How to Create Fabric Beads
- 1). Decide how long you want your beads to be. Use a ruler to mark this length using a line on a piece of scratch paper (this will help you visualize the length of the beads). For best results with rolled fabric beads, choose a length of at least 1/2 inch.
- 2). Cut triangular pieces of fabric, one for each bead. Make each piece a tall equilateral triangle with the base width equal to the measurement from step 1. Make the height of the triangle about three times this measurement.
- 3). Treat the edges of each fabric to keep them from fraying. Spread some glue on your fingertip and rub it around the edges of each triangle, smoothing down the loose hairs.
- 4). Apply glue to the underside (the side without any printing) of each triangle piece. Thinly coat the entire surface of the fabric, leaving only a thin strip (about 1/8 inch) at the base of the triangle uncovered.
- 5). Roll up the triangles to form beads. Lay the bamboo skewer or darning needle over the base of the triangle on the glue-coated underside of the fabric, lining it up with the edge of the fabric. Wrap the bottom of the triangle around the skewer, then continue rolling up the length of the triangle. Adjust your rolling as you go to keep the tip of the triangle at the center until you reach the very top; the roll will get thicker in the middle as you go, until the tip of the triangle is glued at the widest center point of the bead.
- 6). Remove the bamboo skewer or needle. Repeat steps 3-5 for each additional bead you want to make.
- 7). Let the glue dry.
- 8). Spray the finished bead with polyurethane finishing spray if you want shiny, hard beads. Skip this step for soft cloth beads.