Loom Bead Work

What you will need:
One loom
Thread
Beads
A beading needle

Loom patterns consists of different squares. Each square represents a different bead.  A tip is to Color each square with the color beads you want to use. This prevents confusing on figuring out with which colored bead comes next.

First I searched the Internet for a design pattern that I liked. The one I am using is a Sioux Tribe design which is a part of my heritage.You can buy a loom at any craft store, or you can even make one!

                                                    This is what a loom pattern looks like!
 Loom patterns consists of different squares. Each square represents a different bead.  A tip is to Color each square with the color beads you want to use. This prevents confusing on figuring out with which colored bead comes next.

Next is to thread your loom. This is a very tricky step so here is a video on how to thread a loom!

 Next is to start beading. With a thread and loom needle (usually comes with the loom kit) and following the pattern bead your first line of beads onto the thread. Put your finger under all the threads and lightly push up the beads between each thread. Each bead should have their own space. Once all the beads are in between the thread pull the needle and thread over the top of the loom. Pull the needle through all the beads so that the beads can't fall down. The end of the thread does not have to be tied; try not to pull the end through. Later we will deal with the loose threads. Bead your second line of beads onto the thread and repeat.

 This is the start of my grandmothers bracelet. It should start to look like this. Make sure you don't tangle yourself with the thread. It is okay to run out of thread for your beads. Just weave the end of your thread through the previous line of beads so that the end of the thread can not be seen. This will be dealt with later. Once the end of the thread is hidden start your beading again with the first steps continuing your pattern.

 This is my mom working on her loom work. To keep our working space clean we used trays and plates to keep our beads separate from each other. Also using a cloth material works to.

 Once your done your bead work, carefully take it off the loom. Begin sewing the ends into the beads so the ends are not seen. Eventually it will get hard to sew into your beads because of all the thread so be strategic on where you are sewing each thread. The beads will be so filled with thread that the thread will not come out. The bead work can also become stiff. This is normal. 

This is how to make a bracelet on a loom!  I will be posting completed pictures of my bracelet soon! So stay tuned!