In today's article I will tell beginners how to choose the right weaving material to make the creative process more enjoyable. Hand made, created by craftswomen, is increasingly appearing on pop stars and film artists. You can create such beauty yourself. All that matters is great desire and diligence in work. To start creating a product, you need to have an accessory such as a beading machine. It is quite possible to make it yourself from available materials. With it you can create a picture, weave a wallet, handbag, mobile phone case, belt, bracelet, picture, flowers, book cover and even a large decoration - a bedspread for a sofa. There are different types of looms, it all depends on what exactly you plan to weave, what size the product is, narrow or wide, large or small. They are able to expand their capabilities in bead weaving and weave or embroider beautiful ornaments or designs.
The very first one made of cardboard and wood
It is necessary to prepare thick cardboard, a board, plastic or metal corners - 2 pieces, used in apartment renovation, and also purchase office clips from office supplies - 10 pieces. We cut out rectangles from durable cardboard with the size of the product (2 pieces) that you are going to weave. Next, we wrap the corners with cardboard, make slits about 2 mm deep on the fold and attach them to the board on both sides with office clips. Then we pull a certain number of threads, bend the ends and secure them to the board with clamps on both sides. It is lightweight and easy to use.
The second method using nails and wood
You need to prepare the following components: PVA glue (for wood), a wooden board (50 by 40 cm), two bars (4 by 40 cm), many small nails. Now we make it, attach the blocks with glue along the edges to the board. Once we are sure that the bars are firmly glued to the board, we begin to nail the nails. We do this in a checkerboard pattern, the distance between each nail should be 0.5 cm. We tie the fishing line to the first outermost nail and pull it in the form of a snake until the end of the last nail. With such mini-equipment you can weave pictures.
The easiest alternative for beginners
The third version is very simple. This lightweight beading machine is suitable for beginners in weaving bracelets, wallets, belts, and baubles. You will need a cardboard shoe box, a utility knife, tape and a strong nylon thread or fishing thread. Along the edges of the box we make cuts with a sharp object with a depth (about 0.5 cm), or even smaller with a distance of approximately 0.2 cm - 0.3 cm. Then we pull a thread or fishing line tightly through the cuts and seal the edges with tape on the back side of the box or make nodules.
Small machine for working with beads
A more advanced version of the long and small machine. Suitable for weaving ties, headbands, belts, small fabrics, handbags and cases. Much smaller in size than the previous model, but with the same working surface of 11x16 cm.
The main advantages of the small machine include:
- the ability to weave things of any length;
- the working area is designed at an angle of 45 degrees;
- it is possible to control the thread tension thanks to the built-in rotating spools;
- small dimensions, which is convenient for adults and children.
- The only drawback of a small machine is the ability to weave things no more than 10-11 cm wide.
The basis for embroidery is canvas, hoop
The fabric should be dense, especially if beads are combined with beads or stones, which will give the design a special beauty and uniqueness. The craftswoman must take into account the size of the canvas cells with the size and sew them correctly to the canvas in order to avoid gaps, unclear patterns, folds or stretching.
Also, to make embroidery easier, you must use a hoop. Then you will avoid distortions on the fabric and the embroidery will be neat and flawless. Such devices have different shapes (oval, round, square), it all depends on the picture that you prefer to depict on textiles. Hoops can be wooden, plastic or metal.
Needles, threads, scissors
The use of sharp needles plays an important role in the embroidery process; there should be several of them. This will make it easier to complete the drawing in colors. The needles should be thin with a wide eye; their numbering usually corresponds to the bead numbers; No. 12 is considered popular.
The choice of threads is very simple. You can use elastomeric, silk, silicone or nylon threads, as well as floss. In some cases, a thin fishing thread or wire is used. When embroidering, it is advisable to match the color of these improvised means to the color of the canvas. Each of the listed accessories has its own advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what work of art the craftswoman starts working on. For beginners, to master this creativity, it is best to purchase a special set. In the future, you can choose the necessary tools yourself to create unique masterpieces.
silk
floss
Generally, scissors are an essential tool. It is very convenient when you have sharp, compact, curved scissors at hand, with tips curled up and more. You can cut the thread blindly, from the inside out, ideal for evaporating threads without damaging the fabric. Multiple options and amazing designs of scissors exist nowadays, just choose the ones that are comfortable for you.
Wide machine on a metal base
An excellent option for professionals who weave large fabrics. The metal model can be stretched with more than 250 threads. The tension of the threads is adjusted not using reels, but by changing the height of the working surface; for this, nuts on the body are used.
The main advantages of this model include:
- an easy way to control thread tension;
- the working surface is designed at an angle;
- a simple way to pull threads onto the machine;
- two ways to refuel the model;
- If necessary, it can be quickly disassembled and does not differ in large dimensions.
Flaws:
- When weaving, you cannot create a product longer than 90 cm, which is important to consider when creating paintings.
- The main disadvantage of the metal model is its size, so the machine will need to be constantly disassembled after work or find a permanent place for it.
Editorial Voice
Matryona
Fan of embroidery and sewing
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It is recommended to use a metal loom only after you have thoroughly mastered the beading technique. This model is not suitable for beginning craftsmen.
Craft magnifying glass
It facilitates the process, needlework becomes easy, convenient and enjoyable. At the same time, the vision is not very strained and the craftswoman will perfectly see her work in an enlarged form. The magnifying glass has a special device that is attached to any surface and has a backlight that has a positive effect on the process. The lighting should be very good. This is painstaking work and puts strain on the eyes. There are many different models, for example, a magnifying glass with a special cord that hangs on the neck, which gives space to the workplace and hands, binocular, backlit with a tripod, and also one that is attached to the workplace.
stand
with backlight
with fastening
on the neck
Dear needlewomen, you can understand the technique more deeply from the video in our section. Also, thoroughly study what accessories you will need for embroidering mosaic designs.
Modern beads come in:
Glass
Plastic
Calibrated
Ordinary
Before we start weaving, consider:
- material for making beads
- bead size
- hole diameter
- bead shape
- future product format
- quality of coloring
- need for fittings
What to look for when choosing a machine?
Before purchasing a specific model, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Are there any restrictions on the length of the product, since not all machines are equipped with a special reel where the finished part of the web can be wound;
- Is there a thread tension adjustment, which makes weaving any products several times easier;
- angle of design of the working area, it is better to take one that is designed at an angle of 45 degrees;
- maximum weaving width, this is important if you plan to create not only bracelets or belts, but also wider products;
- the quality of the material from which the model is assembled.
Thick metal threads or springs are not as durable as they seem. They tend to have a shorter service life than thinner materials.
Recommendations for material selection
When choosing glass beads, you should consider its cost. This type is expensive and it is important to choose it with the opportunity to touch and look. It is difficult to do this from the illustrations. You can take beads that are painted inside or completely painted over, or you can purchase them from colored glass beads. For crafts intended for long-term use, it is preferable to prepare beads from a material that is resistant to abrasion. The same tips apply to plastic beads. The difference between the beads is not visible in the photo, but plastic is easier to work with and it rarely loses color, since it is created on the basis of painted plastic.
It is easier to work with large size beads, for example number six.
Using large beads offers some advantages:
- They are easy to work with and result in quick results.
- allows you to correct errors in a timely manner
- ability to change the shape of the product
It is important to mention schematic images. The diagrams are not very clear without explanations written underneath them. The diagrams become more readable after the first lesson.
Large wooden machine
With this design you can weave a fairly wide product of unlimited length. Suitable for creating large weaves with a width of 120 rows. Despite these capabilities, the design of the machine is only 37x30x15 cm in size. The working area is 21x14 cm.
The main advantages of a large wooden machine include:
- unlimited length of the finished product;
- the working surface is designed at an angle of 45 degrees;
- It is possible to control the thread tension thanks to the built-in rotating spools.
Flaws:
- Despite the sufficient width of the machine, it may not be available for weaving large paintings.
- If you need to weave a large fabric, you will need to constantly move it to the side, since there simply is not enough working surface.
For weaving small items, it is better to choose a different machine. It is impossible to save thread on a large wooden model if you plan to make small jewelry or a bracelet. You still have to refill the entire structure.
Material used in weaving
When creating products you need available tools:
- beads of different shades and sizes
- organizer
- needles
- tweezers
- pliers
- wire
- glue
- fishing line
- beads
- pins with caps
- various accessories
- scheme
- scissors
Organizer and its range
This is a container with lockable cells, convenient for placing beads. It is indispensable in the creative process, since beads of all colors are always at hand and do not roll out anywhere. Each compartment is numbered, corresponding to the number of beads. It is convenient to collect beads from here. Often, needlewomen use a fishing organizer. When choosing a container, you need to provide a compartment for needles and threads, and the width of the cells. Wide divisions make it easier to pick up beads.
If the container does not snap securely, it is recommended to place it in a case. This way you will be protected from its opening and scattering of beads.
Wire: pros and cons
When you decide to start beading on wire, you need to consider a few tips. When weaving, it passes through the bead. You need to study and highlight how many times it is threaded through the bead in the diagram. The beads should fit tightly to each other and not dangle. The wire chosen is neither thick nor thin. One breaks too often, the other bends heavily. Copper wire is ideal. Many bead products are made with special thin needles with a small long eye. This needle easily passes through the bead.
Fishing line and thread in needlework
Needlewomen also use fishing line and thread. When working with thick fishing line, you can do without a needle. The fishing line is taken new, without damage. When selecting translucent beads, it or a thread is selected in the same tone. Monofilament can be used. Its color range is varied, it is durable, silky, and glides well.
Wire thread machine
This type of machine is recommended for novice craftsmen. It has a maximum width of 35 rows, so it is not suitable for weaving wide items.
The main advantages of a wire machine for narrow products include:
- despite the small size, the length of the finished item can be any;
- small size allows you to weave beads in any conditions;
- affordable cost and the availability of a reel for twisting woven rows.
But the wire machine also has a considerable number of disadvantages:
- the built-in spring is very weak, it stretches quite quickly, and after a while it simply breaks;
- it is almost impossible to adjust the step width when weaving;
- lack of angle of inclination of the working surface, which causes rapid eye fatigue.
Editorial Voice
Matryona
Fan of embroidery and sewing
Ask a Question
This type of wire loom is used only for making bracelets and belts. That is why it is offered only at the beginning of mastering the craft; it is impossible to make more serious products using it.
