beadin

Beadin is a term used in beadwork to describe the process of sewing or weaving beads onto a base surface to create decorative items such as jewelry, embroidery, or accessories. The word is sometimes used interchangeably with "beading" but is less common in formal texts. Beadin can describe both hand-sewn and loom-based techniques.

Beadin typically involves beading thread and needles, with a variety of bead types such as seed beads, rocailles, and pressed glass. Common techniques include peyote stitch, brick stitch, right-angle weave, herringbone, square stitch, and looming. Projects range from simple strung pieces to complex woven patterns.

Historically, beadwork is an ancient craft found across many cultures, and beadin as a practice is part of that broader tradition. Beadwork has served decorative, symbolic, and trade purposes in regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In contemporary craft, beadin is practiced by hobbyists, artists, and communities that maintain traditional patterns as well as develop new designs.

Variations in usage include beadin as a more informal or regional spelling of beading in instructional contexts, patterns, or hobbyist communities. Some brands or studios may use "Beadin" as a product name or company designation, but it is not a standardized term within beadwork. See also beadwork, beading, bead loom, and common stitch techniques.