HOW TO ATTACH BEADS
01
To add a line of beads with gaps in between work Beaded Running Stitch. This is worked with a basic running stitch, but with a bead threaded on for each top stitch. Secure the thread underneath
the first two beads using the stab stitch method (come up through the fabric then back down in separate motions). Weave the thread along the
reverse of the stitches to finish.
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Beaded Backstitch is ideal for lines of beading without gaps. Come up through the fabric and thread on your desired number of beads. Take the needle back down slightly further away than the length of the beads, then bring it back up at the beginning of the stitch, passing the needle through the beads to finish. Add more beads and then repeat this action to form a continuous line of beads.
03
Couched Beading is a quick method for attaching lots of beads. It works for straight lines, but it’s ideal for working more complicated shapes and curves. Bring the needle up and thread on your beads. Insert the needle down into the fabric then move the beads into shape. Fix them in position by couching over the thread between the beads.
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For Three-Dimensional Beading, bring the needle up and pass it through your chosen number of flat-edged bugle beads. Then, pass the needle through a seed bead
(or a similar rounded bead). Change direction and pass the needle back through the bugle beads and back through the fabric. Make sure you go through the seed bead once, but the bugle beads twice.
MATERIALS
Cotton fabric: 20x20cm, black Metallic thread: gold
Machine thread: black, white Embroidery hoops: 18cm diameter, 10cm diameter
Seed beads: size 15, yellow, red, turquoise
Bugle beads: 2mm length, green, pink, lilac
Watercolour paint and paintbrush Beading needle: size 13
Basic embroidery kit
STITCHES USED
Beaded Backstitch, Beaded Running Stitch, Couched Beading, Running Stitch, Straight Stitch, Three-Dimensional Beading
NOTES
Find the template on p79.
Use black thread to attach the beads to the fabric throughout, unless otherwise stated.
Mount your fabric in the 18cm hoop and 01 dampen with water. Then, use heavily diluted white watercolour paint to apply a swirling pattern to your fabric. Leave to dry before remounting in the 10cm hoop.
Tack out the four firework outlines
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using a Running Stitch in white and the template as a rough guide. Make sure the tacking thread is loosely fastened at both the beginning and end for easy removal later on.
Begin the top firework by working
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Beaded Backstitch to attach the pink bugle beads. Starting just out from the centre, work short lines using a combination of two or three beads, and then a series of longer lines in between using four beads (working two beads at a time). Fill in the gaps in between the lines with one or two yellow seed beads using Beaded Backstitch. Fill the centre with ThreeDimensional Beading using a combination of two or three pink bugle beads for the upright parts and a yellow seed bead for the top. Finish
this firework off using metallic gold thread to
work Straight Stitches in the gaps.
Next, work the firework on the right
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hand side. Come up close to the centre and work the main lines with nine rows of Beaded Running Stitch using the green bugle beads. Add long Straight Stitches in the gold metallic thread to fill the largest gaps. Then,
add a scattering of green bugle beads and
red seed beads. Fill the centre of the firework
with a cluster of Three-Dimensional Beading, using one green bugle bead for the upright part and a single red seed bead for the top.
For largest firework, start your stitching
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on the outside of the circle and work in towards the centre. Work the outside row with Beaded Backstitch using a combination of three or four lilac bugle beads, working a longer stitch on the three-bead lines when you take the needle back through the beads a second time. Fill between these lines with a Beaded Running Stitch using turquoise seed beads and lilac bugle beads. Fill the centre with Three-Dimensional Beading using four lilac bugle beads for the upright part and a single turquoise seed bead for the top.
Lastly, work a semicircle with rows of
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alternating lilac and pink bugle beads using gold thread and the Couched Beading method. To create the curve, gently push with
your finger then couch in between each bead.
Work Straight Stitch in gold between the rows. Finish off the hoop using your preferred method or turn to p67 for our guide.