Beadwork

Beadwork is a craft in which beads are used to create decorative patterns and objects. Beads can be sewn onto fabric or leather, threaded onto cords, or woven into three-dimensional forms. Common outputs include jewelry, garments embellishments, bags, tapestries, and sculptural pieces.

Materials and tools: Beads come in glass, crystal, plastic, ceramic, or natural materials. Seed beads are small and uniform; larger beads include rocailles, pony beads, and press beads. Foundations include fabric, leather, felt, wire, or cord. Tools include beading needles, thread or beading wire, scissors, bead looms, and patterns or charts.

Techniques: Off-loom techniques such as bead weaving (peyote stitch, brick stitch, right-angle weave), netting, and bead crochet create structured fabrics. On-loom beadwork uses bead looms to produce evenly spaced bands, while stringing and embroidery attach beads to surfaces. There is also bead embroidery where beads are stitched onto a foundation to form motifs. Finishing techniques secure edges and back surfaces.

Beadwork has a diverse history across cultures. In Indigenous North American communities, beadwork developed through trade beads and natural materials, with distinct patterns and regalia signaling identity and status. African beadwork often conveys social roles and spiritual meanings. In Europe and Asia, beads have long been used in jewelry, ceremonial dress, and decorative arts. In the modern era, beadwork has seen revival and experimentation, blending traditional motifs with contemporary designs.

Contemporary beadwork spans traditional craft, fine jewelry, fashion, and installation art. Care and restoration require gentle cleaning, avoidance of harsh chemicals, and careful handling of fragile components. Beadwork documentation and conservation aim to preserve materials and techniques for study and future practice.