How to Embellish Purses with Seed Beads

Embellish purses with seed beads and a template or pattern to create your own custom designs. This simple craft project will transform a plain purse into a one-of-a-kind original. You can find the materials necessary to embellish your purse at your local craft store. Seed beads come in a wide variety of colors that you can mix and match to create your custom embellishment.

Things You'll Need

• Template
• Chalk
• Seed beads
• Beading needle
• Waxed beading thread

Instructions

1. Find a template or make a pattern for the bead embellishment you would like to add to your purse. You can print patterns that are available online or cut out pictures in a magazine to create your pattern.

2. Trace the pattern onto the purse with chalk. Chalk is easily removed when you've finishing embellishing your purse with the seed beads.

3. Thread your beading needle with 2 feet of waxed beading thread. Leave a 6-inch tail hanging from the needle and tie a double knot at the bottom of the longest end.

4. Working from inside the purse, insert your needle through the fabric so that the needle and thread comes out the front of the purse along your chalk line. Pull the thread all the way through until the knot stops it.

5. Thread the seed bead over the needle and thread until it touches the purse. Insert the needle back down into the purse, next to where you brought it out in Step 3. Pull the thread tight so that the seed bead rests flush against the purse. Bring the needle back up through the front of the purse next to the seed bead.

6. Continue stitching the seed beads, one at a time, along the chalk line. Change the colors of the seed beads as you like to create you pattern. Finish your embellishment by knotting the thread on the inside of the purse.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour your seed beads into a small container like a shallow dish so that it's easier to pick them up with the beading needle. Work in a well-lit space.

Resources

• Michaels Craft Store
• Seed Beads