Thread: Short List of Supplies for Beading

All of the beautiful costumes that everyone is making has fueled a beading fire in me. I'm heading for Michael's and JoAnns tomorrow and need to know what to buy. Andalee, I'm especially inspired by your "stash" bra and belt on your blog. I want to start with a belt so how much fabric and interface do I need and what kind of needle and thread do you recommend?

Thanks so much! You are my beading idols!..g.:

beads, needles, thread. The biggest question you will need to answer is what kind of beads you are looking for. And make sure you get more needles than you think you will need and replace them more often than you believe necessary. It will make beading that much easier and faster.

{{{HUGS}}}

Thanks so much, Tahira! I'm excited!

I keep pliers with my beading kit - for pulling needles from tight areas. Sounds strange but it happens. Not necessary for most people but I prefer jewelry working scissors, bought in a craft store. I use a thimble, easier on my fingers. I have regular scissors for cutting interfacing and such but I have small, pointed scissors for what I term tight work. Seam rippers are a necessity. I use plastic containers for storing beads and trims, large yogurt containers work well for me. I prefer a medium weight interfacing to create the belt bases. I prefer nylon velvet or velveteen as a base. I find cotton velvet and velveteen isn't as workable for me since it doesn't stretch. When I purchase appliques I prefer to glue the back to secure stitches.

I like button and craft thread for the beading and i run the thread over beeswax so it doesn't tangle as much. I would get a roll or a yard of 3/4 - 1" grossgrain ribbon. I always add it to the top to prevent stretching. I tend to buy a yard and a half of the main fabric so I have extra in case I mess up or if i end up making a bra and accessories as well.
everyone does it slightly differently...it seems that EZ felt is popular. I have been working with felt/buckram (1 yard or so each) for the base and then using the grossgrain at the top.

you can get some sort of fusible interfacing that will bind the felt and buckram together with an iron.

best of luck!

I also like having a leather thimble..i have some solid metal ones but the leather one seems to be the best for me fit wise and i 2nd the pliers!

Did anyone suggest a bead spinner for the smaller seed beads?

Wow, this is so cool learning all of this. I'm making a list from all of you to take shopping tomorrow. Thanks so much!

Don't forget band aids...