Bead Embroidery
Beads and Thread

Bead Embroidery is a very accessible form of beadcraft and a welcoming media, as the artist can begin simply with a handful of beads and
a well-matched needle & thread.

As you enter this artful arena you'll find the playing field is broad. Beads are sewn, couched, looped and fringed with threads, ribbons, wire and fibers of all kinds to fabrics, leather, paper, canvas or more. Embroidery with beads is as simple as that first stitch and as open to creativity as you care to take it.

An encouraging asset of bead embroidery is that it builds on established sewing & needlework concepts and skills, many of which you may already be familiar. Beads blend well with other media. They are beautifully incorporated into all stitchery and threadwork from simple scatter stitches through to bobbin lace, from whitework to needlepoint, knitting, netting and crochet, as well as having exceptional application in quilting, trapunto, smocking and other fabric manipulation.

Bead embroidery is a superb entry into building your own Wearable Art wardrobe. And we would so like to inspire your own interpretation of that bit of sparkle, of elegance, of handiwork that satisfies.

Stitching with Beads
Bead Embroidery orientation: examples, samplers, Bead Sizes, Needles & Threads, Fabrics for Bead Embroidery; To Knot or Not? Mounting Stitchery, About Wearable Art, Testing Beads, Single Stitch Skill Building Projects, Beading Ready to Wear, Beading on a Budget.

Bead Embroidery Stitches
The Basic Three (or four) are there more? Oh yes! But these concepts are applicable to so very many stitches. Examples, Samplers, projects that build on one stitch. Glossaries and resources for stitchery education, kits, and community

Light & Magnification
Enjoy fine work: Full Spectrum Lighting, Options for Magnification, Design Tools

How to set up a Hoop or Frame
Prepare a hoop, Hooping multiple layers or odd sizes; Setting up a Japanese frame, Preparing a Scroll Frame; Make your own Slate Frame. Resources for hoops, frames and frame holders.

Working In Hand
Establishing a taut ground without a hoop or frame, Review of Backing Materials, Bead Embroidery on Felt, Velvet, Knits, Fleece, Leather & Suede, How to Bead a Sweater, Beading on Polartec; designs & Bead Patterns

Pattern Transfer Techniques
Using a Light Box, Build your own Light Table; Prick & Pounce, Transfer Pens & Pencils, Iron On Transfers (& How to make your own), Burnishing Tools, Make your own Stencils, Stitching through Paper, Learn to use LAZERTRAN! Silk Printing on inkjets

Designs for Beadwork
Bead Patterns, kits, resources for beadcraft patterns; Understanding Copyrights, How to get a Copyright, Where to find Designs that are Copyright Free, Design Tools

Beaded Trim
Edge Stitching with Beads, Picot Stitches with Beads, How to attach Beaded Trim, How to make your own Beaded Trim. Beading Corded Trim, How to make your own Bias Cording, Inserting Pearls by the yard, Free Bead Patterns.

How to use a Bead Spinner
It is well worth the (short) learning curve to have those beads fly on the line! Learn to use the bead spinner, Where to find them; How to make your own.

Solid Bead Embroidery
Stitch examples and concepts; Couching and Ease in solid beadwork. Supporting heavily embellished piecework. Embroidered Jewelry, Resources & Artists

Beaded Emblem
Rosette techniques, Backing and Jewelry Findings, Beaded Card & Punch paper, Designing Hearlds & Motifs, Beaded Nametag, Beaded Monograms, Make your own Applique, Free Bead Patterns

Fabrics for Bead Embroidery
Needlework fabrics, Silks and other Fashion Fabrics; linings, underlinings, and stabilizers. Interlining for warmth. Fat Quarters, Remnants & Scraps, Resources for discount fabrics.

Beaded Scarf
Beading bandanas and evening wraps, sarongs or pareos, dance and piano shawls, hip scarves, swags and blankets. Whether fringed, beaded or embroidered, the cloth serves the strength of the woman it adorns.

Silk Ribbon and Beads
Adding beads to Silk Ribbon Embroidery. How to knot silk fringe. Stitch glossary & where to learn more; resources for silk ribbon, silk floss, silk pearl and color charts.

Stitching Beads and Sequins
Sewing Sequins, Bangles, Paillettes. Attaching dangles and drops. Make your own Bead Applique (and why would you want to). Free Patterns for Bead Embroidery with Sequins. Resources for Sequins & Paillettes. Beadcraft Patterns

Couching Cabochons
Two techniques for beaded bezel cabochons for bead jewelry and/or wearable art. Examples of couched cabs in bead jewelry and wearable art. Design Tips, Free Patterns

Shisha Work
Couching Mirrors to Fabric, Modern Shisha stitches, buttonhole stitches and variations, Shisha mirrors and other reflective materials, Examples of Shisha embroidery.

Lane Stitching
Concepts and examples of Lane Stitch Bead Embroidery. Two techniques on Fabric; Lane Stitching on felt, fabric, leather and Ultrasuede. Learning from Master bead artists: Resources for Lane Stitch.

Tambour Beading
How to use a Tambour Hook. Setting up a Tambour Hoop, How to build a Tambour Frame, Tambour techniques for Beads, Bugles, & Sequins, Patterns and design resources, Quilt a Brick

Beaded Shoes
Beaded Tennies & Athletic Shoes. Beading Fabric Shoes, How to make a Custom Applique, How to Make your Own Shoes. Beaded Slippers, patterns.

Bead Applique
How to attach a Bead Applique, How to make your own Bead Applique, Creating Custom Appliques to match fabrics or fit clothing, shoes, hats, bags, belts