Japanese Beading Views

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Japanese seed beading offers new opportunities for creativity to beadworkers of all skill levels. If you are looking for a chance to expand your skills and create a variety of whimsical projects, try moving beyond standard bead loom weaving and similar options when you work with seed beads. Most Japanese seed beading requires nothing but strong beading thread and a beading needle. It is an affordable, adaptable and versatile addition to your bead and jewelry making skills.

All Japanese seed beading is done with Japanese seed beads, also called delica beads. These tiny beads are available in a variety of colors and finishes. You can purchase them in tubes, small bags or in bead stores in quantities by the ounce. Keep a variety of colors on hand to make it easy to try a variety of Japanese beading techniques. You will also need nylon mono-filament beading cord and a long, thin beading needle.

The basis for nearly all Japanese seed beadwork is Hachinoji-ami or Kousa-ami, referring to its Figure 8 or crossing shape. Start this stitch with 3 seed beads in the center of your beading thread. Do not knot the ends. Thread a 4th bead onto 1 end of the thread and cross the other end through this bead, forming a fully closed loop with 1 thread end protruding from each side of the 4th Japanese seed bead. Make the 2nd stitch by adding 1 bead to each end and crossing the ends of your thread through a 3rd bead (see 1st link in References).

Use Japanese seed beading techniques to make pendants, key chain fobs, bracelet or necklace clasps or small figurines. You can also use patterns for Japanese seed beading with larger scale beads, but do opt for larger gauge thread or wire to maintain the structural integrity of the beaded piece. Once you have mastered the basic crossing stitch, you will find it is not difficult to create elegant and tasteful jewelry or playful and whimsical pieces for the children in your life (see 2nd link in References).