This tutorial demonstrates finishing off using a fixed frame or upright bead loom without a shedding device. The process is slightly different if you use an upright loom with a shedding device. Loom Beadwork:
A loom A warp Weft threads or cords A beading needle Embroidery scissors Beads
Beadwork Using Selvage Method:
E6000 glue or your choice of epoxy or UV coating resin Two ribbon clamp ends, whose lengths match the width of your beadwork Nylon jaw pliers Jump rings and a clasp of your choice. Two pairs of flat nose or chain nose pliers (or one of each) for attaching the jump rings and clasp Toothpick to apply glue or resin Paper towels
UV resin is one option to seal selvages because it cures relatively quickly under UV light, is strong, and does not emit strong odors or fumes. E6000 adhesive is a good alternative if you do not use resin. That means that when you prepare your initial length of thread for the weft, its total length should be the length of the tail for the selvage (about 30 inches) plus the length of thread that you like to use to loom your beadwork with. If you forget to leave a long weft thread tail, you can still use the selvage technique. You will just need to go back and add a new weft thread to the end of your beadwork before making your selvage. Reverse direction, and weave another row of thread. Use your fingers to slide down each row of thread toward the beadwork. Complete the selvage by tying a half-hitch knot over the last warp thread. Epoxy coating resins, such as Envirotex Lite, require that you mix two equal parts of a resin and a hardener to prepare it. You then pour or paint it on and give it at least 24 hours to cure. While the glue or resin is still wet, use a toothpick to spread it so that it covers the entire selvage. Allow the glue or resin to dry thoroughly before removing it from the loom. When your glue or resin is completely dry, you can use the same scissors to trim the warps up against both selvages and trim off the remaining weft tails. Slide on each clamp end, and center it on your beadwork. Use a paper towel to wipe any excess glue that oozes out. Since the glue is rubbery, you can also pick off excess glue once it starts to dry. Set your beadwork aside once more and allow the glue to cure for about 24 hours. The clamp ends need to be just wide enough to slide over your selvages, but do not adjust them while they are on the selvages unless your clamp ends are non-serrated. Serrated clamp ends can easily cut through your selvage and even cause your design to fall apart. If your bracelet is too short, add a length of jewelry chain between one clamp end and clasp part to extend it. You can also add a charm or dangle to the chain to make the bracelet easier to clasp.
