Two needle method for beading on the loom

As you probably know, the usual method of bead looming is to tie a length of weft to the edge warp then load your beads, and pass through them from the top. That's how I started, and the only way I knew. Until someone introduced me to the two needle method. 

In this branch, there are two methods. In one, the needles move in opposite directions. In the other, they move in the same direction. Since discovering these, I use then (mainly the former) 99.999% of the time. That obviously tells you I prefer them! I can work with a longer length of thread, skip beads less often (not that I did much previously), and seem to add new thread less often. 

The latter method, where the needles move in the same direction, is very useful when you're working an area of the same colour. You just load one half of the weft with beads and go on your merry way. This advantage is best seen with wider pieces. I used it in one of my previous portraits for the background. I got tired of counting, and loading using the bead spinner then having to remove some!

So on that note, here is my second video. I try and explain the first of the two methods, including a few close up pictures. I hope it's clear enough and gets your interest. I don't think these methods are talked about much, at least not as far as I've seen.



If you have questions, contact me through the blog. 

I mentioned the bead spinner above. I had the lightbulb moment (I'm sure I'm not the first) when I was working on that background. Imagine counting out 150+ beads of one colour, a shiny white. Yes, you can see the concentration wondering! So, if you have a bead spinner and are working in one colour, think about dustin off those cobwebs :)

Lastly, I found a way to work on the Mirrix in a horizontal position. Just pull out the legs and place the clips behind the loom. Bobs your uncle! I'll edit this tomorrow and post the photo. 

In the meantime, stay well and happy reading.

Those weft ends

In tatting, it is advised you hide the thread ends as you work, rather than wait till the end. In looming, the same can be applied. It doesn't necessarily make it faster, but there is something laborious about weaving in those weft ends you've decided to leave till last!

Now, I always tell myself this time I'll weave them in as I go along. Problem is I never follow through! I think with the next bracelet I will do just that. It's only a few mins here and there, so makes no difference doing it during rather than after the looming.

On that note, I had to weave in the weft ends of the bracelet that was on the loom. I settled on a simple brick stitch edging so that the pattern stays centre of attention. It's odd how colours can really make a pattern. I did this previously in black and white. I think I prefer this colour scheme by a mile!

There was a bit of 'pull & pray'. But not too many as I split some warps. Nonetheless at least i tried it. I think will definitely use that method at least once in future. Fireline may be a better thread to consider for warps in that case.

Today (read tonight), I managed to try the shedding device again, with just thread this time round. I was advised to try it with thread and the occasional line of beads. So far I've only used thread - DMC Perle. It's nice and simple, quite relaxing actually :) You just have to remember to have the ends at the back of the work, and to change the shed after each pass through.

I had to face my fear and do a video. It turned out to be about 10 minutes long, eek!! I'm hoping to upload it to YouTube tomorrow. Hopefully there's something watchable in there lol!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day. I'm off to bed to dream about looms - I seem to do that nowadays! :)