BEAD EMBROIDERY stitches (Tutorials for 15 basic ones)

How to do beading on fabric

Sewing beads on fabric is the ultimate in fabric embellishment. The sparkly beads bring brilliance and a dimension to the fabric, which is unparalleled. Bead embroidery means stitching beads onto fabric in beautiful patterns. This embroidery with beads is done with beads of different sizes and shapes.

Fabric beading uses some simple stitches which form the basis of bead embroidery. Using these simple, easy-to-work stitches, bead embroidery can be done by anyone familiar with a hand needle and thread, not to say people who know hand embroidery stitches. I have outlined these basic stitches to do embroidery with beads. 

Check out the post on the Different bead styles and the Beading Methods on fabrics

You can work the beads as SPOTS, with one pearl, bead, or sequin sewn on singly or as ROWS. The spots can have sequins and beads together as one unit. They can be placed in an all-over design or used singly; for example, in the center of a flower motif. Rows are used as outline designs or to fill the design.

Checkout the post on simple to stitch 9 bead border designs

You can also check out the different, very easy DIY Bead Embroidery: Flower Motif Creation

If you think of beadwork as giving a very traditional look to garments, you can look out for modern bead designs which have a very clean finish and is very pleasing to the eye. 

12 stitches for beadwork on fabric

Some simple tips for successful bead work on fabric

• It is better to use nylon or silk beading thread for bead embroidery. Cotton thread is prone to breakage, especially when in contact with the sharp edges of some beads.
• Double the thread on the needle when doing beads work for strength and durability.
• Apply beeswax on the thread to make it stronger and less breakage-prone and prevent knots.
• Use fine needles for bead embroidery. The needle should easily slip in and out of beads. Use a very fine size 28 tapestry needle or ask for beading needles.
• Choosing the color of thread – If you cannot get the exact colored thread as that of the beads, do not settle for too light or too dark; get thread in the color of the fabric on which you are embroidering. You can experiment with colors if you are using transparent beads.
• Do not forget to interface the fabric back if you are doing a big design to prevent sagging.
• Maintain even tension always without pulling too tight or leaving thread too loose.
• Beads spaced too far apart, Beads bulging up because of less space, and fabric puckering under the bead embroidery are some common problems which can mar bead embroidery. 

Beaded Back Stitch

This is the most basic way of stitching beads onto fabric and the most commonly used. You can do this stitch with beads of any number, but the commonly used numbers are 3 and 6.

How to do beaded back stitch

Step 1

Bring up the needle at 1 ; String 3 beads through the needle.

Step 2

Insert needle at 2 at the end of the beads and come up at 3 which is one bead back from 2.

Step 3

Now come back to the end of the 3 beads ( at 2) inserting the needle through the last bead.

Step 4

Now continue stringing 3 beads again . 

Couching Stitch

This is my next favourite beaded stitch which is very easy to do.

This involves simply placing straight stitches across stranded beads at regular intervals ( I have done this after every 3 beads).

Checkout this tutorial to do Couching embroidery in 4 ways. 

Beaded Chain Stitch

How to do beaded chain stitch

• Bring up the needle at 1.
• String 10 beads on the needle and thread. Any even number would do.
• Bring down the needle at 2, which is close to 1, making a loop of beads.
• Now bring up the needle at the center of the loop on the other side , just outside / inside the loop.
• Make a straight stitch across the bead loop to the inside of the loop.
• Continue making the next loop by stringing 10 beads.

Beaded Tent Stitch

This stitch uses simple diagonal stitches close to each other in a row. 

Beaded Cross Stitch

Here cross stitch is used to fix the beads on the fabric. First, you have to work tent stitch, then go back and do diagonal stitches on each bead.

One advantage of this stitch is that you can place beads upright with this stitch as the diagonal stitches anchor the beads very well. Checkout the tutorial to do Cross stitch.

Beaded Open Cretan Stitch

This is a cretan stitch worked with single or double beads. 

Leaf stitch 

Beaded Fly Stitch

A U ( 1-2) is made with beads and then a straight stitch is placed at the base to anchor the loop (3 – 4).

Beaded extended fly stitch

Here the fly stitch is extended downwards with two or more beads added. 

Beaded Feather Stitch

Feather stitch is worked with beads in between. 

Beaded Herringbone Stitch

Beaded laced running stitch

Here an interlaced running stitch is used with beads in between the lacing. First a row or two of running stitch is done; Then another needle ( a blunt one) is used to lace this running stitch row. With every stitch a bead is inserted

Triads

This consists of three pearls/beads sewn together, forming a triangular shape. To make this stitch bring the needle to the right side and thread three pearls; return the needle to the wrong side at the same point. Pearls/beads will form a triangle. Lay pearls down flat and tack them between.

Halo stitch

This is made with sequins. A small curved line of sequins is formed as a frame for a group of beads.

Loops and dangles

Edging with beads is a favorite of mine. I love the look beaded edges give to a garment, especially to shawls and scarves, and bags. 

Edging can be done between fabric pieces as well to join them together, by creating loops and dangles or simply creating a line of bead edging. Checkout the post on edge beading and beaded tassels – 8 ways to make beautiful beading edges. 

Related posts: What you need to do beading : supplies and tools; How to do beadwork on a a wooden bead loom ;  5 easy patterns for beaded tape