Beading Glossary: Letter H
Half Hitch
The half hitch is a simple knot and is useful in a variety of situations. It it is a component in more complicated knots, but when done alone it’s usually done twice (as in tying off the ends of a knot you don’t want to come undone). To tie a half hitch knot, loop your cord or thread around whatever you want to attach it to, and then loop the end of the string around itself and back through the loop created with the previous step.
Half-drilled bead
Beads with a hole that goes only half-way through, instead of all the way through like a normal bead. There are many findings that are made to take a half-drilled beads, like ring settings and earring posts. You can also use them to finish memory wire bracelets–an end cap. They are affixed with bead glue.
Hammered
A technique used when making jewelry to distress metal, or create a bent, wavy, or flattened effect. Hammering hardens wire and can shape and add texture to it. Hammering is performed with a ball pein hammer on a small jeweler’s anvil. It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear while you work. Hammering is an effective way to harden handmade earwires so they do not bend when used.
Hank
A hank is made up of multiple strands of beads. Many bead shops display strands of beads in hanks and the buyer can purchase as many strands as they need. The number of beads per strand and strands per hank depends on the type and size of bead. A hank of size 13 seed beads contains twelve 20-inch strands, approx 400 beads per strand and 5000 beads per hank. A 16-inch strand of 6mm round beads only contains 68 beads. The average 6mm bead hank contains 10-12 strands. photo credit
Heishi Beads
Heishi or heishe beads are small disc or tube shaped beads usually made of stone, shell or wood. They were first made from shell by Native Americans of the New Mexico area. Authentic heishe beads are handmade and can take days to produce strands of 2 – 3mm beads. Strips of shell or stone are drilled with evenly spaced holes, cut into squares, then shaped and smoothed by hand. The beads are beautifully smooth and uniform donut shapes.
photo credit
Hemp
A fibrous plant of the Cannabis family, or the fiber from it. Hemp is used in jewelry primarily to make macrame jewelry, especially chokers. Hemp is one of the most versatile plants on the planet and produces a strong fiber. Until recently it has been illegal to grow in the US because it is related to the marijuana plant, but laws are currently changing due to marijuana becoming legal in certain states.
Hook and Loop Clasp
A type of clasp that is very easy to use. It can be made by hand with some wire (gauge 20 or thicker), however it may come apart if the hook is stretched. Hammering the wire with a ball pein hammer and anvil can harden it so this is not an issue.
