How to Make Graph Paper Loom Beading Patterns

With graph paper and some creativity, you will be able to create your own graph paper loom beading patterns.

Bead looms are contraptions on which you weave seed beads over warp threads. The end result is a ribbon or block of beads in a particular pattern or picture. Loom beading is usually associated with Native American Indian arts and crafts.

Graph Paper Loom Beading Pattern - Making a Pattern

There are many methods of choosing a pattern for a bead loom beading project. The first step is to determine what you want to make. Some popular beading loom patterns include bracelets, belts, and hatbands. Most are rather long and slender.

While there are loom beading patterns for sale at most craft stores, it is relatively easy to create your own. Do you want a geometric pattern, a floral pattern, or a picture pattern?

Use a piece of graph paper with relatively small squares. On it, mark out a section that is the appropriate size. Each square represents one bead. Use markers or colored pencils to draw in your beading loom pattern of choice.

Graph Paper Loom Beading Patterns - Cross Stitch Patterns

One excellent source of graph paper loom beading patterns are cross stitch pattern books. There are many cross stitch books that have borders and edgings in them. These patterns can be transferred to the graph paper with only a few modifications for bead loom work.

First of all, you must only pick a cross stitch pattern that is the appropriate width and length for your beading loom project. Second, unless your project will be very large, you will not be able to do much shading or pattern work. If the cross stitch pattern calls for three shades of green, transfer only one color green to the graph paper loom beading project plan.

Graph Paper Loom Beading Patterns - Using the Pattern

Using the graph paper loom beading pattern that you have made is fun and easy. First, realize that one square on the graph paper equals one seed bead. String the bead loom with the appropriate warp threads. Most use beading thread or monofilament line for this.

Next, thread your beading needle with a long length of beading thread. Knot this thread around one of the warp threads near the middle and weave your needle through to the right edge of the strings. Pick up one seed bead in the appropriate color, for every colored block on your graph paper loom beading pattern.

Run these beads under the warp threads, take your beading needle over the warp threads, and push it back through every bead in the row. This will secure the beads between the warp threads on the beading loom. Keep following your graph paper loom beading pattern until you are done.