Loom beading was a Native American tradition. A typical Native American bead bracelet is made according to a particular tribe. They were traditionally made form shells, coral, turquoise, stones, copper, amber, ivory, and animal bones and teeth. Glass beads were later introduced to America by European travelers, which became a valued item and was incorporated into designs. Beads were used as currency, because they were highly valued by Native Americans. Beads decorated almost every piece of clothin, moccasins, and bead bracelets. Typical Native American bead bracelets were made of very small, brightly colored beads arranged in geometrical patterns. The beads are sewn into hide or another kind of material, and the bracelet is tied together at the sides. Beads have been used by Native Americans for thousands of years. They used to weave beads on a loom to create long, narrow bands for hair and bracelets. Decorating clothing, vessels, tools, and weapons was also very popular. After 1900, Native Americans created beaded products especially for tourists market. However, in the recent years, beading has become popular once again, in fact, it has been a revived as a craft. A variety of beading looms are now available plus a variety of beads. There are certain facts, any way, that must be kept in mind while loom beading.
Tips for Loom Beading
Beading is a very inexpensive hobby that requires a loom, a beading needle, thread, and of course, beads.
First you need to buy quality materials, especially the loom. Metal looms tend to become loose. Plastic looms can warp or stretch easily. Wooden looms are the best ones, as they are maintain sturdy
Nowadays stores make numerous types of beads. Czech seed beads are common and easy-to-find as also easy to handle. Size 6 is quite large, 10 and 11 are mid-range, and 13 is tiny and very complex to work with. Size 10 is best for the beginners.
You can find free patterns on the Internet or in books, your own patterns can also be used. Most people, designing their own patterns, use graph paper and colored pencils to plot out their designs. Sketch out a drawing on graph paper of desired size. Then color in each square to represent a bead.
Choose enough beads right in the beginning. For an 8-inch, 8-strand bracelet, you need between 300 and 400 size 10 beads. It’s always good to have more than enough so that you won’t run out before your project is completed.
Choose a nylon beading thread, this is because it is strong and flexible.
The size of needle is important. It should be one size smaller than the bead size. When using a size 10 bead, select a size 11 needle.
A great tip is to use some cloth on your worktable. If you drop beads they won’t bounce and scatter.
Basically you will put your nylon thread on the loom to your required width and length. you will start beading by tieing a knot at the starting point with your thread and bead the first row of beads. Go under the loom and through the beads to make them sturdy. repeat until bracelet is finished
Beading was very fun and they can turn out to be very cool. All that you need to know is up top so try it because I quite enjoyed it, plus its great for spare time bordom.
