Assembling the Beaded Bag Side Panels

I have so much more to share, on how I complete a beaded bag, on my loom. If you missed the beginning stages, they are a few posts back.

Now the total construction begins! As I mentioned earlier, I don't feel a lining is necessary. How the warps are managed, or even what type of thread you use for the warps and wefts, allow any beaded bag to go 'unlined'. It is my favorite way to make them :)

Here I am securing the custom sized zipper. This is a four inch zipper with a 'stop'. The zipper just needs to be measured for the same width of the beaded panels, allowing the ends to hang over.

You can see the gorgeous inside, when this is unzipped. I also have secured the focal, on the crab panel. This is not shown from the inside, so there are no threads to catch or break.

Whenever I add an accent, sewn down to my beading, I try to keep the threads hidden. I also use 'stop' beads. This allows the thread to be hidden and the focal from being under stress from the stitches. You can see here how I added one silver perm bead with each stitch I secured.

My methods for creating the 'sides' of this bag are simple, fast and secure. Let me share my method.

First, I use a double thread, double needle to weave them back and forth through the line of beads I add. In this case, I am making the width of my side (9) beads wide. I also use the same type of bead woven in each panel, Delicas, so each line will lay flat and even. Using a different bead may c
ause some bunching.

You can also see how I added one black bead, to the gray panel side. This will offer an outline, when the panel is total finished. My option was to not add the black bead, but then the gray panel would blend in with the silver side panel. It also matches the opposite panel, where it meats the side.

As with adding the focal accents, I also include a 'stop' bead, with each turn of my thread, to add the next level of my sides. This can be any color or type of bead, but I decided on the Perm Silver 11/0.

You can see how these stop beads add further accents, to the opposite panel too.

I have completed the opposite side, and now finishing up this one. It lays so nice, doing it this way.

To secure the lines of (9) beads, I will weave a separate thread, back and forth between groups of four beads. First across from the right.....

....then across from the left. This not only secures these lines of (9) beads, but also straightens them to create a perfect side panel.

Here is a section secured, as I just described. Notice how even and perfect it lays.

Next, I'll be adding the fringe, then the strap can be secured!