Glossary
| applique |
The process of sewing beads onto fabric or leather. |
| aurora borealis (ab) |
A rainbow finish that is most often on one side of glass beads, but can cover the entire surface. |
| bead knitting |
In this method the beads are knitted into fabric on certain rows at regular intervals between stitches. In this method beads are pre-strung onto the yarn (size 8 pearl cotton). The finishing result is a beautiful combination of beads and thread with a supple feel. This is the method used by Theresa Williams in the Beaded Bag Series and by Kathy Marshbank and Renee Gomez's pattern series. |
| beads/inch or millemeter |
4mm bead = 6 beads per inch or 25 mm 6 mm bead = 4 beads per inch or 25mm 8mm bead = 3 beads per inch or 25mm. To design a 20" or 508 mm necklace: 4mm bead = 127 beads total 6mm bead = 85 beads total 8mm bead = 76 beads total Size 11/0 seed beads = 17 per inch or 25 mm (this may vary alot depending on the seed bead and whether it is from the Czech Republic or Japan) (please note that this is meant to be a guide and all measurements are approximate) |
| bugle beads |
Tube shaped seed beads which are measured by their length and are similar to size 11/0 seed bead in diameter. A hank of size 3 bugles contains approximately 920 beads on 10 16" strands. |
| casting |
A charm, pendant or bead which has been made through a process in which metal is cast (poured) into a mold. |
| catalog |
An antiquated and usually outdated waste of natural resources that has since been replaced by environmentally friendly online shopping sites. The money we save while conserving paper is passed on to our customers with our very low prices. |
| crimp bead |
A soft metal bead which is smashed onto beading wire (or other strong stringing material) to hold beads on and attach clasps. |
| e Bead |
Size 6/0 seed bead which measures approximately 9 beads per inch or 25 mm. That would be 180 beads total for a 20 inch or 508 mm necklace. |
| eye pin |
A long straight metal pin which has a loop on one end. It is used to stack beads and charms which will be connected to another pin in a design. |
| finding |
A component (usually metal) used to attach beadwork in the creation of jewelry (i.e., ear wires, clasps, head pins, crimp beads). |
| flex wire |
A strong metal stringing material which is available in various colors and sizes. Better than tiger tail because this wire will knot and will not develop bothersome bends and kinks under normal use. Great for all types of beads due to strength and flexibility. Crystal and glass will not cut through flex wire. .019 and .024 are medium and heavier wieghts. |
| hank |
For size 11/0 seed beads: a group of twelve 16" strands of seed beads containing approximately 4,000 beads and weighing about 42 grams or 1.47 ounces. (Please note that these are estimates). |
| head pin |
A long straight metal pin (usually 1.5 to 2") that is used to stack beads and charms which will hang from earrwires or a centerpiece on a necklace. |
| iris |
A transluscent glossy finish that adds a metallic rainbow effect. |
| kilo |
A term used when referring to a quantity of beads equal to that metric weight (Size 11 seed beads = 24 hanks/kilo). |
| lined |
There is a finish lining the inside of the bead either metallic or color. (Often these finishes wear off over time). |
| luster |
Glossy, almost oily finish. |
| matte |
A non-shiny finish (sandy feeling). |
| metallic |
Has a metal finish (i.e. gold, silver). |
| necklace lengths |
Standard necklace lengths: 16" Choker, 18 " Princess, 20" - 24" Matinee, 28"- 30" Opera, 45" or longer Lariat. |
| netting |
An off-loom weaving technique used with seed beads. |
| nymo |
A nylon string used most often with seed beads in various stitches, applique and loom work. It is very strong and comes in sizes such as "0", "00", "A","B", "C" and so on. "00" is the finest, "0" is fine, and as you go from "A"-"F" the size increases. |
| opaque |
Deep color, not transparent.
pearl cotton thread¦A highly mercerized, twisted, non-divisble. lusturous 100% cotton thread on a ball for knitting and other craft projects. Size 8 pearl cotton thread is often used in knitting or crochet work with beads. Size 8 cotton thread balls are 88 yards/45 meters in length. |
| pearl cotton thread |
A highly mercerized, twisted, non-divisble. lusturous 100% cotton thread on a ball for knitting and other craft projects. Size 8 pearl cotton thread is often used in knitting or crochet work with beads. Size 8 cotton thread balls are 88 yards/45 meters in length. |
| peyote stitch |
Various off-loom weaving techniques used with seed beads (flat peyote, tubular peyote, peyote in the round etc.). |
| seed bead |
Very small beads which are available in different sizes, colors and finishes. Sizing is based upon the number of the size of the rod used for making them. As the number of the size increases, the size of the bead decreases. So, a size 11/0 seed bead is smaller than a size 6/0 bead. |
| tiger tail |
Acculon bead wire. A strong plastic coated wire in that is available in various sizes and colors. It will not be cut through by crystal or glass beads. You must use crimp beads as this wire will not knot! The only drawback to using tiger tail is that you must handle the finished product with care. If the jewelry is bent, the wire will develop permanent kinks or bends. |
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