How many beads...

[Susan B T]

I have had a hard time getting enough beads for a single project. Like my tatted evening bag I am working on. Have had to purchase beads three times.

Found this chart for seed beads and it has helped me. I printed a copy for my file.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/ency...2Y&sact=search

Hope this helps others.

[crazytatter]

Thank you for the link.

[carolivy]

I haven't tatted a project with lots of beads in it yet, but when I was doing crochet with beads, the pattern always told me how many beads were required. I always made sure I bought at least 10% more beads to insure that I had enough beads to cover dropped beads, beads that didn't "look right" etc and never ran short.

[jamlover]

I don't know one bead from another. Sizes?? Guess that's part of the reason I haven't tried any yet. Well, I have added things on picots but the size isn't a problem since the thread firms right up to the bead you use.

Is there a usual style or size that most patterns require? When a patterns says 32 beads on the shuttle thread what size are they thinking? I've noticed some patterns mention a size but many just seem to say beads.

[IcePrincess]

You definitely have to choose beads according to the thread you're using and depending which project you're working on.
Seed beads of size 9 might look too tiny on a size 20 thread, but way too large on a size 80 thread. The best thing is to take a little tatted item with you and choose the beads accordingly.

In time, you will get a feeling which bead might look good on what thread - this also depends on which effect you want to achieve. Is the bead to adorn the lace, or is the bead the main element and the lace only joining the beads and so on...