Beading Q and A: Bead Stitching (3/23/2011)

BeadGal answers:

A Peyote stitch places the beads in a staggered pattern to form multiple triangles with the beads as seen here.
Http://www.noeasybeads.com/peyote/

A Ndebele stitch places the beads in a straight row pattern to form multiple squares with the beads as seen here.
Http://noeasybeads.com/ndebeledir/

BeadGal answers:

I taught a hemp jewelry class while employed at AC Moore.  I started making hemp jewelry to sell. Every time I visited a craft store I found natural stone disks with very small holes that I wanted to use in a necklace. I found a thin (2mm) hemp, dark brown, that would go well with the stones. But I could string the stones only on one strand. Still used four strands, but when I came to a stone, I passed three of the strands behind the stone.

I wish I had taken a picture, but I gave it to someone as a gift. I can tell you though, that it turned out great and I plan on making more.

BeadGal answers:

I have been beading for about 2 years. I have tried Nymo, Silamide, C-lon, and Fireline. Fireline has become my personal favorite. I started with Nymo, but found that I could use only short lengths because it tended to fray after multiple passes through beads. Crystals have a tendency to cut it. The limitations of Fireline is that it is available in only smoke and crystal whereas Nymo is available in a myriad of colors. Fireline’s biggest advantages are that crystals will not cut it and it creates a firmer final result if tension is an issue for you. None of these threads are really expensive, so it would not be a strain on your wallet to try them all. I purchase all my thread at ArtBeads.com online, but you can also shop your local bead store, and sporting good stores have Fireline on large reels (125 yards) – try Dick’s, Wal-Mart, Gander Mountain – anyplace that have fishing supplies because it is fishing line.