Which thread and needle to choose for bead weaving?

Threads and needles for bead weaving

Want to start weaving beads but don't know which thread and needle to choose? You are in the right place! It is true that we offer many references of threads and needles, so it is not very easy to choose. To answer this question, you will first have to determine what you want to do: Loom weaving, needle weaving or Czech glass bead weaving?

1- Choose a needle suitable for bead weaving

It is mandatory to choose needles for bead weaving. This should be indicated on the box or product page. Sewing needles are thicker and will be harder to get through the beads. Next, you need to pay attention to 3 other things.

The size of the needle

The size, or rather the thickness of the needles is associated with a number. The larger the number, the thinner the needle. The thinner the needle, the easier it is to get through the smallest beads. On the other hand, the thinner the needle, the thinner the thread. Here is a chart to give you an idea of the right needle for the beads you want to use. The size system is the same for beads. The larger the number, the smaller the bead.

The length of the needle

The length of the needle is less important. It is more a question of improving handling. For detailed work with a lot of back and forth in the beads and contortions of the needle, prefer a short needle of less than 40 mm. For most work, a needle between 40 and 55 mm will do. For a very wide bracelet on the loom, use a needle larger than the width of your bracelet.

Special needles

There are special needles that allow for certain very precise weaving or threading activities. For example, split needles are needles that open almost completely lengthwise and allow for larger-than-usual threads to be threaded. They are generally thicker than weaving needles and therefore not suitable for fine work. Soft or reforming large eye needles are also not suitable as they will deform very quickly when weaving beads. These needles are useful for threading small beads on thick thread.

You need a fine, rigid needle with a narrow eye.

2- Loom weaving, Weaving small beads with a needle or weaving heavy glass beads with a needle?

Weaving on the loom

The loom is a tool that allows you to weave mainly bands of beads aligned vertically and horizontally. It is also used with a weaving needle. It will allow you to weave mainly bracelets and necklaces. The thread is used in two places: Fixed on the loom and another thread is threaded on the needle. The threads attached to the loom are just for support. You can use the same thread for both the needle and the loom, but you can also be more fancy with the threads on the loom. You'll just have to think about the finish and the clasp before you start the project so you don't get stuck. To get started with this activity, the easiest way is to use the same yarn for the loom and the needle. Here are some articles on loom weaving as well as our selection of tutorials:

• How to use a loom to weave beads?
• 6 ways to finish a bracelet on a loom.
• Loom weaving tutorials

As you can see, the essential thread is the one you will thread on the needle. You need a very fine and flexible thread that will be able to pass several times through the hole of the beads. It must also not fray too quickly. Here are the ones I personally recommend: Miyuki Beading Thread, Ko, One-G, Hana. These threads can fray, but are soft and pleasant to weave. Some people prefer to weave with 0.12 mm fireline thread. This is a stiffer thread, but does not fray. C-Lon AA and C-Lon D yarn, while less expensive than the others, are also less durable. I do not recommend them for beginners.

Needlepoint bead weaving

This refers to bead weaving techniques that do not require a loom. These include Peyote, Brick Stitch, Herringbone, etc. The above mentioned threads can be used as well as Miyuki Dura-line, Sono, Sonoko Nozue.

Weaving heavy glass beads

Czech glass beads and Puca beads are larger than miyuki and rocailles and therefore heavier. In addition, the inside of the holes may have rough edges that can damage the wire. It is mandatory to use 0.12 or 0.15 mm fireline thread or another nylon thread of this type.

3- Choose a compatible thread and needle

4- Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are going to weave Miyuki 11/0 on loom or needle, the easiest way is to take Miyuki needles and Miyuki Beading Thread or fireline 0.12 mm.

If you are weaving Czech glass beads, take size 12 to 10 needles like Pony size 11 needles and 0.12 mm fireline thread.

Have you been weaving beads for years? Feel free to comment on which needle and thread you use in the comments of this article.