Beads Weaving

Bead Weaving is a term that describes the process of combining beads in a strand by interlacing the thread through the beads. When beads are joined in this fashion, the effect is delicate and can be rather lacy, depending of course, on the pattern and the colors of the beads that are thus connected.

The following are instructions for two methods of weaving beads. The first is the 'cross-over' technique. It is so called because a thread with two needles is used, and during the process of stringing the beads, the two threads cross-over through one or more of the beads. The other method is for the creation of a classic Victorian-style choker by weaving techniques.

CROSS OVER BRACELET
Materials:
· 40 freshwater pearls
· 82, 4 mm gold beads, fluted
· 2, 4 mm jump rings
· 1 spring-type clasp
· 4' silk thread
· 1 pin
· 2 needles
· Glue
· Scissors

Method
1. Glue the slit in one of the jump rings to strengthen the ring.
2. Thread the cord with a needle at each end and center the jump ring on the thread.
3. Loop the cord twice through the jump ring. Secure the jump ring to the bead board with a pin to hold it in place while you are weaving the beads.
4. Thread a gold bead onto each of the two strands.
5. With one of the needles, thread on a pearl.
6. With the other needle, pass through the same pearl, exiting on the opposite end of the first needle. (See Figure below)
7. With a strand in each hand, gently pull the pearl snug against the two gold beads.
8. Continue Steps 4 through 7 with the remaining beads, ending with the gold beads.
9. Slip the other jump ring onto one of the cords, and loop the thread twice around the ring.
10. Pass this needle through the opposite gold bead, tie a knot, then pass through the pearl and knot once more.
11. Repeat Step 10 with the other needle.
12. Cut the ends of the threads close to the knots, and apply a drop of glue to each knot.
13. Slip the jump ring through the loop on the spring clasp, then apply a drop of glue to the slit in the ring for strengthening.

CLASSIC VICTORIAN-STYLE CHOKER WITH RIBBON THREADED THROUGH
A necklace of this style has long graced the neck of a debutante at her first ball, and there are few necklaces more charming. The technique is the same basic method as for the bracelet just illustrated, but in this case, all of the beads will be of equal size, no more than 4 mm, but preferably, 3 mm and ideally, either small pearls or mother-of-pearl.

To go around a neck of 15", the length of the finished strand should be about 14". Remember, a narrow velvet ribbon will be woven through the beads and will be tied at the back of the neck, so it is not necessary that the strand of beads be equal to the diameter of the neck. If you are using 3 mm beads, then you will require about 350 beads for a length of 14", and about 260 beads if the diameter is 4 mm.

METHOD
1. The necklace consists of a series of loops, through which the ribbon will be woven.
2. Each set of two loops contains 17 beads, and measures ¾" if the beads are 3 mm, and 1" if the beads are 4 mm, as shown here:
3. Divide the finished length, say 14", by the length of the two loops, either 3/4" or 1". This means that there will be 18.6 loops in a 14" strand. Dropping the .6 to 18, then multiplying 18 times the number of beads in the two loops (17), we get 306 beads. If we round off 18.6 to 19, then multiply that times 17, we get 323 beads.
The 4 mm was easier to figure, as two loops equals 1", so we multiply 14 times 17, and get 238 beads.

CROSS-OVER NECKLACE - 25"
Materials:
· 203, 4 mm Mother-Of-Pearl beads
· 138, 4 mm carnelian beads
· 2, 3 mm jump rings
· 1 clasp
· 1 card #2 nylon cord
· 2 needles
· Pin
· Scissors
· Glue

Method
1. Center a jump ring on the thread.
2. With the right hand needle thread on 3 carnelian beads, then a mother-of-pearl bead.
3. With the left hand needle, thread a carnelian, then mother-ofpearl.
4. With the same needle, pass through the center of the mother-of-pearl on the right hand needle.
5. With a strand in each hand, pull each of the cords to tighten the bead just crossed over.
6. Continue to thread the remaining beads, following the pattern shown to the right, ending with a mother-of-pearl.
7. Attach the remaining jump ring, and join the threads.
8. Attach the clasp.