BASIC BEADED FRINGE
How to Make Your Own
By Halima
Basic beaded fringe making is actually very easy. However, it is extremely time consuming. This is something you must keep in mind if you decide to take on a project of making a beaded set for yourself.
The first thing to do is decide the colors you want to work with. The next step is to decide what type of beading you want to do, i.e., single strand or loop fringe. You will also need to decide what type of pattern you want. If it’s a simple pattern of simply alternating colors, then you are ready to go. However, if you decide you want a more elaborate pattern then it would be a good idea to draw your pattern on paper and fill in the colors so that you have an idea of what it will look like. But that’s a whole different article. Let’s get started with the basics.
You will need:
Scissors
Beading Needles
Beading Thread
Beeswax
Beads
Fabric Glue
And of course the item you will be beading on.
Whether you are beading fringe on a piece of fabric, grosgrain ribbon, appliqués, etc.; it all pretty much starts and ends the same.
I usually pull my thread out about an arms length. This is generally long enough to prevent the thread from doing weird things to you like twisting around itself, etc. I thread my needle and then run the thread through the beeswax. The beeswax helps the thread to stay straight and goes through the beads easier.
Step 1: Knot your thread and push the needle through the back of the fabric to the front.
Step 2: Thread the needle through the beads making the pattern you have chosen. At the end of the row you will place your anchor bead. You will only go through the anchor bead once. Now go back up through your bead pattern and push your needle through the front of the fabric to the back. Pull your thread to the desired tautness for the beads and tie a knot.
Congratulations! You have now made the beginning row of your project. Repeat this process until you have the row complete. When you have your last row on, then take your fabric glue and put a small drop on each thread knot. This will help insure that your thread does not raffle and keeps your beads on more securely.
If you choose to make a loop pattern; follow the same directions as above except when you come back up through the beads leave a small space at the top of fabric. See pattern design after step two on diagram.
The diagrams will give you some ideas of different ways to use the single fringe and loop fringe design. Doing your own beading project does many things for you. It allows you to be creative; enjoy your completed project; and give you a healthy respect for the cost of beaded costumes that you see for sale.
Now get busy and start beading!
