You can do it - we can help!

Beginner beaders have a lot of good questions. And, we do our best to answer as many as we can - because the more you know, the more confident you'll feel and the more fun you'll have beading.

What our beading patterns include

Easy beading patterns for beginners

All of our beading patterns are written so that beaders of any skill level can easily complete the project. But, some projects are easier than others. With that in mind, we've labeled all of our easiest beading patterns with the word "easy" in the top right corner, so you can easily spot them, regardless of which page you're on. Or, just click on the button below to view all of our easiest beading patterns.

Also, be sure to check out the helpful information below that explains what our beading patterns include, how to customize your jewelry and more.

"Bangle-icious" Beading Pattern

A detailed materials page

That tells you everything you'll need to make the project, including bead types, sizes, and quantities of all required beading materials and tools. Check out our next section for helpful tips on how to successfully customize your jewelry.

A bead legend

That shows where each bead is used in the project - which is very helpful if you're choosing your own color scheme.

Special notes section

That highlights important things for you to know, or keep in mind, to be successful with the project.

Bead color information

All of our newer patterns include detailed bead color information that specifies the type, manufacturer, and color of all beads used in each color sample.

Please note our earliest patterns did not include such detailed bead color information for each of the color samples we made. If you purchase an older pattern and want color information for a particular jewelry sample, just contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Step-by-step instructions

We write each beading pattern with beginners in mind. Each and every step is explained in detail, so no prior beading experience is ever required.

Photo for each and every step

Each close-up, high-resolution, full-color photo is carefully taken to show exactly what’s happening in the step. We edit every photo to ensure they're as bright and clear as possible and often add special annotations for further clarity.

Help if you need it

We had a saying in our classes, "No beader is left behind!" If you're struggling with any section of a pattern, please reach out to us - we're always happy to help. If (as a result of working with you), we feel there is a way we can improve the pattern, we make any necessary improvements, send you a revised copy, and update the pattern online.

100% money back guarantee

We want you to "bead happy". If you're less than thrilled with a pattern, for any reason, please contact us. At your preference, we'll either do our best to address your concern or issue you a full refund - no questions asked. That's our Bead Happy Guarantee!

Testimonial

Hi ladies. I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your patterns. I'm brand new to beading. Without any sense of what I was getting myself into, I purchased your dangle Christmas tree earring pattern and Peppermint Earring/Necklace pattern. Because your instructions were so clear, my first pair turned out perfectly. I made sets of each for every girl in my family. I think I'm addicted now and plan to come back for one after another. Thank you for your thoughtful detail. You have won a repeat customer! - Heather

With any pattern, there are certain things that are totally fine to change up if you want to personalize the design, and there are certain things that need to remain constant in order for the design to work out successfully. Check out our helpful tips below to know when it is, and when it's not, okay to make substitutions.

Bead colors

Everyone has favorite colors, and chances are that you have some different color preferences than we do. That’s why Cara and I make up several different color samples of each design, so you can get an idea of what it looks like in different color schemes. However, you're not limited to any of the colors that we use. Always feel free to experiment with your own color schemes or use the same colors as shown in our samples.

When you’re looking at our beading patterns, try to focus on the designs, rather than the actual colors we used. That way, if you like a design, but aren't in love with the colors, all you have to do is substitute with your favorite colors (and that goes for the color and style of the findings as well).

Bead sizes & shapes

Most bead sizes and shapes are measured in millimeters and are universally consistent from one manufacturer to another. If a pattern calls for a specific size and shape bead, you can use any brand you prefer.

Seed beads are the notorious exception to this rule. Not only do seed beads follow a different sizing scheme (15/0 through 6/0), actual bead sizes and shapes can vary widely from one manufacturer to another. These differences can wreak havoc in designs (especially, bead weaving projects) by dramatically changing the overall shape and appearance of the project. If a design requires a specific brand of seed bead to work out correctly, we specify that on the Materials page of the pattern.

Sizing & length

Our beading patterns are not designed for a specific size. Rather, we show you how to make the project to size, so you'll have a perfect fit every time.

End clasps and earwires

Most jewelry utilizes some sort of end clasps or ear wires. These items are referred to as "findings". There's a wide variety of findings, and each has its own way of being attached to the jewelry. Our patterns specify the type of findings we used and show in detail how they're attached to finish off. If you're not sure if the style finding you want to use will work, just contact us.

Metal colors & finishes

If a design includes any findings (such as end clasps, jump rings, crimp covers, chain, wire, etc.) you'll typically want to make sure that all of the various metal components you use are the same "color" and finish. This will result in a more cohesive and professional appearance. If the design purposefully features a mixed-metal look, it will be clearly indicated on the Materials page.

Bead stringing materials

There are numerous stringing materials available to folks these days. Our patterns always let you know what specific beading materials we used and, if it's important, why. If you're familiar with comparable products and rather use something else, chances are it'll be fine. However, some substitutions may not work out as well. So, if you're new to beading, we recommend that you either use the material we specify or check with us (or your preferred bead supplier) for a satisfactory substitution.

Wire & chain

As with bead stringing materials, changing the thickness of the wire you use can significantly affect the way a project works out - and, not always for the better. Patterns that utilize wire will tell you what size or gauge wire we used and what, if any, alternate gauges can safely be substituted.

"Uptown Necklace" Beading Pattern

Testimonial

"Thank you for the very clear, and easy to follow directions! You made it painless to try something new!" – Dorothy

What's your inspiration?

Many beginner beaders first approach DIY jewelry making with a specific project in mind. They've seen something they really like and feel inspired to learn how to make it themselves. Others have always loved jewelry and feel inspired to learn how to make their own. Still, others love being creative and working with their hands - and find jewelry making another potentially fun and rewarding hobby (like painting, knitting, etc.). What your motivation is, and what kind of other interests you have, can be helpful in figuring out where you should start.

Bead stringing

If you enjoyed stringing beads as a kid (honestly, who doesn't!), and you love buying beautiful stands of beads and coming up with interesting patterns and designs - and maybe even working in other fun and interesting components, then bead stringing may totally be your thing! Bead stringing is where most folks start out because it's typically less demanding than wire work, and less time consuming than bead stitching. Click the button below to view our bead stringing projects now (we've labeled all of our easiest beading patterns with the word "easy" in the top right corner).

Wire working

If you're a little more adventurous and like to manhandle things a bit, you're a natural for wire-working. While basic wire-wrapping projects are great for beginners, some freeform wirework and metalsmithing can be a bit less forgiving and are typically best for more experienced beaders. Click the button below to view our chain and wire working projects now (we've labeled all of our easiest beading patterns with the word "easy" in the top right corner).

Which beading techniques to try?

If you want to learn how to make a specific piece of jewelry that we offer a pattern for, there's no reason not to jump right in and get started. We write all of our beading patterns with absolute beginners in mind - every step in explained, and no previous beading experience or knowledge is ever required. If the beading pattern isn't labeled as "easy" in the top right corner, then you'll just need to take your time and keep in mind that you're always welcome to contact us if you run into any trouble.

Bead stitching

If you like the look of intricate beadwork, and you enjoy any type of hand sewing (such as embroidery), you may love bead stitching (a.k.a. off-loom bead weaving). Bead stitching projects utilize a beading needle and thread and are made by stitching beads together in beautiful and unique ways with various beading stitches. Bead stitching projects usually take longer but can be very rewarding! Click the button below to view our bead stitching projects now (we've labeled all of our easiest beading patterns with the word "easy" in the top right corner).

Braiding and knotting

If you enjoyed making friendship bracelets and braiding hair as a kid, and enjoy any type of knitting or macrame projects, chances are you'll feel right at home making braided and knotted jewelry using various techniques including, pearl knotting, bead crochet, kumihimo, etc. Click the button below to view our growing collection of braiding and knotting projects now (we've labeled all of our easiest beading patterns with the word "easy" in the top right corner).

Testimonial

"Love your patterns. The instructions are the best, - I thoroughly enjoyed them. I was suprised at how great they were. I definately recommend your site to all beaders." – Shirley