Question:
I think some of you have experience with beads and beading, so here are my questions:
If I wanted to sew beads to clothing or a scarf or something wearable, what kind of beads would I get?
I'd want them to be washable (machine washable), with a bit of weight.
Probably need a hole large enough to put a needle through?
Do most beads have smooth enough edges to keep from cutting the threads off from wear? Okay, so that's another question. What type of thread or how to attach them?
So, what are my choices? What would YOU use?
Thanks!
Elaine
Answer:
I think it would partly depend on what kind of design you are beading.
The first thing that comes to my mind is regular glass seed beads. They come in a bunch of colors and sizes. I believe they would be washable. And I think they could be sewn on securely with regular sewing thread...maybe doubled. I would probably knot the thread periodically just in case it did come loose that way the entire design would not fall off!
Answer:
So you can get a regular sewing needle through a glass seed bead?
Yeah I was figuring I'd knot after every single bead, but actually I was thinking of larger beads, maybe faceted or with gold or that swirly oily looking finish that some depression glass (Carnival?) has.
Or maybe sort of a fringe or something along the bottom.
Polyester sewing thread, like Mettler Metrosene? What weight?
Answer:
Wow! herens are wonderful!
I got a PM that someone here (one of my OCM buyers) has just mailed me some beading needles to try out!
And some info about the silk or nylon thread they use for beading on fabric.
(I'll give credit where credit is due if I get permission from the person who sent the needles)

Thank you!
Elaine
Answer:
Last night when I couldn't sleep I took a look at the Nancy's Notions catalog that arrived in the mail yesterday.
There's a beaded tassel that is green and pink that she has for sale (to go with a Diane Ericson 'Pacific Purse' pattern illustrated in the brochure.
I can't see how to link directly to an item in the store, but if you go to
https://www.nancysnotions.com/NNVia/index.jsp
and put this in the search:
BEADED PURSE CLOSURE
You'll get a photo of it and info on how to order it.
and search Pacific Purse and you'll find the info on the stuff needed to make the purse.
NAYY, but I do think she's pretty good with trends among Midwest sewists.
Answer:
I don't know if this is along the lines of what you're thinking of, but have you thought of "couching" them. This link is for embellishing quilts. It might be worth playing with.
Edited to add: Here is another link with some good ideas, not only about applying them, but making sure they won't fade.
Answer:
Thanks for those links! I'm getting lost in the idea-stage!
Sure is fun! lol
I also got another PM from E and she suggested getting the Judith Durant and Jean Campbell book A Beader's Companion. Hope she'll show up here and give us some info on the stuff she has beaded in the past.
Elaine
Answer:
I wonder what items that are ready made or easily made a person could add beads (or other similar embellishment) to and be able to sell them for more than the cost to do the work?
And is it possible to do online? Or do you need customers to see the items in person?
Any of you have experience with this?
Elaine
Answer:
I use a lot of 6/0 seed beads ("E" beads) when I'm making bracelets and stuff. A regular sewing needle will easily go through them, since they're larger than standard seed beads.
Anybody that can work with standard seed beads has my full admiration and respect!
I still have oodles of sapphire blue and silver-lined crystal E beads left if you'd like to try some. Just send me a PM!
Answer:
Okay, which size is 'standard' seed bead size?
http://www.firemountaingems.com/shop...03&Shop_Page=4
I had no idea there were so many sizes...
It's been 35 years since I tried to string seed beads...
Elaine