All articles

Everything on Beadworks Philadelphia, organised by topic.

Beads & Materials

• Beading Thread vs Wire: What Each Project Needs — Use beading thread for stitches that pass repeatedly through seed beads and need a flexible fabric.
• Seed Bead Sizes Explained: 15/0 to 6/0 Chart and Uses — Seed bead sizes use the aught system: a number followed by /0, where a higher number means a smaller bead.

Techniques

• Brick Stitch for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide — Brick stitch builds offset rows of seed beads by anchoring each new bead under the thread bridge between two beads in the row below, then passing back up…
• How to Make a Beaded Bracelet: 2 Methods That Last — There are two reliable ways to make a beaded bracelet. The simplest: string beads on 0.7 mm elastic stretch cord, tie a surgeon's knot, seal it with a…
• Peyote Stitch for Beginners: Flat Even-Count, Step by Step — Peyote stitch is an off-loom beadweaving technique where beads are sewn together one at a time so each new bead sits in the gap between two beads of the…

Tools & Findings

• Jewelry Pliers Guide: The 5 Types Beaders Actually Need — Beaders need five hand tools: chain nose pliers for gripping wire and opening jump rings, round nose pliers for forming loops, flat nose pliers for…
• Jump Rings Guide: Sizes, Gauges, and Secure Closure — Choose jump rings by wire diameter, inside diameter, metal, hardness, and whether the ring is open, soldered, or split.