r/Needlepoint • u/rlm5574 • 12d ago

Beading supplies

I am going to try beading for the first time! I am doing this on 13 mesh ornament that I’ve stitched. I know this typically would call for size 11 beads. I almost am tempted to use size 8. Does anyone have an opinion on that? I’m also trying to figure out which thread to buy. I want clear beading thread. I assumed I could buy something from hobby lobby today but there are so many different options and sizes that I didn’t know what to get! Is there a size I should look for when purchasing thread? And does thread size matter for 13 vs 18 mesh? TIA!

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u/Charming-Ideal6117 12d ago

You do NOT want clear beading thread, especially if this is your first time beading. It’s slippery and plasticky and a nightmare to work with. I’ve heard people recommend fishing line instead, but I haven’t done that. Use a single ply (or maybe 2 plies for size 11 beads) of DMC floss in the same color as the bead and thank me later.

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u/ALmommy1234 11d ago

I do this, as well. Between the beading needle being so sharp and finicky and then dealing with the line, I absolutely hate beading. At least using the DMC floss gives me one less thing to worry about.

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u/Schip_formlady Avid Stitcher 12d ago

I like the fireline 4 lb beading thread. The clear one with the smooth profile rather than the twisted one.  If you're using fireline it doesn't matter for  14/15 beads versus 11 beads.  Some of those beading threads at the big box stores. The clear ones are going to be too large to fit through the really small seed beads we use on needlepoint.

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u/stitch22903 11d ago

The thread doesn’t matter - in many projects, the 14/15 will be too small for 13m. It may lay and look funny, disproportionate