In my first post of this series ~ Mastering Bead Weaving, I outlined my plan for using Bead and Button’s 2019 Bead Stitching Handbook as a guide throughout the series.
But before I start the series, I thought you would like a closer look at the Handbook, so you can see for yourself, why I chose to do this type of series.
As you can see from the cover, the Handbook is packed with over 300 tips and techniques from experts at Bead and Button.
Intro
This complete reference to bead stitching techniques — the only one of its kind just for stitching — includes clear, step-by-step illustrations and instructions for 15 different bead stitches, plus variations and lots of tips.
Ideal for advanced beginners and experienced bead stitchers looking for accurate, in-depth information, this all-in-one resource also covers other stitching-related techniques like bead embroidery, soutache, and loomwork.
The Book includes information on beading materials, beads, thread, tools, weaves, knots, and much more, plus 20 Step by Step projects which use the wonderful techniques in the book.
Table of Contents
In the Contents section, you will find all the Techniques and Projects covered in the Handbook.
- Peyote
- Netting
- Ladder Stitch
- Brick Stitch
- Square Stitch
- Herringbone Stitch
- Right Angle Weave And Crossweave
- Spirals and Helixes
- Chenille Stitch
- Chevron Chain
- St. Petersburg Chain
- Fringe Stitching
Several other Beading Techniques are also covered in this exceptional handbook and include Bead Embroidery, Looming with Beads and Bead Crochet.
The 20 complete Projects are listed by technique on this page, which find very useful.
The Reference Sections
When I first downloaded my copy of the Handbook, I was awestruck by the reference sections Bead and Button chose to include and by the way the material is presented.
Not only did they include the most pertinent material, but they made each section clear and concise.
Also the sections were not bloated with a bunch of info you really don’t need in every single beading book.
In my opinion, having the included references at your fingertips, while working through the Book was a stroke of genius.
Seed Beads Reference Materials
Since the whole point of the book is to learn Bead Weaving, it stands to reason we need a lot of useful info about seed beads.
Click each image and you will see that is exactly what you get from this section of the Handbook.
Crystal - Pearls - Threads
As bead weavers, we also use larger beads in our work and the authors included reference materials for not only Crystals but also Pearls.
I found these sections very useful, but I do think a little more could have been said regarding other beads such as Gemstones and Czech Glass and other beads commonly used by bead artists.
I also think a Beads per inch chart would have been very handy to include alongside the beads per gram info provided.
Don’t get me wrong, overall I really like these sections, particularly the chart that compares thread options and how the sizes correspond.
Beading Tools
The Tools section provides a great overview of the basit tools used in Bead Weaving and Jewelry Making.
From the all important needles to Pliers, Crimping Tools and Cutters, these are tools we use everyday in every design we make.
This section will fill you on the uses for each item and when to use each one.
Fundamentals
The Handbook also provides you with the proper way to perform the fundamental tasks used to turn your bead weaving into jewelry.
- Stop Beads
- Square Knot
- Surgeon’s Knot
- Half Hitch Knot
- Crimping
- Jump Rings
- Adding and Ending Threads
Simple Loops
&
Wire Wrapped Loops
You get all this fabulous info in the first 22 pages of the 127 page Bead Stitching Handbook.
The Techniques
Each Technique section covers, not only the basics for each stitch, but also many variations and useful tips such as increase and decrease, using 2 hole beads and how to combine techniques and variations within existing work.
Tubular and Circular forms of the applicable stitches are also demonstrated.
The Projects
Each project contains the tools and full materials list for each project and step by step illustrations and written instruction.
- Full Materials List
- Full Color Graphics
- Clearly Defined Threadpaths
- Clear and Concise Instructions
My Recommendations
I am very happy with my purchase of the new 2019 Bead Stitching Handbook from Bead and Button and Kalmbach Media.
I like to consider myself as a very experienced Beader, and I found load of new techniques and variations that are new to me.
The design and layout of the book is very well done and makes it easy to use.
The reference sections are very useful and not bloated with unnecessary filler material.
The instructions are clear and concise, making them easy to read and follow.
And the price is exceptionally reasonable on Amazon.
How to Participate in Mastering Bead Weaving Series
Since the book is copyrighted material, there are some legal issues we have to consider throughout the series.
If you want to participate in the full series, you need to purchase your own copy of The Bead Stitching Handbook 2019 and I need to verify this before you can participate in the projects.
In order to make this happen, I will be protecting part of the series and will provide access to those who provide proof of purchase.
Since I am an Amazon Affiliate, the easiest way to do this, is for you to use my product links to make your purchase and then simply email a copy of your receipt to me here on the website.
Send copy of the receipt to :
detrinac@thealluringbeadboutique.com
Once I receive the receipt, I will email you a password to the protected portions of the series.
Up Next
In the next post I will begin exploring the Peyote Stitch Technique and variations in the Handbook.
This is one of the most in-depth sections and there will be loads of valuable info.
By the time we finish, you will be well on your way to becoming a Peyote Master.
Want to know when this Series is updated next?
Use these forms to stay up to date on all the latest from The Alluring Bead Boutique.