Thread: Beading help?

So, I've decided to finally suck it up and actually try to make a cab cossie from scratch...somewhere the inspiration bug has hit me. I quilt, however I have limited clothing sewing experience...but I found an "easy" pattern that I'm adjusting to the design I have in my head. I'm not so terrified of the actual costume construction....I just don't want to jack up the whole thing with shoddy beading. I am aiming for a minimalistic beading approach, but do want to have some, so it isn't just a belly baring dress, kwim?

I am thinking of using fishing line for the beadwork thread...my Hanan uses this and the beadwork has held up much better than others...

Any website suggestions or anything for a newbie beader? :)

i use upholestery thread on flat work. i make all my own costumes.

I've only ever used fishing line for coins because they are so sharp. I'd be worried it might make the costume a bit stiff but I've never used it myself so it might work great! I use upholstery thread though too.
I like to use a stitch (I think "Turkish Stitch") to cover a lot of area without having to do much beading. You connect two sequins with a string of seed beads and it takes up a lot of area. It's often done on the edging of chiffon veils. If you like the look of it, its pretty quick.
Good luck! I'm sure it will turn out great! :)

Where does one get fishing line? Do they come super-super thing for those itty-bitty seed beads?? And what special type of needles--if any--do you Master/Mistress Beaders use? ..g.:

I buy beading thread and beading needles from shipwreckbeads where I also buy most of my beads. I have in a pinch used unwaxed dental floss but prefer beading thread. They sell it in large cones so it is economical.

I got fishing line in the jewelry making section of craft stores...but the upholstery and beading thread are now intriguing me...LOL.

Letitia thank you for the beading advice, I have the patience of a 3 year old so less work is a better deal for me...LOL

Beadalon's Dandyline is extremely durable beading thread. I've used it for jewelry projects and it's quite sturdy but hangs nicely.

Fire Mountain has a large FAQ online. Their discussion of threads is here: Ask the Experts: Previous Questions & Answers - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads and working with seed beads is here: Ask the Experts: Previous Questions & Answers - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

I've always used upholstery thread or heavy-duty coat thread. Works fine. I also "seal" my knots and places where I've tied off the end of a thread with fabric glue.

As far as minimal designs, look for inspiration on pictures of a costumes. Search for appliqués that you like, then all you have to do is sew those on rather than doing a boatload of beading.

Ozma, what is this Turkish thing you speak off? Picture? I think I know what you're talking about but if I'm missing a technique then I want to know.

Originally Posted by AllyisLuma

Search for appliqués that you like, then all you have to do is sew those on rather than doing a boatload of beading.

I avoided lots of beading by using a wide ribbon that already had beading and design on it. I think it was in the tapestry/ upholstery section. Since it was so wide, I did a lot of the bling for me by just sewing it on. Then I put accent beads here and there.

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

I avoided lots of beading by using a wide ribbon that already had beading and design on it. I think it was in the tapestry/ upholstery section. Since it was so wide, I did a lot of the bling for me by just sewing it on. Then I put accent beads here and there.

You should post a picture of your costume to show off your ribbon idea. I think it looks nice.

I like to completely cover my costumes with beads and sequins, so I'm not the one to ask for minimalistic beading. I have no self control.

I've been using craft/button thread to sew my decorations in place, and I haven't had any trouble. (I tend to use the sequin-few beads-sequins pattern, so the sequins protect the thread for getting cut by and sharp bead edges.) I never really liked using fishing line because I can't ever seem to get a good knot with it.

Here is my bedlah with the aforementioned 4-inchwide ribbon covering most of the belt and the top part of the bra.