How-to guides

Learn to bead

Everything you need to go from a printed pattern to a finished bracelet, in plain steps. Never beaded before? Start at the top.

Start here

New to bead weaving? These three cover the basics for every pattern.

Every techniqueHow to read a bead patternWhat every page of our PDFs is for, from the cover details to the chart sections, the word chart and the color list.4 min read Every techniqueBeading supplies for beginnersThe short list of beads, thread, needles and tools you need for your first loom or peyote bracelet.2 min read Every techniqueDelica beads explainedWhat the DB codes mean, why our patterns use Delicas, and how many beads to buy for a pattern.3 min read

Beginner

Pick the technique your pattern uses. The type is on its cover and its page.

LoomLoom beading for beginnersWarp the loom, weave row by row and add new thread, step by step.3 min read PeyotePeyote stitch for beginnersYour first string, your first rows and how to follow a staggered peyote chart. No loom needed.3 min read

Next steps

Speed up, finish your piece and make it wearable.

Peyote 2-drop2-drop peyotePeyote with two beads per stitch: the same moves, about twice as fast.2 min read Every techniqueFinishing a beaded braceletWeaving in threads, adding a clasp and getting the fit right on loom and peyote bracelets.3 min read

Ready for your first pattern?217 beginner-friendly patterns, most of them free to print.See beginner patterns See what people madeFinished pieces from beaders like you, and the patterns they used.Visit the gallery