Bead weaving is a set of techniques for weaving sheets and objects of seed beads. Threads are strung through and/or around the beads to hold them together. It can be done either on a loom or using one of a number of off-loom stitches.
A bracelet in progress on a bead-weaving loom
Undated rigid heddle for beadwork, Ho-chunk, Wisconsin.
An example of off-loom beadweaving, specifically plaiting, from Sarawak, Malaysia.
Beadwork is the art or craft of attaching beads to one another by stringing them onto a thread or thin wire with a sewing or beading needle or sewing them to cloth. Beads are produced in a diverse range of materials, shapes, and sizes, and vary by the kind of art produced. Most often, beadwork is a form of personal adornment, but it also commonly makes up other artworks.
Ukrainian bead weaving pysanka
Beadwork in progress on a bead weaving loom. Black, orange and transparent seed beads are being used to make a bracelet.
A string of blue faience beads from north Lisht, a village in the Memphite region of Egypt, c. 1802–1450 B.C.
King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza with allegories of the four continents, a elaborate beadwork basket project