Getting started: making a pattern, and setting-up your loom

Let's get started. Begin your pattern by marking off the width of 35 beads and the height of 20 beads on your graph paper. To make a border around the edge of your barrette choose two colors and color in two rows on all four sides (rows: 1,2,34, & 35).

Note: It is a good idea to label your colors; I will be using C, D, E, F, and B (background color).

Once you've finished you border count six rows over and leave these blank this will be your background color.

On row nine, count down 6 beads from the top (starting with the first bead below your border color) these will be color "B". Color in the next four color "C". The next six are color B.

From here on I will be using the above legend:

• 
  
  row ten:  5B,1C,4D,1C,5B
• 
  
  row eleven:  4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B
• 
  
  row twelve: 3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row thirteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row fourteen: 3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B
• 
  
  row fifteen:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row sixteen:  3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row seventeen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row eighteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B

• 
  
  row nineteen:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4F,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty:  3B,1D,1E,2C,2F,2C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-one:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4D,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-two:  3B,1E,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,1E,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-three:  3B,1D,1E,1C,4D,1C,1E,1D,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-four:  3B,1C,1D,1E,4C,1E,1D,1C,3B
• 
  
  row twenty-five:  4B,1C,1D,4E,1D,1C,4B
• 
  
  row twenty-six:  5B,1C,4D,1C,5B
• 
  
  row twenty-seven:  6B,4C,6B
• 
  
  rows twenty-eight  through  thirty-three: 16B

Now, the pattern is complete, and you need to set-up the loom. Because the barrette is 20 beads high, you will need 21 strings on the loom.

1. 
   
   Tie a loop in the end of your thread, and place it on the screw/ peg of the loom.
2. 
   
   Place thread in the first slot of the "spring" of the loom.
3. 
   
   Loop on opposite screw/peg.
4. 
   
   Place string in next slot.
5. 
   
   Loop on opposite screw/peg.

Be sure that the thread is lined up, for example: first slot on right- first slot on left.

Repeat the above process till you have all 21 strings on loom, keep your string taunt. Tie the end of your thread onto screw/peg. You're done setting-up your loom.

Before threading your needle, pull it through the bee's wax for added strength. You will need a length of thread about twice as long as your arm. Tie the end of your thread to the bottom (left side) loom string.

Now, you are all set-up. Next time we will start beading.