Favorite Beading Patterns by Kim Leahy: Editors' Picks

✓Let the Interweave Knits Winter 2024 issue transport you to a winter wonderland of cozy knits! This remarkable edition features 14 extraordinary projects to immerse yourself in the uniqueness of specially crafted yarns.

Kim Leahy is a world class designer and beading instructor who has been published many times in Beadwork, teaches at events including Interweave Bead Fest, and sells kits and other materials online. We’re excited to offer an Interweave @ Home workshop with Kim for her Bellamy Blossom Bracelet, coming up soon in February 2023. We hope you’ll join us to learn from Kim how to bead flowers and leaves, as well as work a RAW band with two different shapes of beads. We love this floral design from Kim—no surprise, as we love all of her designs. To celebrate Kim, we’ve compiled five of our favorite beading projects she has designed for Interweave over the years.

These beading projects involve various techniques and materials, which Kim loves to experiment with. We also have a tip from Kim for maximum success in each project!

Favorite Necklace Beading Patterns by Kim Leahy

Rain Goddess Necklace

The Rain Goddess Necklace by Kim perfectly encapsulates the statement necklace. This Art Deco style necklace combines various components like brass, leather, and various shaped beads. The contrasting halves make for a unique piece that will draw attention. Even the back of the pendant is skillfully crafted to ensure the entire project is nice to look at.

Kim recommends that when you are embroidering, you make sure not to crowd the beads. It’s okay to have gaps in the beadwork rather than too many together.

Turn Over a New Leaf Necklace

Multi-dimensional projects are some of my favorites, as they add a lot of interest to outfits. Kim’s Turn Over a New Leaf Necklace may become a favorite of your own. The shapes are inspired by natural leaves and are achieved using peyote stitch. The leather cord emphasizes the call to natural elements, while glass pearls add a sophisticated touch.

Kim says that any size leather or ribbon can be used for the project, or you can always trade it out for a chain of your choosing. She also recommends using braided beading thread when stringing the leaves with pearls.

Mitzi Midcentury Necklace

Midcentury furniture and motifs have been popular for quite a while now, so why not add that look to your jewelry collection? The Mitzi Midcentury Necklace can also be turned into a set if you choose to make earrings. The fun shapes the beads make combine with a chain to have that mixed media aspect.

Kim notes that in order to hold their shape, the circles need to be stiff. If you don’t use fishing line, use braided beading thread or monofilament (4 or 6 lb test). She suggests not to use doubled thread, as it will show.

Favorite Bracelet Beading Patterns by Kim Leahy

Champagne Luster Bracelet

Add sparkle to your wrist with the Champagne Luster Bracelet. Kim uses two-hole cabochons and triangles along with crystal chatons that catch the eye. This bracelet has an alternate colorway, so you can choose what speaks to you. You can even use different colored cabochons in the large and small components for added flair.

Kim recommends that you use nylon beading thread for this project, as it’s more flexible than others.

Related: Best Threads for Bead Weaving

Tea and Croissant Bracelet

What a lovely combination for breakfast or an afternoon snack: tea and croissants! Perhaps an even better combination may be found in Kim’s project, the Tea and Croissant Bracelet. The bracelet gets its tasty name from the Teacup and CzechMates crescent beads. The bracelet is a pretty easy project and works up quickly, making it perfect for beginners.

Kim recommends that you use medium tension when beading to prevent the components curling too much.

Beading is an art, but it’s important to remember to have fun with it. Experimenting with different colors combinations or materials keeps things interesting and helps you discover more of what you love. We hope you enjoy working on these beautiful projects as much as we do! Kim teaches classes and has her own site where you can purchase kits and other materials. And don’t miss her upcoming Interweave @ Home workshop!

Favorite Patterns from Kim Leahy