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Instructions
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Bead Embroidery
Bead Embroidery is the process of sewing beads onto a bead card to
create unique pictures for brooches, accessories, and wall art.
Just about any kind of
bead can be sewn on, but seed beads are the most common kind. They
define the elements and shape of your pattern, and are used to fill background around
larger beads.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
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Glass beads, seed beads, pearls, bugle beads, metal
beads, stone chips, etc.
- Bead Card (card
stock found at office supply store)
- Thread - ordinary sewing thread or lightweight Nymo
- Needle -
#12 beading tapestry point needle
- Felt for lining
INSTRUCTIONS:
- DESIGN -
Begin by sketching your design in pencil onto the bead card, or do an
abstract freestyle. You will fill in your design with beads.
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BEAD
EMBROIDERY -
Now you are ready to begin filling in your pattern
by sewing beads onto your project surface, following the flow of the lines
in your pattern. Beads may be attached in a wide
variety of ways. The most common method is to attach the accent
beads first, then "couch" strings of seed beads to fill the background.
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ACCENT
BEADS -
Begin by
attaching the accent beads first.
Large accent beads can
be anchored in place with smaller beads such as seed beads, or
reinforced by making a second pass of thread to anchor them. Bugle
beads should be placed flat against surface and sewn through their
length. Use a doubled thread when possible to prevent fraying, as
bugle beads have sharp edges.
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COUCHING -
"Couching" is a
good method for large spaces and rows, but unsuitable for curved design
elements (see below). Up to twelve beads are applied at once, and then
anchored from below at intervals of three.
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CURVES - Where curves are very
tight, sew beads on singly or in pairs. Where the curve is looser,
you may sew on three beads. All curves should be stabilized with a
backtracking thread. Simply run a continuous thread through the
entire line, and gently tighten the thread.
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BACKING: Excess bead
card can be trimmed away to create a shaped piece of beadwork if
desired. Self-adhesive felt backing can then be attached to back
of beadwork.
TIPS:
When properly spaced, seed beads should just fill the area in which
they're being sewn. When seated correctly, rows of beads will not
buckle, nor will they show gaps.
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