Waist beads have been a popular accessory in African culture for centuries. They are believed to have a spiritual significance and are worn for a variety of reasons including to celebrate womanhood, to mark milestones, and as a symbol of fertility. In recent years, waist beads have also become popular fashion accessories all over the world. If you’re interested in making your own waist beads, here’s a simple guide on How To Make Waist Beads.
How To Make Waist Beads:
Choose Your Beads To Make Waist Beads
Choosing the right beads is an essential step when making waist beads. Beads come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, so you need to decide what look you want to achieve. You can use glass, wood, clay, or plastic beads, among others, to make waist beads. It’s crucial to choose beads that are comfortable to wear, and not too heavy.
If you are using multiple colors, you can experiment with different combinations and patterns. Some people choose beads that reflect their personality, while others prefer a specific color scheme that has personal significance to them. Whatever your preference, it’s essential to choose beads that complement your skin tone and clothing.
When buying beads, it’s important to ensure that they are of high quality. Poor-quality beads can break easily, which can be frustrating, and they can also cause skin irritation. Look for beads that are well-made and durable, and avoid beads with rough edges or cracks.
In addition to choosing the beads themselves, you’ll also need to decide on the type of string or wire you want to use. Some people prefer to use elastic cords, while others prefer to use beading wire. Both options have their pros and cons, so you need to decide which one works best for you.
Measure Your Waist To Make Waist Beads
Before making waist beads, it’s important to measure your waist to ensure that your beads will fit properly. To do this, you will need a measuring tape. Start by standing up straight and relaxing your stomach muscles. Then, wrap the measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist, which is usually located just above your belly button. Make sure that the tape is snug but not too tight, and take note of the measurement.
Cut Your Beading Thread
Cutting the beading thread to the appropriate length is an essential step in making waist beads. Typically, the length of the thread should be at least 30 inches or more, depending on the waist size. If you’re not sure about the length, it’s always better to cut a little more than required and adjust it later.
Once you’ve cut the thread to the desired length, make sure to tie a knot at one end of the thread to prevent the beads from slipping off as you string them. You can use a regular knot or a double knot to secure the beads in place.
It’s worth noting that some people prefer to use elastic string instead of beading thread since it allows for a little more flexibility when it comes to sizing. However, if you’re using elastic string, you won’t need to tie a knot at the end of the thread. Instead, you can simply begin stringing your beads onto the elastic.
Start Beading
- Tie a Knot: Take the end of your thread and tie a knot about an inch from the end. This will prevent the beads from sliding off the thread as you begin to bead.
- Add Your First Bead: Take your first bead and slide it down to the knot.
- Add Spacer Beads: Depending on the style you are going for, you can add spacer beads in between your main beads. Spacer beads can be any smaller bead that complements your main bead. You can choose to add a few or many spacer beads, depending on your preference.
- Add Your Main Beads: After adding the spacer beads, you can start adding your main beads. Slide them down the thread until they are next to the spacer bead.
- Continue Adding Beads: Keep adding beads in the pattern you have chosen. Remember to add spacer beads in between your main beads to help them stand out.
- Test the Length: As you continue to bead, make sure to occasionally hold the strand around your waist to see if it fits properly. This will help you know when to stop beading.
- Finish the Strand: When you have reached your desired length, tie the ends of the thread together with a knot. Make sure the knot is secure.
- Cut Excess Thread: Cut off any excess thread after tying the knot. Be careful not to cut the knot or any of the beads.
- Burn the Knot: If you want to ensure that the knot won’t come undone, you can use a lighter to burn the knot slightly. This will melt the thread and seal the knot.
Add a Clasp (Optional)
Adding a clasp to your waist beads is optional but can help ensure a more secure and adjustable fit. You can choose from a variety of clasp options such as a lobster clasp, spring ring clasp, or even a magnetic clasp.
To add a clasp, first, measure the length of your finished waist beads and cut a small piece of beading thread. Then, thread one end of the beading thread through the clasp and tie a knot to secure it in place.
Next, thread the other end of the beading thread through the last few beads on your waist beads and tie a knot to secure it in place. Make sure the knots are tight and secure.
Finally, test the fit of your waist beads and adjust the length by attaching the clasp to different points on the beading thread. Once you are satisfied with the fit, trim any excess beading thread and your waist beads are ready to wear!
Wear and Enjoy!
- Choose the right placement: Decide where you want to wear your waist bead – on your hips, waist, or belly button. Once you’ve found the right spot, wrap the waist bead around your waist and secure it.
- Adjust the fit: Make sure the waist bead fits comfortably around your waist. You don’t want it to be too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, it can cause discomfort or even skin irritation. If it’s too loose, it can fall off easily.
- Layer your waist beads: Experiment with layering different waist beads of different colors and sizes to create a unique look. You can also mix and match with other jewelry like bracelets and necklaces.
- Show it off: Waist beads are meant to be seen! Wear them with crop tops, low-rise jeans, or any other outfit that shows off your midriff.
- Keep it clean: Take care of your waist beads by keeping them clean. You can wipe them down with a soft cloth or use a mild soap to clean them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking them in water for too long.
