Threads for bead crochet must have two essential qualities: strength, and stability. There can be no stretching and no breaking. Certain kinds of cotton and nylon have these essential qualities. I do love the feel of cotton for bead crochet. Perle cotton and Mercerized cottons (avoid unMercerized) are strong and smooth, have little stretch, and […]

There are three specific styles of needle that I use in bead embroidery, and one that's a useful afterthought. Bead embroidery needles have a smooth sharp point and a narrow eye. I keep sizes 10 and 12 on hand, but almost always default to size 12, as this size will fit through even very small […]

The thread you choose for your bead embroidery project will have a major influence on the final appearance. Weight, color and fiber content are all factors worthy of consideration. You’ll need to get the thread through the needle. The threaded needle must pass through the bead (some very small), often in multiple passes for back stitch. […]