a dozen points that can be worth keeping in mind. They are by
no means conclusive, merely things that I have discovered through trial
and error, and in no specific order.
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Do make sure that the clasp you wish to use is really suitable for the
purpose: eg a screw clasp is not a good idea for a bracelet because you
need two hands to use it. If you cannot get hold of a suitable bracelet
clasp then a bolt ring will do the trick.
-
Don't use thread singly - always use it doubled, it will be much stronger.
-
Do make sure that the thread is long enough to do the job. It is
better to have too much than not enough. However, so long as the
thread is double it can be extended.
-
Do check that you threading needle will pass through (with doubled thread)
the smallest of the beads you are going to use. Remember that some
beads are passed through more than once in some threading sequences; if
that is the case the thread should be fine enough for your smallest beads.
-
Don't try to be too ambitious with your first attempts at Beadwork.
Choose something fairly simple: there is no harm in lots of enthusiasm,
but failure can be discouraging.
-
Remember, knots tied with nylon thread will tend to slide over themselves
and come undone. The way to stop this is to heat seal the knot, eg
by touching it with a soldering iron or even a match.
-
Remember, knots don't have to be used only to tie on clasps and extend
thread lengths: they can also be used as spacers between beads. This
is especially useful if the beads need to be cushioned from each other,
eg pearls.
-
Much of the work of threading can be done using an ordinary dressmaking
needle. However, if this won't work and you have no beading needles,
there are some alternatives: (a) use twisted fuse wire - leaving a loop
at the end at first to put the thread through; or (b) stiffen the end of
your thread with glue - but this should only be used as a stopgap measure.
-
If beads of different kinds are to be arranged in a specific sequence,
a person can save threading time by arranging them on a grooved board (to
prevent them rolling). Other alternatives are folded card, corrugated
cardboard or corduroy material, etc. It is a tradition of pearl threaders
to use a piece of velvet in this way.
-
In order to cause as little fraying of the thread as possible while working,
it is a good idea to wax it. Beeswax is the best kind to use.
-
Do remember the following points concerning lengths: (a) an adult choker
should be a minimum of 14 inches long; (b) a necklace between 14 and 22½
inches in length must have a fastener - any longer and it can be a loop;
but (c) do not make a necklace any longer than 48 inches because it then
becomes dangerous to wear.
-
Do not put large beads all around the neck in a necklace: it may become
uncomfortable to wear. To avoid this, leave about 5 inches free at
the back, (it's more economical too).
Astrid Stormtongue,
October, A.S. XXI.