How to Bead an Edging Stitch
Stitch beads to your pant cuffs or skirt hem, around pillow and curtain edges, or the collar of a blouse. Small seed beads work best for this. Use a beading needle since the eye isn't rounded and will go through fabric and bead holes easily. Heavy gauge beading thread will add strength to the stitch and stand up to washings. Try a running stitch for subtle embellishment or a loop stitch to add pizazz.
Instructions
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Running Stitch
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1
Thread the beading needle with 24-inches of heavy gauge beading thread and tie a knot at the end. This will give you 12-inches, doubled stranded thread, to stitch with. Both of these items are available at craft stores in the beading and jewelry section.
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2
Push the needle through one side of the edge you are sewing, pulling the thread all the way through until the knot catches. Thread on one or two beads.
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3
Go back through the fabric with the needle to secure the beads. Come back through the fabric with the needle right next to the beads and add another beaded stitch. Repeat this until the item has a straight, beaded edge.
Loop Stitch
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4
Thread the beading needle with 24-inches of heavy gauge beading thread and tie a knot at the end. This will give you 12-inches to stitch with.
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5
Push the needle through one side of the edge you are sewing, pulling the thread all the way through until the knot catches. Thread on the pattern of beads you want. The more beads you thread, the bigger the beaded loop on the edge.
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6
Go back through the bead closest to the edge, with the needle, to create the loop, and stitch through the fabric, directly under the bead. Bring the needle back through the fabric about a ¼ inch from the loop and repeat to make the next loop. Repeat until the edge is beaded.
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References
Resources
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