Tila beads are rectangular beads made by the Japanese brand Miyuki. They come in 3 sizes: Les Tila, Half-Tila and Quarter-Tila. The latter two sizes represent half and quarter of a Tila bead. They have 2 holes, enabling them to be used for both simple jewelry and more complex weavings. Many designers thread them on two wires to create colorful rectangular bead bracelets. For example, these elastic bracelets or bracelets with clasps :
The next step is to weave the Tila beads in a staggered pattern. This technique may seem complicated, but with a little concentration, it's quite simple. This video tutorial shows you how to interweave Tila beads to create this type of watchband-style bracelet. The important thing to remember is that you should not hesitate to go over the beads several times to bring them together. You can choose to make the border with Seed beads or not, as you prefer. To attach the clasp to the weave, I finished weaving the Half Tila at the tip, then added a large thin ring on the second hole of the Half Tila at the tip. This allowed me to add a simple gold-plated stainless steel lobster clasp.
If you'd like to go even further and make more intricate Tila weavings, you can take inspiration from Mariette B's Half Tila Herringbone Bracelets tutorials.
Start by cutting about 2 m of Fireline thread and threading it onto a size 12 needle. To start weaving, thread one Tila, three Half Tila and another Tila.
Add a new Tila, pass through a Half Tila in the first row, then continue by adding a Half Tila and passing through the next one. Add another Tila. Pass through all the beads again to secure them. Secure the two Tila duos by looping the thread through each bead.
Continue weaving, filling in the gaps with Half Tila and Tila. Remember to go back through the beads several times with each new row you thread, and to secure the Tila duos.
Continue weaving until you reach the size of your wrist minus 0.5 cm to 1 cm.
If the thread becomes too short, tie a double knot, apply a little glue, run the thread through the neighboring beads to hide it, then cut it. Cut a new thread about 1 m long, insert it discreetly into the weave, pass it several times through the beads to trap it and continue.
For the finishing touch, add a border of Seed beads 15/0 by going over the edges if you wish.
Finish the weave with a half tila on each side. Catch your thread in the weave and cut.
Open a ring. Insert it in the second hole of the half tila of the tip and thread a clasp before closing it. Put a ring on the other side too, so you can close the bracelet.
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Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [14/02/2025] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
