How to Make Bead Lapels
Bring new life to old jacket lapels with beaded embellishments. If you can thread a needle, you can add color and style to any jacket. Bead lapels are most often made using small beads such as seed beads or 3mm to 4mm beads. The shape and color of the beads is a subjective choice, but crystal beads will add the most dramatic impact. Add new life to tired clothing with a few sparkling baubles and a straightforward stitch.
Things You'll Need
- Thin line stencil
- Tape
- Fabric chalk
- Beading thread
- Scissors
- Beading wax
- Beading needle
- Seed beads
- 3mm beads
- Felt
- Spray adhesive
Instructions
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1
Tape a thin-line stencil with the desired beading design onto the front of the lapel. Look for stencils with thin line designs at craft stores and discount stores. Choices include flowers, garden insects and letters. Omit this step if you plan to freehand the design.
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2
Trace the stencil cutouts onto the lapel fabric with fabric chalk. Move the stencil around as needed to complete the design. Freehand designers should create the pattern without the stencil.
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3
Cut a 24-inch long section of beading thread. Slide the thread through the beading wax. Insert one end of the waxed thread through the eye of the beading needle.
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4
Pull 10 inches of thread through the eye. Slide a seed bead over the needle to within 3 inches of the end of the longest thread, which is the working thread. Insert the needle through the seed bead several times to anchor the bead near the end of the thread. This bead will stop the thread from passing through the lapel.
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5
Insert the threaded needle through the back of the lapel to the front at one of the chalk marks. Pull the thread through the lapel until the bead stops it. Slide on a seed bead or a small millimeter bead over the needle.
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6
Hold the bead against the lapel. Reinsert the needle down through the fabric directly beside the bead. Pull the thread taut.
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7
Insert the needle back up through the lapel along the design line immediately adjacent to the last bead. Add another bead. Complete the stitch by inserting the needle back down through the lapel.
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8
Follow the process to stitch beads along the design lines on the lapel. Tie a knot in the thread on the underside of the lapel when the thread becomes too short.
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9
Cut a section of felt or other fabric to fit the backside of the lapel. Spray the backside of the lapel with adhesive. Press the felt onto the lapel to cover the stitches.
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Tips & Warnings
The fabric chalk will wash away with water.
