Top 5 Beading Mistakes to Avoid

---

So you found a beading project you love, and you’re ready to start right now! You do not want to lose the momentum and are looking forward to completing this project while it is still on your mind, and before it ends up on the “To-Make” list instead. Set yourself up for success by avoiding these top 5 beading mistakes when beginning your beading project.

Above: Tessellations Collar by Laura Graham

1. Overlooking the Difficulty Rating

One common mistake that beginning and intermediate beaders make is not looking at the difficulty rating before choosing a project. While the design may be awe-inspiring, the more elaborate the jewelry, the more difficult it might be to create. The rating system is in place to help you choose a pattern that you can complete at your skill level. Beginner level typically indicates projects that can be completed without much experience. Intermediate level usually requires knowledge of specific stitches, and Advanced level requires extensive knowledge of multiple stitch types. Being honest about your skill level and whether or not you are up for a challenge is the first step to success.  

2. Refusing to Read the Entire Pattern Before Beginning

It’s enticing to find a project and jump in right away, however, it is always recommended that you read through all the instructions first (even if you won’t get to Step 5 for a few days). Some patterns contain repeated steps, stitches you may not know or recognize, or a tool or material that was mistakenly left out of the materials list. The best way to fully understand what you are getting yourself into when committing to a project is to thoroughly read through the instructions before beginning, even if you are just so excited you want to start right now.

3. Not Having All Materials on Hand at the Start

Most beading patterns contain a comprehensive list of materials needed to complete the project. While it may be tempting to just start with what you’ve got on hand and get the rest of the supplies later, this beading mistake is one of the leading causes of unfinished projects. Running to the store or ordering materials online and waiting for the beads to arrive at your door can seriously impact your progress on a project, especially when you find another project to start in the meantime! Double-check that you have all materials on hand before you start. This extra preparation will lead to fewer interruptions and help you finish your project.

4. Substituting Bead Size or Shape Without Adjusting the Whole Pattern

Much like a recipe, a pattern lends itself to substitutions when necessary. A color change may be an easy flip, but a size or shape change can easily mess with the whole pattern. If you substitute a larger size, you may run out of beads in the other sizes as you try to fit them around the larger beads. If you do want to use a different size or shape, make sure to adjust the whole pattern being sure to take in the overall size of the piece and the number of beads you may need to account for the change. What may seem like a small change can create many problems if not done correctly.

5. Noticing a Mistake and Not Backing Up to Fix It

Mistakes happen; you can get distracted and miss a bead or slip a stitch without even noticing for several rows. You may assume that it will work itself out or that you can do a makeshift fix later, but most mistakes are noticeable in delicate beading patterns. The best way to fix a mistake is to remove the stitches when you notice the mistake and start again, even if it does take more time. Will you notice the mistake when wear the jewelry? Is it worth the effort to have a perfect piece? That’s up to you.

Share Your Tips

Do you have any tips and tricks for completing a beading project with the fewest mistakes? How often do your projects go unfinished? Let us know in the comments!

---

Favorite Interweave Beading Projects