Looking for tips, tricks, and warnings on beads
I've been working on TW's Celestial Dragon, and I'm not too far from the beading stage. I've never worked with beads, so I'm looking for input.
1. I assume it's best to do these last. Correct? 2. Should I wash and press the piece before beading? I can't imagine pressing after adding beads. 3. What do I need to prepare for as far as doing the actual work? I'm accustomed to holding the piece in my hand (I use Q-Snaps) for stitching. I'll need to work at a table for the beads, won't I? Can this be done with the fabric loose (no hoop or frame)? 4. What gauge needle do you recommend? 5. What am I forgetting to ask about? :-) (I remember the olden days of the Usenet-based RCTN when a message like this would release a torrent of responses and maybe even set off a mini-flame war or something.) --Danny |
Looking for tips, tricks, and warnings on beads
On Fri, 27 May 2016 07:57:50 -0700 (PDT), Danny Breidenbach
wrote: I've been working on TW's Celestial Dragon, and I'm not too far from the beading stage. I've never worked with beads, so I'm looking for input. 1. I assume it's best to do these last. Correct? 2. Should I wash and press the piece before beading? I can't imagine pressing after adding beads. 3. What do I need to prepare for as far as doing the actual work? I'm accustomed to holding the piece in my hand (I use Q-Snaps) for stitching. I'll need to work at a table for the beads, won't I? Can this be done with the fabric loose (no hoop or frame)? 4. What gauge needle do you recommend? 5. What am I forgetting to ask about? :-) (I remember the olden days of the Usenet-based RCTN when a message like this would release a torrent of responses and maybe even set off a mini-flame war or something.) --Danny Good to see you Danny, while I can't answer your query Joanie can and I am drawing her attention to your post :) |
Looking for tips, tricks, and warnings on beads
Danny Breidenbach wrote:
I've been working on TW's Celestial Dragon, and I'm not too far from the beading stage. I've never worked with beads, so I'm looking for input. 1. I assume it's best to do these last. Correct? 2. Should I wash and press the piece before beading? I can't imagine pressing after adding beads. 3. What do I need to prepare for as far as doing the actual work? I'm accustomed to holding the piece in my hand (I use Q-Snaps) for stitching. I'll need to work at a table for the beads, won't I? Can this be done with the fabric loose (no hoop or frame)? 4. What gauge needle do you recommend? 5. What am I forgetting to ask about? :-) (I remember the olden days of the Usenet-based RCTN when a message like this would release a torrent of responses and maybe even set off a mini-flame war or something.) --Danny You can wash and press after beading if you're careful not to press down too hard with the iron AND place a terrycloth towel or other thick padding under the work when ironing. Also iron from the back of the piece so that the beads are resting in the padded surface. I've done both beading after all stitching is complete on smaller pieces and adding beading as I finish stitching each section. It's more a matter of personal taste than a gotta-do-it-this-way kind of thing. On the REALLY large pieces like the Wentzlers or Mirabilias I'll mount the fabric on scroll bars then as I roll up the beaded sections use a small terrycloth facecloth or small hand towel to pad the beading from being crushed as the scroll bars are tightened. With QSnaps that won't be an option, so you might have to switch over to scrolls if the piece being worked is a large one. As for needles, I found a brand and size that works very well for both regular stitching and getting through the small beads so I don't have to switch out needles back and forth when I'm working. They are John James Tapestry Pointed Short Beading Needles Size 10. They should be available online somewhere like Nordic Needle. I bought mine in packs of 25, so I'm set for awhile. Nyssa At River's End |
Looking for tips, tricks, and warnings on beads
Good advice from everyone else.
I have done beading on cross stitch pieces just holding the work in my hand, usually when my scroll frame is in use with something else. I would not try to put Qsnaps over beads. Although tedious, it is best to stitch each bead on with a cross stitch, as this ensures the bead sits firmly just where you want it to be. If you have a long line of beads that are touching each other, then you can stitch 3 beads at a time using beading back stitch. Some tutorials say you can do 5 or 6 beads at a time but I find 3 gives me more control over curved lines. And I definitely stitch at a table using a terry towel as a cloth. Beads like to escape from their little containers and jump all over the place. Terry towel keeps them controlled. And finally, use glass beads. When I didn't know anything about beads I bought some plastic ones by mistake. Plastic beads break during stitching and melt if an iron gets anywhere near them. Have fun, Annette |
Looking for tips, tricks, and warnings on beads
On 5/27/2016 11:17 AM, wrote:
On Fri, 27 May 2016 07:57:50 -0700 (PDT), Danny Breidenbach wrote: I've been working on TW's Celestial Dragon, and I'm not too far from the beading stage. I've never worked with beads, so I'm looking for input. 1. I assume it's best to do these last. Correct? 2. Should I wash and press the piece before beading? I can't imagine pressing after adding beads. 3. What do I need to prepare for as far as doing the actual work? I'm accustomed to holding the piece in my hand (I use Q-Snaps) for stitching. I'll need to work at a table for the beads, won't I? Can this be done with the fabric loose (no hoop or frame)? 4. What gauge needle do you recommend? 5. What am I forgetting to ask about? :-) (I remember the olden days of the Usenet-based RCTN when a message like this would release a torrent of responses and maybe even set off a mini-flame war or something.) --Danny Good to see you Danny, while I can't answer your query Joanie can and I am drawing her attention to your post :) Well, late as usual! I was off camping in our new camper so I didn't see this until others had answered all of the questions! The only thing I didn't see addressed was framing. If you use glass, you'll need to make sure you use a layer or 2 of matting so the glass isn't touching the beads. Speaking of glass, Michael's now has a "museum" glass that I love, love, love for my stitching! Doesn't have glare nor does it have that blurry look that non-glare glass gives. The only downfall is that you don't want to touch the glass--the coating on it is nearly impossible to clean if you get fingerprints on it. I know people in the past have had lots of trouble with Michael's framing but the one here in Grand Forks has excellent people and they use all acid-free materials. Their 80% off coupons (at least once a year) are a big help, too! :) Gee, it sure is nice to have people pop in here again! I've been pretty lonely, checking in about every other week to see if anyone's about. -- Joan See my pictures he http://ndjoan.shutterfly.com/pictures If worries can cure your sickness, prolong your life, or replace happiness, then go ahead and worry! If they can't, why worry? Enjoy every moment of your life...there is no second chance. Unknown |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:08 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
CraftBanter.com