A Beaded Edge Tutorial for Louise

 

Some time ago, I posted some small pincushions....with hearts.  In February, I believe.  One of my readers asked me if I could show how to do the beaded edging on one of the featured pincushions.  Naturally, I said yes.  So sorry it has taken me this long to get a 'tutorial' ready to go. 

 Louise, this is for YOU!

 

I made an extra pincushion....but forgot to make photos as I beaded the edges.  So I made a little tube of muslin to substitute for yet another pincushion.  You will get the idea and I can also use the beaded tube in another project.  I also decided to embroider words on it...making it even more appealing to use in some other way. 

Seven Bead Edging

  So, here we are, loading three seed beads, one oat bead and three more seed beads on my needle.

 

When I make that stitch to anchor the seven beads to the seam, I also take an extra tiny stitch...for 'security' helping to stop any unraveling that could  'accidently' take place.  And, I do that after every stitch.  Here, I am ready to load the needle again.

 

And, here we are with another group of seven beads.

 

 And, again, take the stitch to hold the grouping of seven beads in place, then a security stitch. Load on another seven beads, and about a quarter inch away from the previous seven beads stitch again.  And, that tiny security stitch.  Continue along until you get to a corner.  You will easily be able to go 'around the corner' by just adjusting the seven beads to 'fit' that corner.  I never try to do this with perfect spacing...for one thing...it seems to work out easily....and for another....I like my work to look like a human made it and we don't do anything perfectly.  Well, at least this human doesn't.

 

 The same thing goes for ending the beaded edge.  Just work that last group of seven beads in as smoothly as possible...and do the extra security stitch, then, make a knot in the thread and "hide" it in the seam of the pincushion, or, the fold of the little tube, whichever one you are making.

Here is a photo of the pincushion and the tube I beaded as an example.  I'll find somewhere to use this tube, at some point, and will show you the finished product when I do.

 

Here is the finished pincushion and you can see the beading as I went 'around the corner.' 

 

I think it turned out to be kind of nice.

 

And, here is a close-up of the beaded tube.

 

A Three Bead Edging. 

Sometimes I use a simple Three Bead Edging.  It's basically a group of three beads sewn on with a whip stitch and a security stitch.  Very easy.  I've used it dozens of times.  So, begin by taking a stitch in the fold or seam, then a security stitch.   Again, thread three seed beads on the needle.

 

Take that stitch, make a security stitch and then thread three more beads on the needle.

 

 Now, you see where we are going here...repeat, repeat, repeat, all the way around the pincushion or whatever you are beading.  As this is being done on a tube....there is no corner...so you just bead the desired length and end with a stitch and the last security knot, make a knot in the thread and hide either in the pincushion or inside the tube.

 

 Here is the Three Bead Edging in it's finished state. 

 And, this is how it looks on the edge and the back.  Kind of 'fluffy' if you ask me.

 

 This is a photo of all the 'ingredients' used.....Seed Beads, Oat Beads, DMC floss for the wording, Quilting thread for the beading (although there is a multitude of threads you can use:  beading thread, upholstery thread, Silamide, or Beading Wire).  I can't do anything without a thimble, and, then, of course, embroidery scissors.  You might be wondering about this glass tray set-up.  I found this glass 'tray' at the flea for 50 cents...a long time ago.  It's actually the glass insert for a small micro-wave oven. Very useful to me and not for cooking!!  In it, I have placed a piece of a Velux blanket.  A damaged one given to me by my daughter.  It has supplied beading tray liners for many of my students and friends over the years.  It keeps beads from traveling all over the work surface and I wouldn't bead without it.

 

 Just another photo of ingredients.

 And, here is the little sample tube I made of both the Seven Bead Edging and the Three Bead Edging with embroidered words.  And, a Heart.  You know I have to put those everywhere!!  The Heart and wording, done with one strand of DMC floss.  The Heart with a Satin Stitch and the wording with a Back Stitch.

 

 And, here are the DMC colors I used.  Ecru for the Embroidered Vine and Heart, #841 for the wording.

  

 A close-up of the wording and the beading too!

(Oh, I'm told by friends and family that I say "it is what it is" all the time.

Well, it is what it is, isn't it??)

 

I just wanted to take a photo or two of the finished products placed on top of a vintage box of crochet thread.  Love this color!!!

 

 A Heart and Vine, embroidered.  Such fun to do!

 

 A last view of this edging....you know, you could do this with all sizes, colors, and kinds of beads!

 

 A last view of the Heart and the wording with the Three Bead Edging.  I'll find somewhere to use it!

 

 And, the thread I used. 

So, there we are....a little tutorial for those of you interested...and for Louise, a reader and a friend!

Thank you, Louise, for your interest in what I do!

Until next time,

♥♥♥