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Types of Beads
There are some very typical descriptions of beads that you will find on all bead sites. This list, although not complete, will give you an overview of the most common.
Bugle Beads
These beads come in various lengths, from size one (the shortest) to size five (the longest). They are cut glass cane and, in addition to coming in various lengths, come in different finishes and twists. The edges of their holes can be sharp so care must be taken if you are choosing to use threads with these beads.
Charlottes (or True-cuts or One-cuts)
These are Czech seed beads that have one or more flat facets ground onto their surfaces. They are typically available in sizes 13/0 and 14/0.
Cloisonne Beads
These are beads that are enamel fired onto a background – usually metal – in a mosaic or stained glass effect.
Delica Beads
Are Japanese glass beads with thin walls and large holes. They are perfectly cylindrical and prized by beaders looking for a smooth, consistent finish for their project.
Faceted Beads
Are glass beads that are cut (whether by hand or machine) to produce many flat faces on the surface of the bead. Crystals are a type of faceted glass beads, but not all faceted beads are crystal, some are pressed glass. Generally you tell the difference by looking closely at the facet lines. Crystals have very defined edges while a pressed glass facet has smoother edges.
Gem Beads
These beads include natural gemstone, enhanced gemstone or manmade or reconstructed materials.
Gemstone Chips
Are polished chips of semiprecious stone that are irregular in shape.
Hex-Cuts
Are Japanese glass beads cut from six-sided cane.
Lampworked Beads
These are beads made by hand, over a torch. These beads can be made with many different colours and techniques and may be very intricate in their design.
Liquid Silver Beads
These are fine tubes of silver that look ‘liquid’ when strung. They come in various sizes, like bugles, and may be sterling, plated, or simply silver covered.
Pony Beads
These are beads that are shaped like seed beads but are larger – sizes 5/0, 6/0 and 8/0. They are commonly made of glass, plastic or wood.
Pressed Glass – or Molded Beads
These are beads that are made by pressing the molten glass into molds to create various shaped beads. Many of the novelty beads are pressed glass.
Seed Beads
These are very short pieces of chopped glass cane that are heated until they are smooth. The two most common are Czech seed beads, which are more donut shaped and Japanese seed beads which are more cylindrical.
Heishe Beads
Are small disks or short tubes cut from natural shell.
Three-cuts
Are Czech beads with irregular facets all over their surface.
Perhaps the most important consideration concerning wires and threads relates to its strength. The heavier the beads you will be stringing, the stronger the wire you will need. Therefore, before choosing your stringing material, take a look at the project you have in mind. Consider the following…
- What is the finished weight of my project likely to be?
- Am I going to be passing the stringing material back through some of the beads a number of times?
- What is the ‘drape’ of the project? (stiff, shaped, flowing…)
Threads
There are a wide variety of different thread types available for stringing. The threads come in a variety of materials, weights and thicknesses to accommodate different project needs and purposes. Cords specifically made for stringing are generally made with a tight twist to provide it with strength and durability. The cording may also then be coated for additionally protection.
When selecting a thread for stringing your project ensure that the thread will pass through the smallest borehole of the beads to be used and that it is strong enough to support the weight of the finished strand. You need to also consider whether your work will require you to pass through your bead a number of times (as in weaving). If so, you also need to ensure that your stringing thread is fine enough to allow for this.
Synthetic fibers have replaced the use of silk for many beaders because of their lower cost and their resistance to aging and environmental effects. Synthetic fibers include nylon, polyester, Kevlar and silamide.
Braided bead threads (such as Nymo and Silamide) are used primarily for bead weaving and on and off the loom bead work. You may choose to coat your threads with beeswax, or a product such as Thread Heaven, to prevent it from knotting too easily. Silamide is pre-waxed and a little thicker than Nymo.
Dandyline braided bead thread and Power Pro bead thread are very durable. They knot and thread easily and are not prone to fraying. These are very strong synthetic threads that can be used to string a variety of beads, from very light to very heavy. Although you can generally thread these lines through a needle, it is recommended to cut the thread with wire cutters.
Spiderline Fusion is a type of fishing line that produces a stiff fabric, great for three dimensional work as a result. It is a Kevlar material and therefore it does not tend to cut itself in the work.
Wires
Nylon-coated steel beading wire is designed for stringing beads and is flexible enough to use for some very simple weaving projects as well. It should always be stretched before stringing the beads, to release the kinks. Beading wire comes in a variety of widths, depending upon the size and weight of the beads you intend to use. .024 is thicker and is good for large abrasive beads, while the smallest size is .014 which is good for smaller seed beads. Beading wires should always be cut with wire cutters.
Braided beading cord is preferred by many for stringing heavier beads. Braided cord will require you to put a drop of fray check onto the ends of the wire to prevent htem from fraying, and to slide through your beads more easily.
Memory wire is a firm, pre-coiled wire which holds its shape as you use it. It comes in pre-formed shapes for rings, bracelets and necklaces. Finish the ends with either half-drilled beads or make loops from the ends of the wire
Often, new beaders (and even experienced ones!) are confused about how many beads they will need in order to complete a desired project. Use the following charts as a guide to understanding how many beads a project is likely to require and to therefore determine how many beads you will need to purchase.
How many beads per inch?
|
Bead Size |
1” |
7” |
16” |
24” |
|
11/0 seed |
18 |
126 |
288 |
432 |
|
8/0p |
13 |
91 |
208 |
312 |
|
6/0 |
10 |
70 |
160 |
240 |
|
3 mm |
8.46 |
59.2 |
136 |
204 |
|
4 mm |
6.35 |
44.5 |
102 |
153 |
|
5 mm |
5.08 |
35.6 |
82 |
125 |
|
6 mm |
4.23 |
29.6 |
68 |
101 |
|
7 mm |
3.62 |
25.3 |
58 |
86 |
|
8 mm |
3.17 |
22.2 |
51 |
76 |
|
10 mm |
2.54 |
17.8 |
41 |
