No beading kit is complete without a good set of beading needles. How are beading needles different from the regular needle? Beading needles appear like regular sewing needles but they are more flexible, thinner and have smaller eyes. This makes it easier to work with small beads and gives better results.
Common types of beading needles and their uses
Selecting the right needle will allow you to work better and minimize problems such as the breakage of beads and ruined projects. There are six common types of beading needles, and they are mentioned below: –
- English Beading Needles: – These needles are one of the most commonly used needles for beading. They are long, thin, and flexible; available in a variety of sizes. However, the most commonly used size is 10 or 12. You can choose the needle size based on bead size and type, thread type and size and the number of passes you require to secure the beads. You can use it for off-loom beading stitches, brick stitches and netting.
- Japanese Beading Needles: – These needles are quite often compared with English beading needles. The major difference can be seen in their durability and their price. They are thin, flexible and equipped with a reinforced eye and point. You can use these needles for off-loom bead weaving. They are preferred over English beading needles because the strengthened tip minimizes breakages brought on by making several passes through a bead.
- Big eye Beading Needles: – This needle type is super easy to work with as they are relatively easier to thread. In terms of comparison with English beading needles and Japanese beading needles, these needles are thicker. They are made by fusing two strands of metal at the bottom and the top. You can use this needle for stringing projects with heart beads, elastic cords, and thick stringing materials.
- Twisted Beading Needles: – The structure of this needle is flexible. It has a large loop eye. They can be bent and are considerably more flexible than other needle types. You can use it for stringing gemstones or pearls on silk threads or ribbons. However, they are not suitable for reusing as the large eye portion collapses once your thread goes through the beads.
- Milliners Beading Needle: – Milliners beading needles are used for the same purpose as an English beading needle. Structurally it is slightly thicker and has a rounder eye. You can use it for loom-bending bead embroidery and off-loom beadwork.
- Glovers Beading Needle: – They are available in a variety of sizes. They are sharper in comparison to other beading needle types. The needle is triangular-shaped to penetrate thicker surfaces. You can use this needle type for stitching beads to leather, suede or any thick fabric of your choice.
Therefore, by knowing the core differences between the needle types you will be able to retain and use needles for a prolonged time.
