Beading Product Demo and a Tip & Technique Video on How to Add Beads to Your Cross Stitch

Join Donnett for Today's Beading Product Demo and a Tip & Technique Video on How to Add Beads to Your Cross Stitch.

More and more designers are accenting their designs with beads, and we know why, because it look AMAZING!!!

There are several ways to stitch with beads. The pattern will have a symbol for the bead just like any other floss color. You can leave a space in your stitching for that bead to occupy or you can fill it in with the surrounding color and stitch the bead over the cross stitch.

So let's start with some of the product and supplies that I like to use.  

What Beading Needles should I use?

When attaching beads, you will want to use a beading needle as they are much smaller then tapestry needles.  Mill Hill Applique Beading Needles or Mill Hill Beading Needles are my favorite to use.   DMC also has some Beading Needles as well as Pebble Beading Needles.  

           

What Beading Thread should I use to bead?

Nymo Thread is a nylon mono filament beading thread. It is easy to thread and considered a basic element for beading. Nymo thread is available in black and white.

     

YLI Silamide beading thread is a 2 ply, size "A", pre-waxed nylon thread. Since it is pre-waxed, beeswax / thread conditioner does not need to be added. Also available in black and white.

     

However, I have found that using one strand of DMC floss in either white or a color that matches the bead works really well.

Other Amazing Beading Supplies

Tacky B.O.B (Beads on Board) is the perfect beading accessory. Inside the acrylic box, both the top and bottom areas are covered with an acid-free tacky surface. You can pour your beads on and never worry about them disappearing again. I will pour them in sections if I am stitching with more then one color or type. Tacky BOB makes it so easy to picked up each bead with the point of your needle. No more flying beads.

    

Tacky Bead Mat -- the sticky surface of this mat holds beads in place while you work. Just rinse with water to regain tackiness. It leaves no residue. Available in two sizes. 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" and 7" x 4 3/4".

     

Beading Organization & Storage

Keeping your beads organized can be a challenge. The little packets they come in are not the best for storage and organization. There are several options available to choose from.

Elizabeth Ward's Assorted Bead Tray & Elizabeth Ward's Tiny Container Bead Storage Tray --These self-stacking trays and bins save space, making your crafting projects easier by spending less time searching and more time crafting!

     

Bead Storage 24 Flip Top Containers -- Keep little beads and baubles organized with these handy storage containers. This package includes twenty-four 2x1x1/2 inch clear-plastic flip-top-lid storage boxes in a clear-plastic hinged-lid storage container.

Bead Organizer Carrying Case -- Use this convenient carrying case with 52 removable compartments to store many of your crafting items! Includes 1 bead scoop, 1 pair of tweezers, 52 compartments in three sizes. Keep supplies organized and handy!


Now, Let's Get Beading!!!

Beading Stitches

There are two stitches you can use to attach your beads. It really is up to you which way you like.

First is a half cross-stitch in the same direction as the lower half of your cross-stitch. This will place the bead on an angle.

Or a full cross stitch going through the bead. This will place the bead straight up and down. Now, a full cross stitch does secure the bead to the fabric a bit better, as there are two stitches going through it. However, I like the way it looks when the beads are placed at the half cross stitch angle. So, which placement do you you like best?

How far should I travel when beading?

If it is just a couple stitches, go ahead and travel. If it is a inch or more, I would probably slide under and re-position. Now, if there is no option but to travel, that is where using some kind of invisible thread would come into play.

Can I add beads to my project even if it doesn’t call for it?

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I love adding bead to my stitching!  So, just look for small ways to replace a stitch with beads. French Knots are the perfect example-- I will almost 100% of the time replace french knots with a bead. I just love the way beads look.

Framing with beads

Most all professional framers will make sure a spacer is added between your stitching and the glass. You wouldn't want the glass laying on your beads and smashing them. A really elegant way to add a spacer is to have layered mats.

Should I bead as I go or wait till the end?

I wait 'til all of my stitching is complete and then do the beading. Also, I will swap out my Side Bars for larger ones.  This way I won't need to scroll up and smash any of the beads.

    

How to attach Crystal Treasures

Such as flower you would choose a seed bead of complimentary color. Come up through the treasure and the seed bead. Then go back down over the seed bead in to the treasure. The seed bead acts as a fastener.

    

Attaching treasures that have only one hole: simply tack it down with 1 or 2 stitches.

Become a member of our Embroidery.com Cross-Stitch + Hand Embroidery Group on Facebook. Don't forget to to follow on our Facebook Page Embroidery.com Cross-Stitch + Hand Embroidery.

For past Sit N Stitch VideosProduct Demos, Tip and Techniques and so much more, check out my (Donnett's) Needlework Blog on Embroidery.com. Make sure you to turn on the notifications as that's how you will know that new videos are up.

As always, I love to hear your comments and suggestions for new videos and new content, so email those to donnett@embroidery.com

Enjoy & Happy Stitching -- Donnett

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