A piece of embellishing that is often overlooked, but so beautiful, is beading! With so many bead options out there, and so many ways to add them to your work, it's the perfect next step to upgrade your stitching. Beading is also a great way to create a special touch of texture and interest to your project, using only a few simple supplies: a needle, thread, and beads!
Getting Started
Due to the depth of wool, we like to use embellishment threads rather than beading thread. We've found that beading thread is so fine that it often disappears or causes the bead to sit down in the wool, rather than on top. On the other hand, embellishment threads act as a bridge to incorporate beading with the appliqué and stitching. That's why silk thread is one of our favorites to use for beading! Silk is strong enough to keep beads tightly attached and fine enough to thread needles used for smaller beads, but not too fine that you lose it.
Using the correct size needle is important to successfully adding beads to your stitching. The needle and two strands of thread must be able to fit through the hole of the bead for it to work. You can test this by threading your needle and trying to pull it all the way through the bead. If you can do so easily, that needle size will work!
Sue mostly works with three sizes of seed beads: 6, 8, and 11.
The largest bead is a size 6 (top). For this bead, we like to use 8wt Eleganza Pearl Cotton. This allows you to experiment with solid and variegated threads for different finishes while keeping your bead perfectly in place. This size requires a #3 Milliners, meaning you can add beads to your wrapped and cast on stitches as well!
Next is the size 8 bead (middle). For these, we use a #24 Chenille needle and Trebizond silk thread. Available in over 20 glossy colors, Trebizond is a super high quality 3 ply filament silk and looks beautiful for embellishment as well as beading!
The smallest bead we often use is an 11 (bottom). For these itty bitty beads, we use a #9 Short Darner. Featuring a super sharp point, this needle is tiny but mighty. Don't let the size fool you! They feature the same gold eye as our other needles for easy threading. The threads we like to use with these are 24wt Soie Perlee Silk Thread, Kinkame Silk Thread, and Silk Striped Gimp. These needle and thread combos are also great for using with micro buttons!
TIP: The slippery texture makes silk thread notorious for coming unwound from the spool. Keep your silk threads neat and snag-free with Thread Guards!
Beading Extras
Bead Scoop and Mat
Measuring 7" x 5-1/2", these super soft bead mats are ideal when working with small beads to prevent them from rolling away. The set includes the perfect tool for scooping and guiding small beads into containers once your project is complete.
Sticky Bead Mat
Perfect for a stitcher on the go, the Sticky Bead Mat keeps small beads, charms, and buttons from rolling away! The sticky surface leaves no residue and can be easily be rinsed and dried to refresh.
Empty Stack Jars
The ultimate bead storage, these six crystal clear containers make it so simple to find what you're looking for! Threaded lids allow them to screw into each other for space-saving, secure storage.
Beading Thread
Eleganza Pearl Cotton
Our go-to for all things embroidery, this versatile thread is also great for use with larger beads. What can't Eleganza do??
Trebizond
Glossy, lustrous + shimmery, Trebizond is 3 ply filament silk in an array of unique colors. This thread is of exceptional quality & stitches beautifully.
Both Kinkame and Soie Perlee are 100% silk threads made from natural continuous fibers that are strong, smooth and have a lustrous sheen. Instant dimension is achieved with embellishment stitchery due to silks light reflective properties. When used for beading, distinctive definition and remarkable surface texture will be created.
Silk Striped Gimp
Silk Gimp has a smooth finish that gives a distinct raised texture in detailed stitching. The striped coloring allows for a burst of color in your beading
Ensembles Thread Packs
Ensembles thread packs offer a range of threads, many being silk, in a cohesive color palette so you can build your stash and try out future favorites!
Beads, Beads, Beautiful Beads!
Looking for color inspiration? The below bead mixes are some of our favorites! Check out even more on our Beads page and find the perfect fit for your next project!
