They did not have a special floss for the beading on my kit...just their regular stuff...but I used my own beading thread, just because... :)

I've done a number of Mill Hill kits and have always used DMC thread for the beading without any problems. The needles they provide for the beading are a little difficult to thread; it's impossible to get two strands through the eye. So, I make sure one end of the thread has a clean cut, thread that end through the needle, pull the strand through in order to match up both ends and that gives me the two working strands that are recommended. Hope this helps.

Hello. I do a lot of beading on my projects, & I love the size 10 beading needles. Never used the John James ones though. I have three different kinds, but my favorite, are the ones by Unique. They are very long & flexible, which makes them easiest to slip under your stitcher (of course, on the backside) to move to the next spot, if its not that far away. The package I have, has size 13 in it too, but I always reach for the number 10. It is true that they are hard to thread, but just cut an end on an angle, moisten it, & it should go through , sometimes after more than one try though. All right already! I admit it. I'm a thread licker!! There, I said it!! Now condemn me!! (But it works). I'm sure there are other 'thread lickers' out there too. Anyway, back on topic, I have always just used a DMC floss color, that closely matches the color of bead you are using. Have fun!

nita7, I'm a thread licker as well. Is that a no-no? Of course I only lick when my mouth is clean and I haven't just popped an Oreo to munch on : )

Hi Sherry! I only said that, because I have been on other stitching chat rooms, that called thread licking an absolute no-no. Haven't heard anything on this site, (yet). I agree, can't lick when eating chocolate, drinking coffee, or tea though lol

Yo! Thread licker here! But as a concession to the purists, I cut off the offending point. That end does not stay with the stitching but I can see that dragging through fabric and stitches would deposit acids from saliva. I remember one person saying that it was like spitting on your stitching...stuck in my head. :)

I find if I am working with very fine beads I go to the sewing department and purchase the see through tread. It comes in different thickness so I get the very thin one and it is very strong and you can not see the tread when it is finished. I do find I need to double through the back stitches twice just so I know that it is secure and will not come undone. But am very pleased with the outcome when finished. Give it a try, I think you will be very pleased.

I lust finished working on Celtic Christmas and I just used one strand of the appropriate color of DMC thread: i.e. red for the red beads and gold for the gold beads and a regular fine blunt embroidery needle. Had absolutely not problem. The Mill Hill beads and machined with a consistent sized hole so we usually don't have any trouble. Don't use a bead needle or beading thread either.