The Best Method to String Seed Beads

Tiny seed beads--popular because of their wide range of colors and versatility--are ideal for beading projects ranging from jewelry to detailed patterns on clothing. However, seed beads are hard to see and grasp when stringing onto wire or thread, which is a problem when you're working with hundreds or thousands of beads. Instead of hunching over a magnifying glass for hours, using a bead spinner or stringing tool is the best method for stringing seed beads.

Cut a length of thread using embroidery scissors, then thread the curved beading needle and set the needle and thread aside until ready to string.

Place the bead spinner on the small towel to catch stray beads, then fill the bottom of the bowl section with seed beads until the bottom is covered or the bowl is at least one-third full.

Place the needle's curved tip into the seed beads in the spinner without touching the sides or middle of the bowl. Grab the middle of the spinner and spin the bowl so the seed beads string onto the beading needle.

Hold the beading needle up vertically in your hand after it's full, then slide the strung beads off the needle and down the thread.

Place the beading needle back into the spinner bowl and continue spinning seed beads onto the needle until the string of beads is as long as you want it to be.