Seed Bead Earrings — Step 1 in Knowing The Basics

Beautiful, intricate, and unique – seed bead earrings are all of these things and more. Whether you’re looking for simple earrings to wear every day or something more elaborate for a special occasion, there is certainly a handmade seed bead earring out there perfect for you and your look!

What are Seed Beads?

Seed beads, also called rocailles, are round beads that are all the same size and shape. Their sizes range from less than a millimeter to several millimeters. The term “seed bead” is also used for any small bead. Seed beads are usually round and are most often used for bead weaving on jewelries.

Different Kinds of Seed Bead Shapes

There are all sorts of materials and designs to choose from when looking to work with seed beads. Artbeads.com listed main shapes for seed beads that are commonly used in the handmade jewelry industry. Here are some of them: 

Round Seed Beads

glass seed beads

Because of their versatility, round seed beads are a go-to for several craft projects and jewelry creations. In other words, they are the most common seed bead shape available almost everywhere. The vast majority of seed beads are shaped like this. Various sizes, from 3/0 to 15/0, are readily accessible. Keep in mind that while working with seed beads, a smaller size number indicates a larger bead and a larger number means you’ll be getting a smaller sized bead.

Cylinder Seed Beads

Cylinder Seed Beads

Cylindrical seed beads are the recommended beads for techniques such as peyote stitch and brick stitch since their shape is even more consistent than that of round seed beads. They also look fantastic when lined up in a menacing formation.

Bugle Seed Beads

Bugle Seed Beads

Bugle beads are characterized by their distinctive tubular form and come in both straight and twisted variations. These are glass rods that have been cut and then tumbled to make the edges smooth. These beads are wonderful for both stringing and weaving, in addition to being a fantastic choice for use as spacers, if you want bigger sizes of dangling earrings. 

Common seed bead stitches

Brick Stitch: The BRICK STITCH produces a bead pattern that is staggered, much like the pattern created by traditional brick laying.

Square Stitch: The SQUARE STITCH is a straightforward stitch that works exceptionally well for embellishing formed metal forms and for framing other types of beading.

Ladder Stitch: A foundation row of several stitches can be improved by using the ladder stitch.

Peyote Stitch: The brick stitch and the peyote stitch both produce a similar design, however the peyote stitch is started and completed in a different way.

Fringe: Beadwork, clothes, and even home decor and accessories may all benefit from the addition of fringe to give them a more finished look. In order to get an even more dramatic effect, finish off each row with a drop bead.

Herringbone Stitch: The Herringbone Stitch produces an exquisite weave in which the beads are arranged in a pattern that is somewhat V-shaped.

Netting: NETTING is frequently worked from the edge of a beaded trim or other foundation, and it may also be used to cover things rapidly.
Right-angle weave: Beadwork created with the RIGHT-ANGLE WEAVE technique, sometimes referred to as RAW, produces an almost fabric-like finished product and may be woven using either one or two needles.

DIY seed bead earrings

Materials you’ll need:
Round beads No. 10
Nylon thread
Bead needle
Hooks
Scissors
Round nose pliers or pliers

Procedure: 

A step by step detailed procedure is documented through a video presentation by Elora Joelle titled How to make beaded fringe earrings – Beaded fringe earrings tutorial

Key Takeaways

No matter what type of necklace you choose, be sure to take care of it properly. Most handmade jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. And, if your work is unsatisfactory at the first time. Don’t worry, everything will improve through practice.