Bead Loom earrings tutorial with toho beads

Danielle here! I’m popping in to share some nostalgic beadwork for all my 80s lovers out there. This week’s free bead loom pattern is (Drum roll, please…🥁)

🎵 An 80s Cassette Tape! 🎵

Growing up, I always had CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyl records chilling out in my home. Oh, the memories!

With this loom pattern, you can create beaded earrings, pins, or cuffs. Because it does not increase or decrease, it’s still a beginner-friendly beading loom pattern. The main painstaking task will be weaving the warp threads.

I’m sorry in advance, lol

Here’s what you’ll need to create these earrings,

This website uses affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. I only share products that enjoy and use myself. I sincerely appreciate your support and help! -Danielle ✨

Beading Loom
Beading Thread
Beading Needles
Toho Beads Black and White
Thread Clippers
Black Earring Backing (Optional)
Needle Nose Pliers (Optional)
A nice amount of patience! 💕

Step 1. download the pattern.

Download and print the beading pattern. If you don’t have a printer, download it to your phone and keep it nearby to follow along.

Retro 80s Beaded Cassette Tape – Free Loom Beading Pattern

Download

Step 2. Change the loom size.

Set the adjustment knobs to the first notch on all sides to extend the beading loom to the largest setting.

Step 3. Add the Warp Threads

Begin by attaching pegs to the center holes, then add a slip knot to one peg. Wind 24 warp threads + 1 additional thread for the working (weft) needle onto the loom . Start at the 3rd notch and end at the 6th notch.

Beading tip: Remember to wrap the Nymo thread around each peg to help with the thread tension.

Wind the thread around the peg a few more times before cutting it and attaching the warp holder to the winding beams. If it’s necessary, adjust the tension by turning the winding beams.

Secure the warp threads by adding the metal stoppers.

Step 4. Adding the Weft Thread (Threading the working needle)

Cut a long piece of Nymo thread D and thread the weft needle. Take the end of the thread and make a knot on the left side of the warp thread. Secure it to the winding beam with the warp holder clamp.

Step 5. Start The Beading Process

Place the working (weft) needle underneath the warp threads then, pick up 24 black beads.

Push the beads down the thread and line them up between the warp threads.

Go slowly when pulling the thread through to prevent tangles.

Thread the needle in backward; not forward like I did in the picture below.😅

Make sure the needle is on the top of the thread when you weave it. You should be able to see your needle if you push the beads apart.

It may be challenging to weave all the beads at once, so try 16 beads first, then the remaining 8.

Load up the beads for the second row.

Continue following the beading pattern until you finish all 27 rows.

Step 6. Finishing the beaded cassette

Finishing the cassette player is similar to completing any other square or rectangular loom piece. Take the working needle and weave through two rows to secure it, then cut the excess thread.

To complete the loop method, remove the pegs to unravel the warp threads from the loom, then gently pull the threads until you have a few threads left to weave. Alternatively, individually cut the warp threads from the loom and weave them into the cassette.

That’s it! You’ve completed a beaded cassette tape. Convert this beaded loomwork into a magnet, pin, or frame it. No matter what you do, give yourself a pat on the back if you successfully finished it!