This page is for free techniques sheets that you can download.  Each sheet tackles a particular area of bead work - from familiarising yourself with basic tools to using different materials for threading necklaces and bracelets to turning loops to make perfect earrings.  We will continue to add more techniques and basic information sheets here to build up a comprehensive tips and techniques guide to all things beading.

To download any of the techniques pages, just click on the underlined title to view and print the instructions. You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer. It is probably already installed but, if not, click here and follow the on-screen instructions.  We have included sample images of a couple of the technique sheets on this page so that you can see the type of thing that is included in the download - as they are images of the pdfs and have been shrunk from the A4 size of the originals the words may look a little blurred on screen, this does not affect the clarity of the pdfs when they are printed.

To practise your techniques you may like to try some of the free downloads on the Projects page.  These are a selection of designs that we will continue to add to.  They currently range from simple necklace and bracelet designs that put different bead combinations together, to using knitted and knitting wire, to linking and working with small beads.  If you prefer to start with a design and bead pack complete we produce a range of over 200 Beading Kits for specific designs, which come complete with full instructions and all the beads and thread you need, and Starter Packs which contain techniques, guidelines and all the beads, threads etc you need to make a number of items to your own designs. 

Getting Started

Pliers and Other Tools – A quick guide to different types of tools and how to use them

Working with Wire

There are a whole host of applications for working with wire, from earrings to linked necklaces, charm bracelets to tiaras and this section of downloads looks at choosing the correct wire for the purpose, turning and perfecting loops and working with filigree and chandelier fittings

Choosing your Wire - This guide takes you through the different wire descriptions - SWG, gauge, diameter - how they relate to each other, why US and UK descriptions differ and how to interpret them when trying to buy the ingredients for a project you have seen in a book.  It also recommends which wires are best to use for which purposes and covers the basics that really make a difference when choosing materials for your project.

Loops and Linking – Once you can turn a professional loop in wire, and create well formed links a whole new world of possibilities opens up to you, this guide takes you step-by-step through this valuable technique. 

Loops - a Professional Touch - Taking your loops and linking techniques further, this download looks at different types of loop, where they work and how to use them - essential information if you wish to move onto more complex designs such as filigrees and chandeliers

Filigrees and Chandeliers - Once you have mastered your loops you will find you want to explore more and more aspects of wirework.  In Filigrees and Chandeliers we take a loop at using pre-made components and also forming your own to give an extra dimension to pendants and earrings

Wirework - Coils and Curls - simple ideas in wire to add a little variation to your jewellery

Wirework - Torques - How to make different styles of torques from simple single wires to articulated designs

Wirework - Wrapped Loops and Bails - How to convert beads, drops, crystals and donuts into into pendants and charms with simple wireworking techniques

Wirework - Flowers and Leaves - The simple art of taking various different shapes of beads and, with some clever wirework, turning them into leaf and flower shapes.  The techniques shown on this download are incredibly versatile and the results can be used singly, or in combination, to create a whole array of decorations for all sorts of jewellery

Different Threads and How to Use Them

There are so many types of threads available now that it can be difficult to work out which to use.  The next 3 downloads take some of the mystery out and show you how to use several types of thread

Working with Beading Threads – Using fine threads like Nymo and Superlon - a general overview of the threads and guidelines on working with them.  These threads come in different thicknesses and with 20 colours of nymo available and 36 colours in Superlon their strength, flexibility and colour toning abilities make them a valuable tool in the beaders armoury once you have mastered the basics.

Threading with Beading Wires – Tigertail, Softflex, Soft Touch – strong threading materials with a stranded metal core – which to use and how to use them. 

Threading with Thong – This guide focuses on the thicker cords available like cotton thong and flat lace and how to attach fasteners.

Increasing in popularity, chain is used for many things including charm bracelets, delicately linked necklaces and bracelets and simple extension chains.  This next download looks at different types of chain and how to use them in your designs.

Macrame Bracelets - Using a simple square knot make quick, easy and individual bracelets.

Working with Chain and Linking - A guide to the different types of chain, how they work in design, and how best to use them.

Making Rings - This looks at both making your own ring shanks out of wire and also decorating different types of bought ring shanks.

Knotting Techniques - A guide to the different threads that can be used in knotting techniques, how to use them, and how to finish using either calotte crimps or gimp

For some ideas for both traditional knotting and more modern knotting project ideas see the Project page

Seed Beads - A general overview of seed beads, bugles and delicas.  Includes information on the differences between the types of beads, the different colour finishes and general information on using these beads.  A good overview of these different bead types that gives useful back ground information to help you when choosing beads for a project.

Beadwork Basics - A simple guide to the basic techniques you use when weaving or stringing with small beads and a needle and thread.

Peyote Stitch - In the first of our bead weaving technique sheets we are looking at Peyote Stitch.  A popular and versatile stitch that enables the beader to produce a piece with a woven effect without the use of a bead loom.

For ideas on using Peyote Stitch in finished jewellery see the Project page where we have a couple of simple bracelet patterns to get you going.  Or follow this link to download a blank design grid for you to design your own projects on.  Peyote Stitch Design Grid

Brick Stitch - The second of our bead weaving technique downloads, Brick Stitch is another one of the foundation stones for woven beadwork.  There are two pages of Brick Stitch instruction here, plus a blank grid that you can use to create your own designs - just click on the links to download the pdfs. 

Brick Stitch 1,  Brick Stitch 2, and  Brick Stitch Design Grid

Herringbone Stitch - A basic guide to Herringbone stitch for beginners - a lovely versatile stitch much used for ropes for necklaces.  For a simple pendant project using herringbone stitch take a look at www.beadsandbeyondmagazine.com - in the Top 20 section they have a 'Top 10 seed bead and crystal stitched pendant' from designs featured in the magazine in March 2011 which includes a beautiful pink pendant designed by Vicky which is based on Herringbone.