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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details
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Design Resource Introduction

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat Bead weaving is a technique of beadwork for which seed beads are the chief material that is used. The technique
of bead weaving is to weave seed beads together onto a plane fabric or to make a three-dimensional object like
Technique of Beadwork ball, box, clasp etc. They are also used for making flower, stringing and to fill-up the space between other beads
by in jewelry and also to make a whole new jewelry from beads. They are generally used in embroidery and also ex-
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha pended for loom and off loom bead weaving techniques like brick stitch and peyote stitch. These beads are very
NID, Bengaluru small yet uniformly shaped that are available in innumerable shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Most commonly
seed beads are prepared using glass.

The history of beads dates back to Late Old Stone Age (the Upper Paleolithic). But during those days beads were
large in size probably made of ivory or shells. The seed beads which are presently used for beads weaving is also
Source: an ancient art that can be traced back in the Egyptian items dating back to 4000 years. One of the best examples
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah- of those days for beadwork was King Tut of ancient Egypt had beadwork in his tomb and other examples tent to
medabad-gujarat/introduction be rare. But there were several beaded items found in Shosoin temple in Nara, Japan dating to 8th century A.D.

Beadwork in India is also noted around 9th century B.C that refers to the braiding beads into horsetails and hairs.
1. Introduction The very first reference that speaks evidently about bead weaving is about 1300 A.D. And the earliest mass-pro-
duced seed beads were noted to be the Indo-Pacific beads of India and associated regions. They led the bead
2. Tools and Raw Materials trade for about 2000 years. Around 1490 the Modern era of beadwork began when Venice learnt to turn round
3. Making Process tubes into round seed beads. Thus the creation, development and the production of seed bead were traditionally
4. Products pioneered by European glass making centre of Murano in Italy. Later the technique reached Bohemia, France and
5. Video Germany. In France faceted metal seed beads was renowned.
6. Contact Details It is always considered that the ability to manufacture seed beads in bulk is one of the major developments in
history of beads. It was appreciated to produce seed beads in mass from tube of glass rather than the earlier
laborious practice of generating individual beads. Further in 1860s bead-making industry saw the development
in making of beads as several new process and machines were introduced in which machines enabled the glass
works to add uniformity of color and sizing. Then in early 20th century mass production of beads arrived when
the machines could draw glass tubes automatically and generate even greater consistency in size of beads. Mov-
ing on to the present day, the process of manufacturing beads still possesses many historic procedure involved in
the production of seed beads. It is also very interesting to witness the 24-hour operation of making seed beads.

Today bead weaving is a strong living tradition practiced by both men and women of India. Seetha Ben Sawda
from Gujarat is one such experienced artisan in beads weaving industry. She has an experience of 35 years in this
trade. After pursuing eleventh standard instead of continuing her further education she involved herself in the
work of embroidery making. Later as she was interested in making decorative items and dolls made of plastic
D’source 3
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Design Resource beads, after a while for working on these products she was further inspired to make small-small bead items out
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad, of which she created key chains and other house decorative items. Initially she sold these beads items through
Majur Mahajan Khadi Sewa Board in which her father was in contact with. This helped the artisan to get the con-
Gujarat tact of Gurjari handicraft of Gujarat, for which she worked on beads weaving for about 15 years continuously.
Technique of Beadwork
by The articles/jewelries made of seed beads are famous among Saurashtrian community of Gujarat. These beads
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha articles were majorly used for decorating Saurashtra’s durbar halls and Rajput houses. As the artisan belongs to
Saurashtrian society, she is much aware of the value for beads weaving in their community. As per the informa-
NID, Bengaluru
tion given by the artisan these seed bead jewelries are famous among Rajput’s and worn by Varjara people of
Gujarat and tribal people located near Nal sarovar.

Artisan was trained for beads weaving under the guidance of Mr.Mirza and Mr.Carvin Fernandez. After becoming
Source: a professional beads weaver she held numerous workshops on beads weaving. She also conducted the workshop
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah- in National Institute of Design through which her art was recognized by NRIs and localities as well. She also got
medabad-gujarat/introduction an opportunity to sell her beads articles in Kuldeep Nagar. One of the other major workshops that was held by
the artisan was in Uttarakhand for fifteen days and a camp in Delhi. Artisan happily says that students from Na-
tional Institute of Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology and NRI’s are more fascinated and are inter-
ested to learn beads weaving among all her students in workshops. Last but not the least the artisan conveys the
1. Introduction credits of this beads weaving business success to her father, as it was his dream to attract Non Resident Indians
2. Tools and Raw Materials (NRIs) towards their art.
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Various articles prepared using seed beads. Traditional bead ornament.

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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/introduction

Senior artisan engrossed in the art A glimpse of intricately weaved seed beads article.
1. Introduction of beads weaving.
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Marvelously weaved beaded adornment. Multicolored beads necklace.

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Design Resource Tools and Raw Materials

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat The tools and raw materials that are needed for beads weaving are listed below:
• Seed Beads: Seed beads are the main material that is used for bead weaving. They are available in numerous
Technique of Beadwork colors and shapes. As per the weaver’s choice seed beads can be selected and bought for the work.
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha • Beading Thread: Beading thread is used while working with seed beads. The thread that is used for bead weav-
NID, Bengaluru ing has to be strong and supple and also thin enough to pass through a small bead. Beading threads are often
made of nylon. Nymo and KO are some of the good beading threads.

• Beading Needle: The needle used for bead weaving should be usually shorter and firmer. It is preferred to use
the same size of needle as the bead size. In case of making lot of passes through some beads then it is preferred
Source: to choose a smaller needle to weave the beads.
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/tools-and-raw-materials • Cutter: Cutter is used for cutting the excess thread and to cut off the thread once completing the process of
bead weaving.

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Seed beads are the basic material used for beads weaving articles.
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
Thread is used for weaving the beads. Cutter is used for cutting the excess of thread.
medabad-gujarat/tools-and-raw-materials

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Needle is used for weaving the beads.

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Design Resource Making Process

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat Bead weaving is a traditional art. To prepare any sort of bead article like jewelries, wall hangings or piece of
bead art, selection of beads plays a vital role. Preferably Italian seed beads are best suited for any variety of bead
Technique of Beadwork weaving creations, as they are even in size with bright colored and constant finishing of beads. There are Indian
by beads as well that are available in market along with Italian beads. But the major difference between them is
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha Indian beads are comparably sober in color and the unevenness of sizes in beads. Hence the artisan Seetha Ben
NID, Bengaluru Sawda of Gujarat suggests Italian beads for the bead art creations.

To make any sort of bead jewelry initially it is very much mandatory to prepare a sketch of the jewelry that has
to be made. There are huge varieties of beads weaving patterns. So once the pattern of weaving and the design
of the jewelry are well composed in a sketch, weavers get a clear idea of the color combination too. Then as per
Source: the requirement the colored beads are bought from market either by the hank or by weight in grams. Once the
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah- beads are bought it is spread on an even surface and a beading needle is taken along with the thread inserted in
medabad-gujarat/making-process its (needle’s) eye. The number of thread strands taken for beads weaving depends on the pattern that is select-
ed. Usually it’s either 1,3,5 or 7 strands that are made. The bigger the strands are, it is more suitable for making
torans (door hangings). It takes an experienced artisan to create any sort of bead artifact for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
1. Introduction
The required length of thread is taken and it is cut off from the thread reel. At the initial stage of weaving a knot
2. Tools and Raw Materials is put at the end of thread as a limit. And then the even number of beads is picked up from the needle and is
3. Making Process weaved one by one. As per the design of pattern, beads are weaved one after the other rows with the beautiful
4. Products color combination of beads. Thus the beads are weaved in an aesthetically appealing manner with a beautiful
5. Video pattern. Hence the jewelry is made and the final knot is put after the completion of beads weaving and sold in
market.
6. Contact Details
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Design Resource Flow Chart:

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/making-process

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details
D’source 9
Digital Learning Environment for Design - www.dsource.in

Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/making-process The process begins with the selection of thread and Required length of thread is inserted through the
by inserting the selected thread into the needle’s eye. needle’s eye.

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Artisan begins the work with Then the artisan carefully picks up the seed beads one by one through the
spreading the beads evenly on an needle.
even surface.
D’source 10
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/making-process

Glimpse of a single thread weaved with multicolored Intricately the pattern of the bead article is being
1. Introduction beads. weaved.
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

The final knot is put for the stiffness at the corner. Further a loop is made using beads on one side of the
bracelet.
D’source 11
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/making-process

Once the loop is complete it tightly knotted with On the other end of the bracelet the locking element of
1. Introduction the weaving thread. the bracelet is attached.
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

And the excess of thread is cut. Intricately weaved beads jewelry is then displayed.
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Design Resource Products

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat Bead weaving is a traditional art made in the combination of colorful beads and colorful threads that gel along
aesthetically.
Technique of Beadwork
by Using seed beads the artisan elaborately embellish garments. Some of the other products made by seed beads
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha weaving are listed below:
NID, Bengaluru
• Belts
• Key chains
• Door garlands (toran)
• Jewelleries like:
Source: • Necklaces
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah- • Earrings
medabad-gujarat/products • Bracelets
• Long Chains
• Anklets
1. Introduction • Headbands
• Armlets etc.
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Beautiful tricolored bracelet prepared using seed beads.

D’source 13
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/products

1. Introduction Multicolored most fascinating necklace made of beads. A long chain made to suit the
2. Tools and Raw Materials traditional attire of the wearer.
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

An attractive necklace. Beads chain of multi strands.

D’source 14
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/products

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

A decorative wall hanging made using beads. An article made using seed beads.
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Design Resource
Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/products Unique pattern of beads chain. Various artifacts made of beads weaving.

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details

Numerous ornaments set for the adornment. A glimpse of beads items made at
Ahmedabad.
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Design Resource Video

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Technique of Beadwork
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha
NID, Bengaluru

Source:
http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah-
medabad-gujarat/video

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Raw Materials
3. Making Process
4. Products
5. Video
6. Contact Details
Beads Weaving - Kutch
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Design Resource Contact Details

Bead weaving - Ahmedabad,
Gujarat This documentation was done by Professor Bibhudutta
Technique of Beadwork Baral and Rakshitha at NID, Bengaluru.
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baral and Rakshitha You can get in touch with Professor Bibhudutta Baral at
NID, Bengaluru bibhudutta[at]nid.edu.

You could write to the following address regarding sug-

gestions and clarifications:

Source: Key Contacts:

http://www.dsource.in/resource/bead-weaving-ah- Ms. Seetha Ben Chavda, senior craftswoman
medabad-gujarat/contact-details Ahmedabad
Gujarat
Cellphone: - 09909259555
1. Introduction
Helpdesk Details:
2. Tools and Raw Materials Co-ordinator
3. Making Process Project e-kalpa
4. Products R & D Campus
National Institute of Design
5. Video #12 HMT Link Road, Off Tumkur Road
6. Contact Details Bengaluru 560 022
India.

Phone: +91 80 2357 9054

Fax: +91 80 23373086
Email: dsource.in[at]gmail.com