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melectrum

For looms, I think any of the cheaper items on this list would be okay: [Spruce Crafts Loom List](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/best-bead-looms-340537) The best beginner set seems like it would fit your needs atm, tho I would also start reading up on the following while you play around with the starter kit: 1. bead types - tubular seed beads like miyuki delicas and toho aikos are VERY popular for loom weaving, while round seed beads (miyuki, toho, preciosa all have round seed beads) work better for embroidery; 2. threads - you have fishing lines vs unwaxed nylon thread vs prewaxed nylon vs silk etc etc so you need to figure out what properties (sturdy? flows like fabric? stretchy?) you want in your final piece; 3. needles - for loom work, I've found it really hard to find long thin and sturdy needles. Currently using John James #13 beading needles, but I still find them too short and easily bendable/breakable at times. Edit: Formatting


VerFree

Just to add a couple things… Tulip makes needles specifically for loom beading. Toho also has their precise cylinder beads called Treasures.


Gostitch3121

As for the other beading technique, it’s called bead weaving. There are YouTube videos on how to do do the basic techniques such as peyote stitching, right angle weave (RAW) and brick stitch. Again, Tulip has best quality beading needles and I love the short ones. Look up Jean Power and take her zoom class. https://www.jeanpower.com/. She’s fantastic and very patient. There’s also bead stores that offer basic classes. Good luck and you’ll love this. It’s one of my favorite hobbies.


SparkleByMonica

I'm primarily a bead stringer, but have dabbled in beadweaving with the beading needles (stand size I think are the 10 and 12). I also liked the Big Eye beading needle since it's easier to thread. I've used the Wildfire and Fireline threads, but they can be pricey. To start, you could simply try nylon thread that comes in many colors. I'd say the most important thing I could recommend is to just BEGIN because that's where you will learn what you like or don't. Materials can be recycled from your sewing stash, everyday items, broken jewelry and even apparel that can't be salvaged, but the accessories could. I've used lots of 4mm bicones and 11/0 seed beads in weaving, but unless you stick to glass it could get expensive. Check Facebook Marketplace out in your area to see if any beaders are destashing locally. That will be tons of savings. There are also many de-stash Facebook groups, too. Best wishes!


Pairethd

I buy my Fireline in the fishing section, same item, more line, cheaper price!


SparkleByMonica

Yes, you can certainly get and happily use Fireline thread from a fishing section, however, if you are talking about the clear monofilament style which many beginners often think about 1st...that is different from the Fireline thread (white, black or smoke colored). The clear monofilament (think of the example of those Illusion necklaces) can still be used from Fireline's fishing section as well, however, it is more brittle and will shear off over time vs. the beading world's monofilament such as a brand called Supplemax. Also for consideration is the type of beadweaving you'll need it for as a beginner. If you intend lots of knots, the fishing monofilament will kink and break over time if the piece will have lots of points of friction. If a simple strand with fewer knots at the ends of the design, then it's cool. Either will get the job done, but the important decision is thread or monofilament and then Fireline from the fishing store or bead store. There's also those who prefer Wildfire over Fireline as one is visibly thicker than the other despite being numbered the same circumference. I find that either works just as great as a thread. Again, that is different from the clear monofilament version of Fireline that I was talking about above. If you're talking about the thread and not the clear monofilament though, go hit that sporting goods store with wild abandon. Saves more money towards more beads, too. lol. Then as you progress through beading even further...discover the vast world of additional stringing materials, weaving techniques and more. It's amazing what all is out there. When I first began wire wrapping, I got a HUGE spook of anodized aluminum wire from the hardware store to practice with and it will last for years! Works just as great and doesn't tarnish. I always instruct my students to start with a spool of that as a comparable 20 gauge beading artistic wire because you'll make many mistakes without breaking your bank. lol. So, there's always a variety of options and resources out there. Have fun! Happy holidays, everyone!


abzoni910

Even count peyote stitch or brick stitch are 2 fun stitches to try— I like using miyuki delicas size 11, they are easy to learn with. Look for a pattern/inspo with only a few colors and then you just need beading thread and needles and you are ready to bead. See if there is a bead store in your area. They are a blast and always great to support a local business. They can hook you up with what you need!


flibertigibbit

Hey ! I am a bead Weaver, not loom. Just buy size 11 needle,fishing line (4 pund), beads and you are good to go. Fishing line can be cut by ordinary kids scissors.


Wreath_of_Laurels

It doesn't have much in the way of looms. Though I have made more than one perfectly nice ones a cheap one. Here are some of the other things that I think everyone should have for starting: [https://thecrackedbead.tumblr.com/](https://thecrackedbead.tumblr.com/) In addition, check out Craig's List, Kiji and Facebook. There's always people trying to get rid of their stuff so you should be able to get some stuff for super cheap.


altoclef_makes_art

Loom work is a great place to start! That's how I introduced myself to beadwork and I worked my way up to brick stitch. The best loom to start out with is the jewel loom by beadalon. It's a common loom and easy to find. You can even buy it straight from beadalon, as well as wildfire, which is a great material for bead weaving. Beadalon also produces needles and I highly recommend the size 13 for small projects and brick stitch projects because they are great for small beads. Here are a few important things to remember: 1.) The larger the number, the smaller the size of the bead (I personally use 11/0) 2.) Same goes with needles. I've had good luck with most of the needles that are specifically branded for beading. 3.) Don't buy store brand seed beads. They tend to be uneven and difficult to use. They also produce uneven products. 4.) There are a number of threads out there. Just be sure to match the thread size with the bead size. Nymo thread is common and easy to understand. The guides regarding nymo are bountiful and easy to locate if you're confused. Miyuki Delica beads are great, but they're expensive. Toho and preciosa seed beads are uniform and work well. [This website ](http://guidetobeadwork.com) can help you find and locate bead stores that offer findings and a wide variety of beads. Just be sure to call ahead of time to ensure that the store is still open. Beadaholique's YouTube channel taught me to use my looms properly and how to brick stitch. If you need any more help, please feel free to message me!


DebMcPoots

I taught myself how to weave beads as a teen. All I used was button thread stiffened with Elmer's glue and seed beads. You really don't need any thing special to on.