What’s in your Beading Kit?

1) Beading Needles

 Here’s the scoop on beading needles...The higher the size number, the smaller the eye, the thinner and more bendable the needle. What does this mean? Well, a smaller number size needle, for instance size 10, has a larger eye (hole) and is sturdier, which means you can thread through a larger pound (LB) size of filament or thread, and the needle will retain its shape and not bend so easily. Most seed bead projects are easily accomplished with a size 10 or 11 beading needle. As you decrease the size of seed beads you are working with, such as Charlottes or 15/0, you may need to use a size 12 or 13 needle that will allow for multiple passes through a bead.

2) Beading Needle Cases

Storing needles is so important for every avid Beader.  Storing needles so you can find the size you need at the moment you need it is crucial.  Many Beaders make their own flat cases or design unique beadwork around needle tube cases. Whichever is your preference, ensure that needle sizes are separated into different cases or sections.  If needles are stored together, it may be difficult to distinguish a size 12 from a size 13, especially when time is of the essence.

 3) Scissors

There are a wide variety of scissors and snippers on the market that are built for both efficiency & precision and make close cuts effortlessly on non-metal stringing material. An easy and affordable solution is a small pair of embroidery scissors which cuts virtually any threading material and often comes in its own carrying case. Over time and use any scissors will dull, especially on braided beading thread, and will need to be replaced. Embroidery scissors may be your best investment for reliability and durability.

4) PLIERS/NEEDLE PULL

You may occasionally have trouble pulling your needle through beads with thread-filled holes.  Although using your teeth can be tempting, your dentist may not consider the best solution! A simple pair of chain-nose pliers does the job – so keep these close on your beading tray.

5) AWL

This handy-dandy tool is a great asset for:
• Coaxing a wayward bead into place
• Removing a knot
• Smoothing a Bead hole
• A 3rd hand

6) TWEEZERS

No matter how carefully thread is treated, including preconditioning and needle dangling, inevitably we all experience knot issues. Tweezers are an extremely good tool for removing them. Simply insert the two pointed ends inside the knot; when the tweezers are pulled apart, so is the knot.

7) TASK LIGHT

Ott Lighting is the number one choice! With this type of lighting you will see more clearly and comfortably. This type of lighting produces a natural daylight indoors and offers a number of benefits
• See the details and colours more clearly and accurately
• Reduces glare and eyestrain
• Energy efficient and long-lasting

There are so many choices in Ott Lighting design including table clip-ons, floor standing, portables, magnifiers…..the choice is a personal preference. Many Beaders work with both a floor model and table top ensuring the entire beading surface is covered in natural light.

8) BEADING SURFACE

The majority of Beaders use a velvety nylon fabric matt as their working surface – an excellent choice. These matts are relatively inexpensive, come in a range of sizes, prevents beads from rolling and are easily packed into a bag. Additionally, they come in a variety of colours – depending on the type and colour of beads being used – and can be simply tossed into the light cycle in the washer to clean. Also a great surface to stash a few extra needles while you work.

Consider putting this fabric on a plastic tray – which offers the added benefits of a firm surface and elevated edges on all fours sides so beads cannot escape. Other folks prefer leather or sectioned ceramic trays to keep beads from mixing. Just depends on your Beading organizational style.

For stringing projects, the Bead Board is the answer! These are designed so that a bead project can be laid out to get an idea of how the finished piece will look. Bead Boards are extremely light-weight, sectioned, portable and light gray in colour making it easy to see your beads and findings.

9) SCOOPS

There are numerous scoops available for picking up beads and returning them to their containers.

Consider the following:
• Shovel Tweezers – the shovel part is bendable so you can adjust the angle and the tweezer ends are perfect for picking up beads or untying knots
• Bead Scoop – perfectly made for scooping up and depositing beads
• Flat Scoop – wedge-designed for bigger scooping and depositing

For counting and scooping Baby spoons also work well!

10) SCRAP CONTAINER

It’s handy to have some sort of vessel for throwing away odd bits of thread or culled beads. A simple solution is one of your extra plastic container whose lid has gone missing. Or, a fabric basket attached to a weighted pincushion hung from the edge of your work table. This method keeps your work area neat and your needles nearby.