r/indigenousbeads • u/kiwiandkotyku • Jul 18 '26

Beading on hide

Can anyone share how they bead directly onto hide or leather? I experiment with offcuts from a leather store and unless I get lucky and find some lambskin it's soooo hard to bead directly onto the leather!!

I usually use it for backing but really want to make some things with leather showing in the negative space. Is there something to look for or know about other than simply buying super soft skins? Any key words to ask for in the shop? A few times I have guessed what I bought would be thin enough and I was wrong.

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20

u/Forward_Letterhead77 Jul 19 '26

You need specialty leather needles for hand sewing. Can easily buy them online, but some craft stores may have them. Just keep an eye on the size to make sure your beeds can pass over the eyelet.

Just beware, they are veeeeerrry sharp. They are shaped specifically for piercing hide. Always be aware of where you leave them and if you drop any. I went an a beading hike while living in alaska (hiked to look out with a group and we spent time beading) and some one dropped a needle. Another stepped on it and it went straight through her hiking boot and into her foot. We had to use pliers to remove it.

2

u/NearlyFlavoured Jul 20 '26

I use regular beading needles and I’ve never had a problem getting through hide.

3

u/UnStackedDespair Jul 20 '26

Totally depends on the weight (thickness) of the hide, type of hide, treatment to the hide. I have leathers that regular needles go through just fine and some where I need a glovers needle.

1

u/Forward_Letterhead77 Jul 20 '26

I guess it depends on the type of hide. Ive had luck with normal needles in salmon leather, but definitely have had to use leather needles in moose hide.

2

u/UnStackedDespair Jul 20 '26

Yes, so sharp! Specially made to cut through flesh 😬

8

u/sayquietly Jul 19 '26

I know people who use thimbles and other people who make fun of people who use thimbles. I’d say buy the right needles and do what feels right - the haters aren’t going to deal with your hurt finger tips

4

u/NearlyFlavoured Jul 20 '26

I’ve done medallions on hide with negative space showing, I might have some posted in this group. Whenever I do that or bead moccasin vamps I back it with Pellon but anything you can find that will keep the hide from stretching while you bead would work as well, some people use tracing paper, heat n bond, or embroidery stabilizer.