Needles & Thread for Beading

Needle sizes are like bead sizes; the larger the number the smaller the size. A #10 needle can be used with 10/0 beads, a #11 with 11/0, and so on. The #12 Sharps and #15 Beading needles are the smallest sizes available so they are best for 14/0 to 16/0 beads. However, some beads may have holes that are too small even for these needles.

Beading Needles

These long thin needles are used primarily for loomwork, but also work quite well for gourd stitch and beaded earrings. Needle size indicates the smallest bead size for which that needle is intended; however, a smaller size needle is used when it must pass through the bead twice as in gourd stitch, loomwork, or earrings.

Be Sure to Get the Right Thread for Your Project

Nymo Thread Use by Size

• Size 00 Nymo Thread: Our finest Nymo size, approximately 0.12–0.13 mm in diameter. Especially useful for 13/0 and smaller seed beads, fine Czech cut beads, and intricate beadwork requiring multiple passes through small bead holes. Excellent for peyote (gourd) stitch, brick stitch, beaded fan handles, and detailed bead embroidery.
• Size A Nymo Thread: A fine thread suitable for 13/0 and smaller seed beads, depending on bead-hole size and the number of thread passes required. For particularly tight holes or repeated passes, consider the finer Size 00. Our current Size A bobbins contain 115 yards.
• Size B Nymo Thread: A versatile choice for 11/0 and 12/0 seed beads, bead embroidery, applique, and many off-loom beading techniques.
• Size D Nymo Thread: A heavier thread commonly used with 10/0 and 11/0 seed beads when additional strength is desirable and the bead holes permit the required passes.
• Size F Nymo Thread: A heavy thread suitable for larger 5/0 and 8/0 pony beads and craft projects requiring heavier stitching, including certain clothing, moccasins, leather bags, and drumstick heads.

Thread Selection Tip: Use the strongest thread that will pass comfortably through the bead holes as many times as the project requires. Pre-stretch Nymo before use and condition with beeswax or an appropriate thread conditioner to reduce tangling and fraying. Nymo works well as a loom weft thread; less-stretchy materials are generally preferred for warp threads.

Cotton thread use by type/size:

• Use quilting thread for 12/0 and smaller seed beads
• Use button & carpet for 10/0 and 11/0 size seed beads
• For warp threads (the ones on the loom before you start to attach beads”, cotton thread is recommended as it does not stretch like Nymo.
• NOTE: Nymo thread can also be used for warp threads, but it should be pre-stretched before use, even for gourd or lazy stitch.
• Always coat your thread with beeswax as this helps prevent tangling and prolongs the life of the thread.

French “Fil Au Chinois” Linen Thread

Imported from France, this fine quality, 100% linen thread is extremely strong and does not stretch, thus giving it the ability to hold a tight knot. This makes it particularly well-suited for hand sewing of clothing and leather. Also excellent for use as warp threads in loom beadwork, it is great for jewelry making and stringing beads. Fil Au Chinois” Linen Thread is lightly waxed, but not sticky, and quite smooth. Size 100 is the finest, a bit lighter than quilting thread; Size 40 is heavy and best for possible bags, sheaths, buttons, and heavy fabric.

• 5026-040-030 Size 40, Natural (30 Meter)
• 5026-040-031 Size 40, Black (30 Meter) Spool
• 5026-040-035 Size 40, Dk. Brown (30 Meter) Spool
• 5026-040-050 Size 40, Natural (50 Meter Capsule)
• 5026-040-051 Size 40, Black (50 Meter Capsule)
• 5026-040-055 Size 40, Dk. Brown (50 Meter Capsule)
• 5026-099-050 Size 100, Natural (50 Meter Capsule)
• 5026-099-051 Size 100, Black (50 Meter Capsule)

Crazy Crow Trading Post offers Heavy Linen Thread, 3-5 Cord, waxed and unwaxed, in natural, black and brown colors (except 4-ply), for light to medium duty sewing needs such as bags, moccasins, clothing, etc. Linen is the strongest natural textile fiber, making a superior and long-wearing thread that is historically correct for hand sewing. This is heavier than standard sewing thread and excellent for all around sewing of possible bags, knife sheaths, pouches and even clothing and tents. Blending well with natural color fabrics and leathers, this thread is a pleasure to work with.

Best Uses for each size linen thread:

• 3-Cord is best for most light to medium applications such as bags, pouches, small knife sheaths & clothing.
• 4-Cord and 5-Cord sizes are better for heavier duty sewing such as shooting bags, knife sheaths, moccasin soles, tents and tipis.
• View all Linen Thread products online.

Thread Size, Spool Size & Color Availability:

• Crazy Crow Trading Post offers Heavy Linen Thread in 3, 4, & 5 ply (cord) sizes.
• 3 & 5 ply sizes are available in 45 yard & 1 lb. spools; 4-ply is only available in 1 lb. spools.
• 3 & 5 ply sizes are available in natural, black, and brown colors.
• 4 ply is available only in 1 lb. spools and only in natural color.
• All sizes are available as waxed or unwaxed.
• 1 pound spools contain the following approximate yardage:
  3-ply: Waxed 1,250 yards; Unwaxed 1,660 yards.
  4-ply: Waxed 1,130 yards; Unwaxed 1,460 yards.
  5-ply: Waxed 910 yards; Unwaxed 1,260 yards.