We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Bead Weaving?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: Feb 18, 2024
Views: 38,796
Share

Bead weaving uses tiny seed beads and string to create decorative works of art as well as wearable items, such as necklaces and belts. There are two methods of bead weaving — one method uses a loom while the other method, commonly known as off-loom weaving, is created with a needle or by hand. Both methods of bead weaving have a storied history on the North American continent. Craftspeople continue to practice bead weaving in the 21st century.

It is believed that bead weaving originated with Native American tribes. One theory is that the Native Americans received the small glass beads from European traders and began weaving the beads into their textiles. Another theory holds that bead weaving is one of the oldest art forms and came about at the same time as basket and fabric weaving.

Early bead weaving methods did not require any tools. These techniques were most likely quite similar to braiding and were known as wire work, even though the string used to hold the project together was usually made of either animal hides or twisted together plant material. In the 20th century, wire-work beading came to refer to threading beads on to thin strands of wire to make jewelry.

Another hand-weaving style was known as bias weaving, which was a bit more complicated than wire-work weaving. Wire work did not have a warp, or support thread, and relied on two weft, or filler, threads. The weft thread in bias weaving, however, was occasionally bent to turn it into a warp thread.

Common hand-weaving stitches still used by modern craftspeople include the brick stitch and the gourd stitch. The gourd stitch, also known as the peyote stitch, can be used to create elaborate, tube-shaped pieces of jewelry. Brick stitch earns its name because the beads resemble a brick facade when the weaving is complete.

Loom weaving most likely originated when European explorers came to the North American continent in the 17th century. A common loom was the bow loom and a common weaving style on the loom was the double-strand square weave. The warp threads were attached at two ends to the loom while craftspeople threaded the beads onto the weft thread. The weft thread is then usually woven in and out of the warp threads, thereby producing a square design. Using the bow loom, craftspeople were able to create larger pieces of art than they were using hand methods.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By sunshined — On Jun 25, 2011

I have done a little bit of bead weaving to make small pieces of jewelry. There are so many beautiful colors of seed beads to choose from. I chose some bead designs that were simple and easy to follow from a pattern book with good pictures and descriptions.

I had some previous experience with beaded jewelry, so found the process to be pretty simple. I have seen some bigger projects where they use a lot more beads and the patterns look much more complicated to follow. The end result is very intricate and beautiful though.

By julies — On Jun 23, 2011

I have completed a few weaving projects, so thought I would give bead weaving a try. Even though I think the projects you can make with this type of craft are absolutely beautiful, I found out it was not for me.

I was inspired because of all the wonderful, finished projects I saw displayed at a craft show. I quickly discovered that I did not like working with the tiny seed beads and found the bead patterns hard to follow.

I suppose if you had someone sitting beside you showing you what to do for each step it would be much easier. But I would not recommend trying to learn this on your own.

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-bead-weaving.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.