5 Expert Bead Embroidery Tips

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Bead embroidery continues to top the list of most popular beading techniques. Stitching beads to leather, beading foundation, and other materials is just so satisfying! There are over a dozen classes at Bead Fest PA, 2022 where you can learn from the best, whether you’re just getting started or want to polish your skills. Here are some expert bead embroidery tips to add to your beading toolbox as you browse the class catalog.

Above: Project from the Watch from a Distance workshop by Caroline Haedrich

First Things First

Linda Landy creates artistic bead embroidery that depends on planning. “In bead embroidery, the order in which you apply your beads makes a big difference. If you decide to elaborately embellish a cabochon, it is going to be really frustrating later if you want to cover the foundation under the embellishment. I typically place and bezel a cabochon, then stitch an element that dictates the overall flow of the piece. Next, I frame the cab with base beads that will probably be obscured by embellishments later, embellish the cab, and start filling in between the elements.”

Make It Meaningful

Naomi Smith’s beadwork and classes include symbolism and narratives. She observes, “Beadwork tells stories of who we are as individuals and the communities we come from.” Naomi finds that most of her students are interested in this aspect of beading as well as learning other Indigenous approaches to beadwork. She uses two-needle flat appliqué, which involves using a template on both sides of the beadwork to help guide your stitches.  

Change Your Foundation

After using pellon beading foundation for years, Marcia Balonis switched to cork and it’s giving her a whole new take on embroidery. She confesses, “Cork is my go-to foundation now. I find I prefer cork even when the piece being done is all beaded. I like that you can get it in so many colors and it masks any little gaps in your sewing. But most of all it is so smooth to sew through. It is definitely worth a try.” Ultrasuede, stiffened felt, and fish leather are among other popular choices for bead embroidery foundation.  

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

Monica Vinci believes it’s worth the extra time and effort it takes to go beyond the basic back stitch. “Couching stitch is my best friend for straight lines! To get those perfect, immovable, straight lines I use a couching stitch instead of the regular back stitching.  It will take longer, but the beautiful benefits will be well worth the time spent!” Couching is a traditional embroidery technique where you stitch a second thread across the main thread to anchor it down.

Unleash Your Creativity

Betty Cox is known for her colorful, sculptural approach to beadwork. She says, “Bead Embroidery allows a plethora of artistic freedom in one’s creativity. I was hooked once I began. There are no fast rules and it’s very forgiving when one wants to either create a jewelry piece or simply an art piece. Taking a class or even reading a book can get one started.”

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Join these bead embroidery experts at Bead Fest for the next step in your beading adventures.

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Thanks to our Bead Fest PA 2022 sponsor, Cool Tools.

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Learn Bead Embroidery from Home with Online Workshops