DISCOVER THE TECHNIQUES, MATERIALS and IDEAS BEHIND MY WORK
Whether you’re curious about bead embroidery, exploring a new craft or simply looking for inspiration, you’ll find beginner-friendly guides, practical tips and insights from my own creative journey.
I believe the best way to learn is by making. These articles are here to help you understand the process, build confidence and maybe discover a new creative obsession along the way.
WHAT IS BEAD EMBROIDERY?
What is Bead Embroidery?
Bead embroidery is a textile art technique where individual beads are stitched onto fabric to create decorative designs. Unlike bead weaving, where beads are connected to each other, bead embroidery builds directly onto a fabric foundation.
From delicate floral motifs to highly detailed wearable art, bead embroidery offers endless creative possibilities. While the process is slow and requires patience, it’s surprisingly accessible for beginners and incredibly rewarding to learn.
In this guide, I’ll explain what bead embroidery is, which materials you’ll need, the different stitches you can use and how you can start your own first project.
Bead Embroidery on Jersey: Why It’s More Challenging (and Worth It)
Most bead embroidery is worked on firm, non-stretch fabrics. Jersey behaves very differently. Because the fabric stretches, every stitch needs to be carefully considered to keep the design stable while preserving the garment’s flexibility.
With the right stabilisers, materials and techniques, however, bead embroidery can transform a simple T-shirt into a unique, wearable piece of textile art.
In this article, I share the challenges of embroidering on jersey, the methods I use and what I’ve learned through experimenting with this technique.