Some tips for weaving beads:
How to find the correct tension:
You want enough tension that you get a clean shed and have a taut warp. Your warp should be tight enough that your beads stay securely in once you place them between the warp threads.
Which side do I start weaving from?
If you are right-handed, sew through from the right side. If you are left handed, sew through from the left side. Mirrix Looms were designed for both right and left-handed people.
How to finish and start a weft thread:
When your weft thread (the thread that holds the beads) gets too short, partially sew it through the row of beads below, wrap it around a warp thread to tie a knot then continue sewing through the row of beads. Do this until you feel the thread is completely secure.
You begin a weft thread in exactly the same way, starting a couple of rows of beads down with the goal of getting the thread to the left of the piece if you’re right-handed and to the right of the piece if you’re left-handed.
FINISHING FOR BEAD WEAVING:
The following is a list of a few different ways to finish a bead weaving that has been woven on a Mirrix Loom:
Weaving a header and a footer
This method can be used whether or not you use the shedding device. Once you’ve finished weaving your piece and before you cut it off the loom, weave a header and footer using a needle and warp thread. Simply weave under and over the threads, going back and forth until you’ve created about a third of any inch of fiber weaving.
Once you’ve woven your header and footer, remove your piece from the loom and tie overhand knots with pairs of warp threads. Weight your piece and stick a needle in the overhand knot to guide the knot as close to the body of bead woven piece as possible. Once you’ve tied off all the warps, trim them to about half an inch. Fold the header and footer to the back of the piece and sew them so they remain there. You will either have to back your piece with something like ultra-suede or attach it to a cuff or, if this is a beaded tapestry, attach it to some kind of backing.
Sewing in your ends
This method is rather difficult. Although with a thin piece and patience, it can be accomplished. Beadwork.about.com has a good tutorial here.
No Warp-Ends method
If you use our No Warp-Ends Kit you will have no warps to weave in when finished. For pieces woven NOT using the shedding device this is a great option.
Using a Clasp
One tutorial we have for this is using a toggle clasp with exposed warps. You can find that tutorial here.