DIY Network

Loomed Bracelet From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-108

One of Bateman's loomed bracelets.

Sharon Bateman loves to bead, and she's even invented her own beading looms to streamline the process. Here, Bateman shares a technique to creating a loomed bead with a diamond pattern and fringe.

Materials:

1/2 tube of size 11 Japanese seed beads in 2 different colors
42-4mm bi-cone crystals that match color 1
16 faceted fire polish crystals that match color 2
1 bobbin of Nymo thread that complements color 1
1 16 MM bead and 1 16MM bead for clasp
Sharondipity Bracelet loom
#12 beading needle

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Thread the loom using instructions provided. String on 10 warp threads for the 9-bead width of the pattern.

2. On any loom, you will have warp threads. These threads are strung onto the loom that you will use to weave the beads to and support the fabric of your work. If you are using a traditional loom, you will need to adapt the pattern for weaving in the warp threads, depending on the size, length and clasp desired. We have chosen the diamond motif. For the length of the bracelet you will need to measure the length desired and make only the number of diamond motifs to create the length.

3. Thread a No. 12 needle with a weft thread and several seed beads.

4. The Loom Stitch: To weave the loom stitch you will weave the beads onto the warp threads. The thread used for this is called the weft thread. Bring the beads under the warp threads to the opposite side. The warp threads will create a "parking place" for each bead. Push the beads up into those parking places and run the weft thread needle back in the other direction (figure A), through the beads, making sure it is over each of the warp threads as you work.

5. You will work the rows following the graph (figure B). Color 1 is the base. Color 2 is the diamond shape. Repeat the Diamond Motif (figure C) until there is no room left to work a complete one and fill in the remaining space with color 1 and tie off the weft thread.

6. Remove the bracelet from the loom and rub it between your hands so that all the rows are spaced evenly.

7. To embellish the edge of the bracelet you will work a Mandala edging of 3 bead picots (set of beads in the edging) along the section that is solid color 1, from one diamond point to the next.

8. Starting at the first diamond point, you will work a short 2-legged Mandala edging at the diamond point and stitch.

9. Repeat the combination for the Mandala edging around the bracelet, working from point to point along the diamond motif of loom work. Continue with the 3-bead picots along the solid color section (figure D).

10. Finish bracelet with Mandala edging around the whole rim.

11. Close the edging by stringing 1 bead of color one and running down through the very first bead of the Mandala edging. Run through the nearest row to bring the needle out on the opposite side.

12. Repeat the edging on the opposite side of the bracelet (figure E).

13. Once the edging is complete, add a loop and bead clasp.

GUESTS :

Sharon Bateman
Author of Findings and Finishings
Web site: www.sharonbateman.com