Tip: Place Your Bead Piles in Logical Order

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I’ve been working on a spiral rope necklace today, and I noticed something about my process that I think is worth sharing. When I finish playing and finally decide what I want my pattern to be, I place the piles of beads on my mat in logical order. This helps me to bead more efficiently, and here’s why:

Little Mistakes Add Up

When bead piles are in random places all over the mat, little mistakes happen. Sometimes I’ll forget to add the core bead. If the pattern in asymmetrical, I’ll have to recheck my work to see what the order is, and then reverse it. The way that spiral rope is worked means the beads you put on last become first when you take a stitch. I’m using 15/0s, and therefore a smaller needle. So, it’s an extra pain to take off the needle, undo a mistake, re-thread, and start back up again.

Beading Efficiently

With my piles ordered logically, all I have to remember is 1-2-1-2 and bead my piles from left to right. For the example in the picture, I’ll add 1 black 11/0 for the core, 2 purple 15/0s, 1 yellow 11/0, and 2 fuchsia 15/0s for the pattern beads. I have less mistakes and it makes quick work of the project. Remember that beading isn’t a race though, it’s a journey

Give it a Try

Check out my Spiral Rope Necklace Tutorial if you aren’t familiar with the stitch, and try it for yourself. This tip applies to all types of projects, not just this one, and I would love it if you shared your experience with us in the comments below.

What do you think? How do you arrange your bead piles when you bead? Please share with us in the comments!