How To Set Up Your Beadalon Beading Loom

I’ve never used a beading loom before so I was interested to see how easy it would be to weave a beaded bracelet and more importantly to set up the beading loom! The device looks very daunting when you get it out of the box and I had to read through the instructions a couple of times but I’m pleased to say that it wasn’t too complicated to set up.

When you take the beading loom out of the box, the wooden bobbins, screws and wing nuts were already in place and tightened. Loosen these and you’re ready to start. As you will be weaving beads between the threads, you will need one extra string.

For example, I am making a 7 row bracelet so I needed to set up the beading loom with 8 strings of thread. I used K.O Beading thread as we don’t currently stock the DandyLine Bead thread recommended in the instructions but this seemed to work quite well.

You can also use;

• BeadSmith FireLine Beading Thread
• Beadalon WildFire Thread

Cut 8 Strands of K.O beading thread to approximately 75 cm each and knot at one end.

Then split the 8 strings into two equal parts (4 on each side) and hook the knot over the nail head on one side of the wooden spool. You can then start winding the bobbin. This is so that you can create tension and allow yourself more thread should you need it as you go along.

I ended up doing this several times and got in rather a tangle! Don’t worry though. You can unwind and start again. Keep going until you have about 30 cm of thread left and knot it at the other end.

Now put this knot (also split into two bunches of 4) over the over nail head at the other side and carry on turning the bobbin with most thread around it until all your strings at taught. Use a metal awl (or even a pencil) to move your threads into the dividers so they are next to each other.

Now that’s set up we can so bead weaving and get creative! 

Holly Fawcett

In House Designer

Helpful Links

We also have a video from Beadalon to help you.