Miyuki loom bracelet in Bugles and Delica

How do you mix different beads in a loom weave?

Bead loom weaving offers more flexibility than you might think. With a bit of skill, you can mix beads of different shapes and sizes in a weave. All you need to do is think about this beforehand, when you're laying out the threads, and then do a few tests to check that the beads match up well.

For today's tutorial, there's no need to test beforehand: Miyuki Delica 11/0 beads and Miyuki 6 mm Bugles have virtually the same diameter, and it's possible to line up roughly four Delica 11/0 beads in the length of a 6 mm Bugle. Proportions may vary slightly, so it's not a perfect fit... but the magic still happens.

Both Miyuki bracelets are woven with these two types of beads. Feel free to personalize the pattern with your own colors. If you wish to use only Miyuki Delica 11/0 beads, you can replace the bugles with four Miyuki Delica beads in a row. In this case, remember to add three extra threads to the loom.

To place the Bugles in the center of the bracelet, you need to allow sufficient space between the two center wires. However, as the center of these bracelets includes both Bugles and Delicas, the four Delicas in the middle will be fixed only between these two wires. So there won't be a wire for every bead, but that's not a problem on small sections.

Autumn is an ideal season for weaving: you take the time to settle down in the warmth, prepare your materials and create at your own pace. These bracelets then become more than a piece of jewelry: a little creative project to accompany quieter days.

These bracelets are a great way to immerse yourself in the autumnal mood through meditative bead weaving. They go equally well with a chunky sweater or a denim jacket, and can be personalized with a wide choice of Delica 11/0 beads.