Beads in Cross Stitch
I love to add beads to my counted cross stitch projects. They provide texture, depth, glamour and sparkle to a design, and I think it’s worth considering introducing beadwork into any project for that extra ‘wow’ factor.
Beads can be used as a sparkling substitute for French knots, so if you dislike this stitch, you could add a bead instead. The beads most often used in cross stitch and other embroidery stitches are seed beads, which can be used on both 14 and 28 count fabrics. Petite beads (glass) are better for finer counts (18 or 22). In some designs, bugle beads, which are tubular, may look great. Beware of using beads that are too large; the design may distort and the beads may pile on top of each other.
Here are some tips for using beads in your cross stitch designs:
1. Add the beads after completing all the other stitching. Otherwise, stitching thread can get caught on the beads.
2. The hole in the middle of a bead is tiny - so an ordinary needle can be too large to pass through it. Beading needles are useful here. They are long sharp needles. Another option is a size nine embroidery needle. This will pass through the eye of most beads and is shorter than a beading needle.
3. Use ordinary sewing thread to place the beads into the design, using a half stitch. Match the thread to the fabric colour. Polyester mixture threads are stronger than pure cotton.
4. Consider using a frame or hoop when using beads – to keep the fabric evenly taut.
5. Pick up the beads with a moist finger. Better still, use a bead nabber. This fits on your finger and has a small sticky pad that grabs the beads without leaving a residue. Keep your beads in small containers, and when in use, place them on a saucer for easy access.
6. If you need to wash your finished work, do this by hand very carefully, using warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse well and then roll in a towel to remove excess water; then place face down on a towel and allow to dry.
7. To iron your work, place the beaded side face down on two layers of thick towel - and press from the back, so as not to damage the beads.
8. If you decide to frame work with beads in it, ask the framer to insert spacers between the fabric and the glass; this will prevent beads from touching the glass or being distorted.
Do share with us any triumphs, tips – or cautionary advice – to others by adding your comments.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
