It’s a very common question for beginner beaders to want to know all the tools you will need to start beading. (and what they can live without)
To be successful with your beading projects, it’s a good idea to understand jewelry making tools and their proper usage. Plus, next to each “must have” tool is an **. The other tools you can pick up as you gain more experience. All tools can be dangerous when you don’t know how to use them so it is important to understand some safety tips in jewelry making before attempting to use these tools.
**Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are used to cut your wire. They have sharp edges that snap your wire clean. Be sure to get good quality cutters that cut close and clean.
**Crimping Pliers
Crimping pliers are used to flatten crimp beads to then end of your stringing wire. Crimping pliers create neat, round crimps using a 2 step process. They are very easy to use! Use the standard crimping pliers for 2mm crimp tubes. Use the Micro Crimper for 1mm crimp tubes. And if you have a need for a 3mm crimp tube, try using the Mighty Crimper.
Round-Nose Pliers (needle nose pliers)
Round nose pliers have rounded ends designed to create smooth tight loops in your wire. Choose a good quality set that provides a tight grip, ergonomic handles and a wide range of width on the noses. When first starting out (and on a budget), you can skip this tool at first. But you’ll soon want to advance your skills into creating dangles and wire loops… and you will need these pliers to do that.
Chain Nose Pliers (flat-nose pliers)
These pliers have flat tapered noses that enable you to grip, bend and manipulate your wire. Choose a pair that offer small tips to reach tiny areas and that have comfortable ergonomic handles. If you’re on a budget, you don’t need these pliers right away. But as you work more with stringing beads, you will discover that you will need these pliers to help grip your beads and wire. Plus, when you begin working more with wire, these pliers will become essential.
Beading Needles
There are 2 main types of needles you can use. A beading needle and a Sharps needle. A beading needle is about 2? long, flexible and are designed for stringing multiple beads, off-loom and loom bead-weaving.
A Sharps needle is a shorter more rigid needle… designed for hand bead embroidery into fabric and for off-loom bead-weaving.
You typically don’t need a beading needle until you begin creating off-loom stitch designs. Until then, your stringing wire is stiff enough to string beads on.
Finding places to buy your tools can be time consuming and costly if you don’t know where to look. Trying to find out how to source the best wholesale jewelry and tools needs to be addressed if you intend to go into business. Most of your local shops will be retail and will have a mark up of their own. Take some time to research to find the best deals before you jump in and buy materials. It may take a day or two, but it will be well worth your while if you search online for jewelry wholesalers.
Happy Beading!
Jennifer Thoden shares her love of beads and creativity with beginner beaders and jewelry designers. Her love of color and unique design shows in her bead patterns. Find her bead patterns and tutorials at http://www.beadpatternsonline.com
