Over three years of loom weaving, I’ve accumulated a collection of items that have greatly enhanced my quality-of-beading-life. Even something as small as a tabletop trash can be life-changing for a weaver, so I figured I’d share what I have in my current setup—one that I believe to be of the utmost convenience.
This is a post by one of Mirrix's 2026 Brand Ambassadors, Yuliya Klochan. Follow Yuliya on Instagram @yuliyaklochan here.
Over three years of loom weaving, I’ve accumulated a collection of items that have greatly enhanced my quality-of-beading-life. Even something as small as a tabletop trash can be life-changing for a weaver, so I figured I’d share what I have in my current setup—one that I believe to be of the utmost convenience.
Note: I don’t receive any benefits for mentioning the products in this post. Check for alternatives in your local craft store or other online retailers whenever possible.
“Letting Her Hair Down,” on a 16” Big Sister Mirrix Loom
Daylight Lamp
I struggle with eye fatigue, and having a bright crafting lamp has been incredibly helpful. I use the Ottlite brand [https://ottlite.com/collections/craft-and-hobby], which specializes in natural daylight lamps for crafters. You can find options at various price points and in different formats/sizes. For example, they have lamps that are rechargeable, include magnifiers and storage, stand on the desk or floor, etc.
"My smallest, rechargeable Ottlite lamp. Most of the time, I use a floor lamp with a much wider light."
Finger Protectors
Traditional thimbles can be quite constraining, so I opt for latex or nitrile finger cots (often used in first aid). They’re great for grip when you need to, say, pull the needle through a tight space, or for protecting yourself from needle stabs.
You can buy hundreds of finger cots for under $10 on Amazon, and each can last you a few weaving sessions. I recommend a size medium or above for adults. Latex cots are, in my experience, more grippy, while nitrile ones fare better against stabs.
"An assortment of latex and nitrile finger cots"
Compression Gloves
If your hands and/or wrists, like mine, get tired after weaving sessions, these are for you. Crafting gloves are typically marketed for arthritis, and you can purchase them in the pharmacy section of any supermarket or online. I recommend starting with basic compression options—these look just like regular gloves with finger cutouts; they’re just much tighter. If you feel like you need more support, you can try gloves with wrist straps or infused with copper.
"A few of the compression gloves I’ve tried over the years."
Tabletop Trashcan
This one is a favorite in my workspace as it’s both cute and functional. I use my tiny trashcan for thread bits, uneven beads, and more, constantly. And it looks just like a real recycling bin! You can buy these on Amazon (one option is here)or elsewhere online. Novelty stores like Five Below or Miniso also have adorable desk bin options.
"The trusty tabletop trashcan"
Display Board
To follow my patterns more easily, I use a magnetic display board. It’s an especially suitable companion for upright Mirrix looms. I got mine on Amazon (you can see it here.
"Display board for weaving patterns"
Needle Storage
To keep needles easy to access for you but not your pets or children, I recommend getting a small storage box. This ArtBin one comes with a magnetic bottom to hold your needles in place (ArtBin has also been helpful for beading storage solutions). For something that latches more securely, try this mini toolbox with a protective sponge bottom. You can also store other small tools in there, such as snippers or scissors and bead scoops.
"RovyVon (top) and ArtBin needle storage options"
Toolbox
At the beginning of a project, I select my bead colors and put all the bottles in a toolbox. A multi-level box is best because it can also hold scissors, needles, calipers, and other project tools. I’ve experimented with different sizes and formats to get to the best one for me, so I won’t link any products here, but I will stress that settling on a favorite has streamlined the weaving process greatly.
"A plastic toolbox that opens at the top to reveal multiple levels of storage"
"A metal toolbox that has two rolling drawers and a liftable compartment at the top."
For Beaders: Craft Bumper
The easiest way I’ve found to lay out beads while working on a project is on a craft bumper. The soft velour surface minimizes the beads rolling around when you pick it up. Beadsmith has an option available online and at craft stores such as Michaels. I also have one from the Etsy creator BeadBoardEnvy, which is highly customizable.
"An 8” x 12” craft bumper in “Crushed Royal” color from BeadBoardEnvy"
For Beaders: Scoop
A scoop is invaluable for cleanup and pile control. The Beadsmith scoops work best with my soft craft bumpers. You can buy them online (for example, at Michaels.
"Beadsmith scoop"
