What is a Stop Bead

A stop bead is any kind of bead that is attached to the tail end of your thread. It prevents the beads in your project from falling off the end of the thread.

The stop bead is held in place by a thread bridge, placed on the outside of the bead.

It is not usually part of the final beadwork but in some cases you can incorporate the bead into the design.

When to use a Stop Bead

  • Square Stitch
  • Peyote Stitch
  • Netting Stitch
  • Chevron Chain
  • St. Petersburg
  • Spiral Stitches

You will be advised to add a stop bead at the beginning of many bead weaving projects.

Any stitching project that requires you to pick up multiple beads for the first row or so, will recommend adding the stop as the first step.

How to add a Stop Bead

Start with a comfortable length of thread on your needle.

Pick up a bead that is different from the bead you will be using in your project.

Carry the bead down the thread to the tail end.

A comfortable length of thread is any length that you can work with, without tangles and accidental knots. I talk more about this subject in Beading Threads.

The length of tail thread you have below the stop bead will vary.

If you need thread to add a clasp later, leave approx 5-6 inches of tail thread below the stop bead.

If you plan to tie knots to end your threads later, leave just a few inches, just enough to hold onto.

If you do not plan to use knots to end your threads, leave a long enough thread (3-4 inches) to weave back into the work later. 

Pass the needle through the bead again, from the bottom up.

Hold onto the tail thread with your fingers as you pull the working thread through the bead.

Notice the tail thread between my thumb and ring finger on my non-dominant hand.

I am holding the tail thread in my right hand and the working thread in my left hand, to clearly show you the thread bridge that will lay on the outside of the bead.

Once pulled tight, the thread bridge holds the bead in place on your beading thread. 

Congratulations, you have successfully added the stop bead and now you are ready to add your beads and get to work on your new project.