How to Do Beaded Card Embroidery

A cross between connect the dots and paint by numbers, beaded card embroidery uses basic designs as a framework for stunning bead mosaics. These works of bead art can vary from simple to complex depending on the design chosen and the beads used. Small to medium pieces are wonderful for jewelry, while larger works can be used as picture frames or mats, wall hangings or as decoration for jewelry boxes or other keepsakes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Manila folder
• Pen or pencil
• Carbon paper
• Scissors
• Light-colored fabric
• Spray adhesive
• Fabric glue
• Beads
• Piece of felt or fleece
• Needle and thread
• Cording (optional)

1. I'm using an illustration by Fromenti from the Dover Publications website.

   Transfer your selected image to a piece of heavy paper. Manila folders or lightweight poster board are best for this, as you will be sewing through it and do not want it to be too thick. Drawing freehand, using iron-on transfers or tracing with carbon paper are all effective ways to get your design onto the board. Trim around the shape to within 1/8 inch of the outside lines.

2. The pattern is clearly visible through the fabric.

   Attach the fabric to the trimmed paper with spray adhesive. Make sure the fabric is light or thin enough to see your transferred pattern through the material. Trim the fabric 1/4 inch larger than the card on all sides, then fold over the extra and secure it on the back with fabric glue. Alternatively, you can wait until you add the beads for the outer edges of the design and tack the extra fabric down then.

3. Plotting out the focal beads first on a piece of felt.

   Select your beads based on your design. Large spaces in the design can be covered by a single large bead that matches the overall shape while smaller, irregularly shaped areas can be filled in with seed beads. Straight or gently curving lines are a good place to use bugle beads to frame other sections of the piece. Mixing up colors and finishes can make the beading really stand out, whereas sticking with only one style will create a more subtle, uniform image. Laying out the beads you plan to use on a piece of felt or fleece will help keep them from running away from you as you work.

4. Sew on the larger beads first, bringing the needle through the back of the card, through the fabric, and securing each large bead one at a time. Any non-drilled, flat-backed beads or gems you might be using can be glued on at this time too.

5. With the outlines complete I can start filling in the main sections.

   Bead along the outlines or dividers between sections using bugle or seed beads. Bugle beads should be secured one at a time, while seed beads can be strung several at once and secured periodically.

6. Mixing up the background beads creates random shadows and highlights.

   Fill in the smaller sections with lines of seed beads. An entire length of beads can be laid out and secured at each end before working back along the line and making small securing stitches between the beads at intervals to both hold them to the card and keep them in formation.

7. 

   To finish the edges, glue or stitch ribbon or cording to the outside edges of the piece.

Tips & Warnings

• To hide the stitch lines on the back, cut another piece of paper the same size and shape as the original and adhere it to the back of the stitches. Covering the backing piece with fabric is optional but recommended for items that may be seen from the rear such as brooches or earrings.

Resources

• Dover Publications