What tools do I need to bead jewelry?

It's a very common question for beginner beaders to want to know all the tools needed to start beading. (and what they can live without)

To be successful with beading projects, it's a good idea to understand the beading tools available and what they are used for. Next to each "must have" tool is an **. The other tools can be added as more experience is gained.

**Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are used to cut wire. They have sharp edges that snap wire clean. Be sure to get good quality cutters that cut close and clean.

**Crimping Pliers
Crimping pliers are used to flatten crimp beads at the end of stringing wire. Crimping pliers create neat, round crimps using a 2 step process. They are very easy to use! Use the standard crimping pliers for 2mm crimp tubes. Use the Micro Crimper for 1mm crimp tubes. And if you have a need for a 3mm crimp tube, try using the Mighty Crimper.

Round-Nose Pliers (needle nose pliers)
Round nose pliers have rounded ends designed to create smooth tight loops in wire. Choose a good quality set that provides a tight grip, ergonomic handles and a wide range of width on the noses. This tool can be skipped when first starting out (and on a budget). As skills soon advance into creating dangles and wire loops, these pliers will be needed.

Chain Nose Pliers (flat-nose pliers)
These pliers have flat tapered noses that enable gripping, bending and manipulating wire. Choose a pair that offers small tips to reach tiny areas and that have comfortable ergonomic handles. Again, these pliers won't be needed right away. They will be needed for stringing beads and to help grip beads and wire. Plus, the more a beader works with wire, the more essential these pliers will become.
 
Beading Needles
There are 2 main types of needles, a Beading needle and a Sharps needle. Beading needles are about 2" long, flexible and are designed for stringing multiple beads and off-loom and loom beadweaving.
Sharps needles are shorter and more rigid. The are designed for hand bead embroidery into fabric and for off-loom beadweaving. A beading needle is typically not needed until a beader begins creating off-loom stitch designs. Until then,stringing wire is stiff enough to string beads on.