The Techniques of Bead Working
The Techniques of Bead Working 
Bead working has a long history that started off with simple items such as shells or stones.
Bead working is the method of attaching beads through the various techniques of embroidery, crochet, knitting, loom, off-loom, and stringing. The decorative use of beads can be found everywhere in items such as jewelry, clothing, hats, scarves, decorations, and ornaments. Religious items have been known for their ornamental bead work. It is even used for good luck charms as well as for healing.
History of Bead Working
Bead work has been a cultural craft for thousands of years. The Europeans originally used shells or rocks found in the natural environment to make ornaments. Eventually, they were able to purchase tiny beads in many vibrant colors however because of their size the beads were hard to work with. Eventually, bigger beads were produced making the original ones obsolete. Today, these first beads are considered antiques. As a result of their popularity, they can be worth a good bit of money.
The Native Americans also used natural elements as their beads such as shells, seeds, and deer hooves. It was during their trading expeditions that they were introduced to the various types of beads from Europe. Already skilled in weaving, the Native Americans took these beads and created more complex items.
Throughout the centuries, beads have gone in and out of style and have been used for many purposes. Each decade in the twentieth century saw a boom of new uses and techniques. Today beads are available in different colors, sizes and materials.
Bead Working Techniques
Embroidery
The embroidery bead work technique is used to stitch beads onto the surface of a finished product using a needle and thread. The beads do not make up the actual finished piece since they are added afterwards. This technique is used for decorating and can be found on items such as handbags or hats.
Crochet
- Turquoise in Contemporary Native American Jewelry
- Beads used in Hand Made Jewellery
- Cleansing Sacred Objects
This technique weaves beads into the yarn as the stitches are being made. The beads are part of the finished product since they are included when the stitches are made. Items of this technique include necklaces and bracelets.
Knitting
A cousin to the crochet technique, this method also integrates beads into the stitches. Ceramic or glass beads are commonly used in this technique.
Loom Weaving
This method requires the use of a loom, a device that holds material in place as it is woven. The beads are strung onto the material before it is added to the loom.
Off-loom Weaving
Off-loom weaving is commonly used for smaller beads that are woven into the fabric. It is the same technique as the loom weaving method but does not use a loom. Most products created are flat such as a blanket.
Stringing
The String bead work technique is simple as the beads are added to a string or wire. It is a very popular way to make jewelry. Complex designs can be created for advanced weavers by using more than one strand of wire to string the beads.
Bead working has become popular over the past decade. Beads are readily available at craft stores or on the Internet. For more information on beading, visit Bead Jewelry Making.
Sources
- “Basic Beading Techniques.” Bead Jewelry Making, 2011. Web. 24, May 2011.
- “Beading History.” Bead Wrangler, 2011. Web. 24 May 2011.
- “History of Native American Beadwork.” Cameron Trading Post, 2005. Web. 24 May 2011.
