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Weaving with seed beads is like normal bead weaving, with a couple of slight differences. Here is how to weave with seed beads. Click any image to enlarge it.

  1. [1]
    • Warp Thread: The long, strong thread running over the loom
    • Weft Thread: The thread you string the beads onto and then weave under and over the warp thread, creating the weft thread
    • Dowel: The round wooden stick at either end of the loom.
  2. In particular, Be careful not to split the thread with the needle as you work your way across the warp, as you will then not be able to pull your warp thread through the weft thread.
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  3. Tie one end of the thread onto the pin on the dowel. [2]
  4. so that you can slip the thread off the dowel holder without clipping all the threads. [3]
    • Pull the thread over the top of the loom and wind around the pin on the other dowel. Make sure that the thread ends up in the groves on the top of your loom, such that the thread is straight as possible.
    • Pull the thread over the loom and then wind it under the pin and over the top of the loom again. Make sure to always use a separate set of groves. Continue warping the loom with sufficient threads to accommodate the required number of beads to obtain the width of your piece. You will need one more thread than the number of beads. This will also depend on the size of the beads you are using, if the beads you are using are bigger than the spaces between the threads, go back and add an extra empty grove in between each thread.
    • Thread from the outside in. This is to keep the threads tidy on the pins and prevent a bunch of knots when the threads are removed from the loom.
  5. Tie the other end down with a double knot as well (on the opposite side from your starter knot) around the pin on the dowel. [4]
    • This way of warping is absolutely essential for this method.
  6. Thread your needle and secure the weft thread (white) with a double knot to the warp thread (pink). Here, there is enough thread on the loop to hold 8 beads. [5]
  7. and pass it through UNDER the warp threads. With your other hand, push the beads up through the threads. [6]
  8. until you have reached the required length for your item. You also may need to add another weft thread, to do so, just repeat the steps for adding the first weft thread. Once the desired length is reached, work the thread back and forth a few rows. Make sure this row is secure so the beads don't fall off.
  9. The weaving part is done. The rest is finishing.
  10. and turn the pin towards the woven strip so that the threads can fall off the pin.
  11. being careful not to pull on them and so warp your strip. Snip only the thread that is knotted, just above the knot.
  12. Again, snip only the thread that is knotted, just above the knot.
  13. , to leave enough thread either side of the bracelet to finish off your work and still have enough thread to add a clasp.
  14. and start by pulling the centre thread. Then take it one row at a time on either side of the centre.
    • Keep the tension even. Don't pull the thread too tightly as this will cause your beadwork to scrunch up. If you do pull it too tightly, just smooth it out again. After each pull, your thread will become longer. Continue like this until you have pulled all the threads through.
    • You will also notice that once you have pulled a thread through, the ends are pulled completely onto the bead. On the left hand side, the thread (which was the long thread) is now also pulled completely onto the bead.
  15. until all the threads are pulled through.
  16. to add a clasp or finish the piece however you want.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do you pull the warp threads out? Seems like that would make the whole thing fall apart.
    Ellen Huffman
    Community Answer
    You don't pull them out. You pull it through the woven beads so that the loop on the other end lays flat against the edge of your beadwork. That's why you have to warp the loom in their specific way.
  • Question
    What thread do you suggest ?
    Ava Kirby
    Community Answer
    Nylon thread, like Coats & Clark Extra Strong Upholstery nylon thread. You should be able to get it at any store that has sewing supplies for fairly cheap.
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      Tips

      • To avoid splitting the thread, use a 0.2mm clear gut with a long, thin beading needle. This method also helps to make the threads less conspicuous once the item is completed and you therefore do not have to have thread that matches your beads, which can be difficult if you are weaving different coloured beads.
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