Beadwrangler Special Feature
December 12, 2001
HI Beady friends! Here is my column for December 2001 |
Question: I’m new to beading and often am confused by beading terms and the names of the different stitches. Can you help me?
Answer: In my last Ask Barb I covered many of the stitches used in beading. In this second part I will cover beading terms.
BEADING TERMINOLOGY
New beaders are often confused by the ‘short cut’ terminology some publications use in their instructions. As beadwork and beadwork publications become more sophisticated we are finding it necessary to start standardizing some of the terminology used. We are still evolving and developing our terminology, but at least we have started unifying our efforts. I am not sure it has even been a conscience decision, but I am sure we have all seen a need for clear, precise instructions and have naturally gravitated towards a common ground. We have the major beadwork magazines to thank for starting the trend and hopefully, we who write books will follow their lead. Those of you who do fiber arts such as crochet or knitting will recognize many of these terms as some of them are the same. Depending on the publication these abbreviations may be either in upper or lower case letter. Having said all that, here is a listing of basic contemporary beadwork terminology that you may see in a set of written instructions. |
ASTERISK *: Used to mark a portion of work which will be repeated one or more times depending on the instructions.
AB: Beads with an ‘Aurora Borealis” or rainbow appearance.
BEADING NEEDLE: A special needle which has a small eye and is usually longer than a regular sewing needle.
BEES WAX: Wax used to coat the beading thread.
BEG.: Begin or beginning: The beginning of the row or the section which you are working.
BS: Brick Stitch.
CC: Contrasting color. Also known as AC for Accent Color.
DEC: Decrease.
INC: Increase.
LADDER: Usually a brick stitch term for the foundation row of a project.
MC: Main Color.
NYMO: Beading thread.
ORIGINAL STRAND: Also known as ‘Base Strand’. The string of beads you originally string to start a project.
PBT: Pass back through: Pass the needle through in the opposite direction from which you have been working.
PEY: Peyote technique.
PREV: Previous (row, or round, or stitch etc.)
PT: Pass through: Pass the needle through in the same direction you have been working.
REM: Remain or remaining (rows, stitches etc.)
RND(S): Round or rounds - Usually the rows of a circular or tubular piece.
RS: Right side of work.
SHARPS: Short small needles used by beadworkers and quilters and others.
SILAMIDE: Beading thread.
SS: Square Stitch.
ST(S): Stitch or stitches.
STOP BEAD: Also called a knot , waste or tension bead. A bead strung at the beginning of a thread which temporarily takes the place of a knot.
THREAD TAIL: A portion of thread, usually about 6 inches, left at the beginning of the original strand of beads. The thread is woven into the piece after a few rows have been established.
TOG: Work together.
WORKING THREAD: The thread on the needle with which you are using to string or weave beads.
WS: Wrong side of work.
ZZZ: You fell asleep while beading!
Enjoy! Barb :)
Barb Grainger
Barbara Grainger is the author of:
Peyote At Last! A Peyote Beadwork Primer
Peyote Design Techniques
Dimensional Flowers, Leaves & Vines
She also teaches workshops at various locations around the country.
You can contact her at Beadteach@aol.com
Visit Barb's new Website - BarbsPage
I have a review of Barb's new book, Dimensional Flowers, Leaves & Vines in the Book Center.