Thread: Making your own fringe - supplies recommendations?

Slight spin-off from the thread Shems posted about blinging-up her new red costume. Some of you recommended that she bead her own fringe with Swarovskis (instead of the rhinestone chain that she's planning to use).

What size/shape Swarovskis have you used? From where do you purchase them? (They can get pricey - especially when you need a lot for fringe.)

And does anyone have a great source for the type of beads that are used for the high-quality Egyptian fringe?

I remember some previous threads related to this, but didn't bookmark the threads. I did find this one for Swarovski crystal suppliers:
http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...-crystals.html

Swarovski® Crystal Beads and Components - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Beads and crystals, I love them!

I use dreamtime creations for most, if not all, of my swarovski needs. You can find them at Rhinestones, Swarovski Rhinestones, Crystal Beads & Trims | Dreamtime Creations

Oh, and if you plan on beading your own fringe, I recommend using the Czech glass bugle bead.

Czech Bugle Beads - Iris - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

I have ordered from them recently and have looked at almost everything on the site. What do you order from them specifically for fringe? Thanks.

Originally Posted by shahla

I use dreamtime creations for most, if not all, of my swarovski needs. You can find them at Rhinestones, Swarovski Rhinestones, Crystal Beads & Trims | Dreamtime Creations

Oh, and if you plan on beading your own fringe, I recommend using the Czech glass bugle bead. Because the edges are sharper I recommend using a lightweight fishing line instead of thread. Twisted ones are beautiful! I generally used a size 4. Too small takes forever, too big doesn't look as nice. For a full costume, you generally need at least a kilo.

Beads, Crystals, Findings from Swarovski & Czech.: Czech, Glass Bugle Beads

Czech Glass Bugle Beads, Sizes #1, #3, #5, 20mm, 30mm

Thanks for including specifics! Whenever I look for this stuff on my own, it takes FOREVER because of all the different sizes and such.

Originally Posted by norma

Oh, and if you plan on beading your own fringe, I recommend using the Czech glass bugle bead. Because the edges are sharper I recommend using a lightweight fishing line instead of thread. Twisted ones are beautiful! I generally used a size 4. Too small takes forever, too big doesn't look as nice. For a full costume, you generally need at least a kilo.

Beads, Crystals, Findings from Swarovski & Czech.: Czech, Glass Bugle Beads

Czech Glass Bugle Beads, Sizes #1, #3, #5, 20mm, 30mm

I am making my own right now and I am using glass seed beads. Yes, it is taking forever but I didn't want to use the bugle beads because of the sharp edge factor.

ETA: Also, I am using double strung button thread.

I use 2-cut beads (small and sparkly).
I agree with the other Bhuzzers to get quality glass beads.

The silver, and gold 2-cut beads I bought at the local craft store, tarnish, or turn black. The other colors haven't turned...yet, hopefully they wont.

Originally Posted by gothique

I use 2-cut beads (small and sparkly).
I agree with the other Bhuzzers to get quality glass beads.

The silver, and gold 2-cut beads I bought at the local craft store, tarnish, or turn black. The other colors haven't turned...yet, hopefully they wont.

Yep, the kind of beads used for a lot of the high quality Egyptian fringe are 2-cut or "Hex" beads, like these:
Search Results: - Fire Mountain Gems & Beads Jewelry Supply

I am about to embark on making some chunky style fringe and am thinking of using E beads for the majority, plus other bigger glass beads mixed in. I dunno though, its hard to decide!

What are "E beads"?

I, too, am planning on some "experimental" fringe. For the regular fringe, I gladly purchase it from Scheherezade Imports. But for swags, scattered single strands, mixed beads, etc. I'm looking for great beads. Right now I need fuschia and orange - "Michael's" just isn't coming through for me!

Originally Posted by amanda_raqs

I am about to embark on making some chunky style fringe and am thinking of using E beads for the majority, plus other bigger glass beads mixed in. I dunno though, its hard to decide!

Originally Posted by kiyaana

What are "E beads"?

I, too, am planning on some "experimental" fringe. For the regular fringe, I gladly purchase it from Scheherezade Imports. But for swags, scattered single strands, mixed beads, etc. I'm looking for great beads. Right now I need fuschia and orange - "Michael's" just isn't coming through for me!

These are what I am ordering, similar to E beads, basically big seed beads:
Seed bead, Matsuno® #6, Ruby red, opaque rainbow. Sold per 40-gram package. - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
I hope they will work, I am kind of making it up as I go along!

Pretty! Actually the colors are close for what I'm working on. (Photo in my gallery of fabric and some fringe I already have.)

Originally Posted by amanda_raqs

These are what I am ordering, similar to E beads, basically big seed beads:
Seed bead, Matsuno® #6, Ruby red, opaque rainbow. Sold per 40-gram package. - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
I hope they will work, I am kind of making it up as I go along!

Another great place to get Swarovskis is here:

Rhinestone, Rhinestone and Rhinestone

It's a ballroom website and I think their selections is fabu!

Swarovski Rhinestone Heart Swarovski Rhinestone Flat Back Acrylic Rhinestones

Another post of approval for Fire Mountain Gems; I LOVE using their twisted bugle beads for fringe. I haven't made a bellydance costume yet but here is a few pics of my Moulin Rouge Black Diamonds costume where I did the fringe by hand:

Tail:


Full costume:

What do you use for the thread when making your own fringe?

Originally Posted by crimson vision

Another post of approval for Fire Mountain Gems; I LOVE using their twisted bugle beads for fringe. I haven't made a bellydance costume yet but here is a few pics of my Moulin Rouge Black Diamonds costume where I did the fringe by hand:

Originally Posted by kiyaana

What do you use for the thread when making your own fringe?

I like to use a silver beading thread I get from Joann's since the twisted bugle beads are lined with silver if some of the inside rubs off while threading it still is reflective. I'll try and remember to look at the spool tonight and get more info but it may be a few days as I have dance classes tonight.

Well I was able to find my spool of thread and wouldn't you know it the stickers on the end of the thread came off so I can't tell what it is. :p

I *think* it was DMC but I can't remember.

Thanks for checking - and sharing. ..g.:

Originally Posted by crimson vision

Well I was able to find my spool of thread and wouldn't you know it the stickers on the end of the thread came off so I can't tell what it is. :p

I *think* it was DMC but I can't remember.

I use beading thread from the bead store and make sure I wax it with bee's wax. That helps in keeping the glass beads from breaking the thread.

Your Satine dress makes me want to weep openly out of admiration.
OMG.

Originally Posted by SaraKat

Your Satine dress makes me want to weep openly out of admiration.
OMG.

*blushes*

Wow, thank you for the wesome compliment! I'm a bit of a Moulin Rouge fanatic. The headpiece in my icon is from another MR costume I made. ..l;,