Needlework accessories and tools covers what the kits do not include but the work sooner or later calls for: hoops, needles, strong beading thread and small tools. The section is deliberately short and holds only what we use ourselves.
What is here
- Hoops — plastic, tapestry and wooden.
- Needles — for bead, microbead and cross stitch embroidery.
- Beading thread — Ariadna Tytan 100 polyester, very strong and does not stretch under the weight of the beads.
- Small tools — magnetic needle minder, threader, seam ripper.
Choosing a needle
| Technique | Needle | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bead embroidery | beading, size 11–12 | Fine enough to pass through a Preciosa size 10 bead |
| Microbeads | finest beading needle | The hole in a size 13 microbead is half as wide |
| Cross stitch | blunt tapestry needle | It does not split the threads of the fabric |
Questions and answers
What thread should I use for bead embroidery?
Fine, strong and resistant to abrasion against glass. Ariadna Tytan 100 polyester (133 dtex × 2) does not stretch under the weight of the beads or fray during long sessions.
Do I need a hoop for bead embroidery on canvas?
Up to about 200×200 mm, not necessarily: the canvas holds its shape. From 300 mm upwards even tension is much easier to keep on a hoop or frame.
What is a magnetic needle minder for?
To keep the needle from disappearing onto the floor while you work with tiny beads. A small thing that saves time and temper.
How do I choose the hoop size?
By the size of the piece: the ring should be larger than the area you are stitching now, so it never rests on finished rows. More in needles, hoops and threads for bead embroidery.