Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Shams Sewing Tips Video #2 - Making Fabric Beads


Choker-length necklace worn doubled as a bracelet.

You asked for it!

Several weeks ago I posted a video on how to turn tubes of fabric with a bobby pin.

I was using the tubes to make fabric beads and using those beads to make jewelry.

Closeup of beads

Finished necklaces

You asked for a video on how to make the beads, so here you go!

Just in case it wasn't clear in the video, here are the tools and supplies that I used:

  1. Ruler
  2. Lighter
  3. Wire cutters
  4. Pliers - round nose and curved
    (though I mostly use the curved)
  5. Super glue
  6. Scissors (not shown)

  1. 5.5mm bungee cord (solid black)
  2. 5.5mm bungee cord (black with white polka dots)
  3. 2mm round elastic, black
  4. 5.0mm/5.5mm closures from Bead Landing
  5. 24 gauge steel wire

Fabric tubes made from 1" wide strips approximately 18" long.

Wearing my necklace as a bracelet

Thanks, Sarah!
(Sarah is wearing Butterick 5891, view B, sans collar. I should have taken a wide-angle pic as you can't see the cute polka dot panels at the bottom.)

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31 comments:

  1. Anna HJune 10, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    I don't think my first post went through, so will try again. Thank you so much for this video, it is very helpful and you did a great job presenting the information. Looking forward to making some beads.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MargyJune 10, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Great video, Shams and Sarah!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JanetJune 10, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    Thank you so much for taking the time!
    P.S. I love to see you on video. I feel like you are a friend and it is lovely to hear your voice!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 10, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    Shams, thanks so much for the wonderful video. Wire in the beads!! What a surprise to me!!!!! Can't wait to get started on some gifts for family members -- young and old!!! Your generosity is so appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:33 AM

      Thanks so much, Judy! You can use the same technique to create earrings, pins, bracelets...

      Delete
  5. Fran GJune 10, 2015 at 2:39 PM

    Ah-h-h! A fun summertime project! Thanks to you both for sharing your technique..so generous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      Thanks, Fran! Let me know what you make. :)

      Delete
  6. yoshimiJune 10, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    Thank you for sharing the videos! I loved seeing you and your tutorials were great. I love the way you showed in the video for turning tubes inside out, it works pretty good for me too,

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda TJune 10, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    How fun! Must try this. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JillybejoyfulJune 10, 2015 at 4:14 PM

    Excellent video, thank you both! Can't wait to get my ingredients together and make some :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      Ooh, I bet you will do something really cool, JillyBe!

      Delete
  9. KathieJune 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    Thank you! You did a great job and I am going to be making some of these soon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.comJune 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    Very cool beads!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:35 AM

      Thanks, Pamela! I also make paper beads. ;)

      Delete
  11. MarjorieJune 10, 2015 at 10:59 PM

    Thank-you so much for sharing the making of this necklace. I absolutely love it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. BunnyJune 11, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    Excellent! You did an amazing job. I am having bead fantasies as we speak. Thanks for your efforts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:35 AM

      I want to see what you do with it, Bunny!

      Delete
  13. MaryEllenJune 11, 2015 at 5:43 AM

    This looks like a fun project - thanks for making the video. I love Sarah's dress too, the fabric is so pretty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:40 AM

      Thanks, Mary Ellen! Yes, I should have photographed all of Sarah's top. The fabric is from Ikea - she cut up a duvet cover. It's called the BJÖRNLOKA RUTA and you can see it here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20235045/
      Sarah has used this duvet cover to make a satchel, pants, and a top. Maybe more!

      Delete
  14. kathyJune 11, 2015 at 6:50 AM

    Awesome video.
    I have an hour before i need to be at work....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 8:41 AM

      Thanks, Kathy! I hope you were able to use some of that time for fun. :D

      Delete
  15. Stars ThreadsJune 11, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    Love this!! I have never seen the bobbie pin technique for turning a tube and will give it a try! I can see alot of these fabric beads in my future! Thanks for the video.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. shamsJune 11, 2015 at 1:02 PM

      Thanks, Star! Yes, I keep a bobby pin right next to my sewing machine for this purpose. :)

      Delete
  16. UnknownJune 14, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Such a whimsical way to put those scraps to use. A perfect summertime accessory.

    ReplyDelete

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