Master Your Beading Patterns: 3 Little Ways to Be a Better Beader

Tips for Bead Weaving Fanatics

1. Master the basics. Before you can start looking at super complex designs you have to make sure that you start smaller. Don't worry, you will work your way up to those enthralling difficult patterns, but you can't complete those without understanding all the basic stitching patterns. 
   
   On a similar note, you need to make sure you understand the terminology for beading. It is important to understand the different between a seed bead and tila bead and how they work when crafting. Understanding and mastering the basic stitch patterns and basic bead patterns may seem boring at first; but, it is really going to help you in the long run when you start working on more complex beadwork designs. 

2. Set the scenery. This may seem like a silly step, but do not just brush over it. If you are in an uncomfortable area while you are working on your latest seed bead pattern or whatever type of bracelet you are making, then you will become itchy and uncomfortable halfway through your crafting session. When this happens you will either rush your DIY bracelet so you don't have to be uncomfortable anymore, or be forced to take a break.
   
   It is super simple to avoid all of this drama by simply making sure you are in a comfortable, clean area. Make sure you have good lighting before you start, and place all your beads on containers or matts that will make it easer to see the beads. From there, you can craft away without ever getting disturbed. 

3. Experiment and push yourself. Now that you know the basics by heart and can basically bead in your sleep, you are ready to branch out and start experimenting. If you continue to only watch tutorials and practice the patterns that are shown to you, you will not be able to grow to your full potential as a beader. 
   
   You need to push yourself beyond these limitations and work on creating your own patterns or designs. Even if at first you just switch up a couple of things in a beading pattern you already know by heart, you are still starting to branch out and make progress. Don't limit yourself to what you see. Let your creativity flow!

4. Bonus tip! To become an even faster bead weaving fanatic, put a band-aid on the pinky finger of your dominant hand to keep it from getting rubbed when you add tension to the string.