Learn Bead Embroidery Basic Stitches — PDF Pattern Download

Learn to bead embroider from the ground up — nine essential techniques in one beautifully structured guide.

Bead embroidery is one of the most forgiving and expressive forms of beadwork — you can create freeform, use up your bead stash, and adapt the design as you go. This beginner's guide by Paula from On A String walks you through everything you need to know to get started, from gluing and capturing a cabochon to backstitch, stacking beads, adding cup chain, edging, and finishing your piece with a clean backing. It's been inspired by time spent studying with leading bead embroidery artists, and written to give you the skills and confidence to create your own masterpiece.

This PDF technique guide includes 4 pages of step-by-step instruction covering 9 techniques: adding and capturing a cabochon or feature bead, basic backstitch, adding cup chain, stacking beads, embellishment, trimming, gluing and backing, and edging. Also includes a tips and tricks section and a list of project possibilities — brooches, pendants, cuffs, earrings, collars, and handbags.

Bead list: No fixed bead list — this is a technique guide. Raid your bead stash! Suggested materials include a cabochon or feature bead, size 11 seed beads, size 15 seed beads, Delica beads, 3mm pearls, cup chain, Lacy's Stiff Stuff foundation, Ultrasuede backing, E6000 glue, One G or Nymo thread, needles size 10 and 12.

Skill level: Beginner — no prior bead embroidery knowledge required.
Techniques: Bead embroidery, backstitch, peyote capture, stacking, edging, finishing.

On A String is a small Australian beading business created by Paula — a beader, teacher, and maker who believes the craft is better when it's shared. Every tool is designed from the beading table. Every tutorial is written from experience.