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Beading for Cross Stitch
Beads add sparkle
and a three dimensional look to your cross stitch piece. There are many different
colors of beads to choose from. One of the most popular
company providing glass bead supplies is Mill Hill. They have a variety of colors and sizes to
choose from and their beads are top quality. Mill Hill has
Glass Seed Beads,
Antique Glass Beads,
Petite Glass Beads,
Pebble Glass Beads,
Frosted Glass Beads,
Size 6 and
Size 8 Beads; Small, Medium and Large
Bugle Beads, and
Magnifica Beads to choose from. They also carry
Mill Hill Treasures
which are beads that come
in beautiful shapes like hearts, stars, roses, pumpkins, jewels, tear drops,
and many other shapes. They can add a
very unique look to any piece. You can choose from
Glass,
Crystal, or
Metal Treasures.
Attaching Beads:
You may
use one strand of
floss (similar in color to your fabric) to attach your
beads or
beading
floss called Nymo thread that is a little stronger and designed specifically for
beading. I suggest the Nymo thread. Nymo thread comes in
black and white. Chose the color that best suits the color of your
fabric. You will need a needle with a small head to fit through
the beads. I carry a
beading needle made specifically for beading on cross stitch that is
thin enough to fit through the beads and short enough to apply beads to
your fabric. Bring the
threaded needle up through hole 1, thread with a bead and bring the
needle down through hole 2 as in a half stitch.
Beads are
generally attached after you have completed all of the stitching on your
piece, including outlining.
I
generally pour a layer of beads in a small dish or in a
bead wheel organizer that keeps the different colors separate.
Then I spread a few beads of the color I am working with on a Tacky Bob.
Tacky Bobs come in a little case that looks like a small CD case and
the inside is covered with a substance similar to fly paper. It's
a great way to separate your beads out and get a hold of each one with
your needle. Maneuver the bead onto your needle off of
the Tacky Bob and attach it to the fabric with a half stitch. I
really like my Tacky Bob. It makes beading much easier. I
have put together a small
beading kit for customers who like to bead often.
Buttons and Charms
Ceramic Buttons and Charms
add character and fun to your cross stitch piece. There are many
hand
painted buttons by Mill Hill, and they come in several different
shapes. Most of the buttons are about an inch square, so they are
just right for a cross stitch design. They can be easily attached
with a half stitch. Add
Charms
to your piece to mark a special occasions or to make your cross stitch
unique and special. Charms are metal and some of them have stones
in them. There are several different styles and shapes of charms
to choose from. Try something new on your project today.
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