Expert: Angela - 6/28/2008

Question
I have a cross-stitch pattern that calls for 1000 Mill Hill beads. I have never used beads in my work and I am unsure of how to do it. Could you please explain how to stitch them into my design? Your expertise would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello, Melissa :)

Attaching these beads is extremely simple.  I've attached 450 of these seed beads onto a wedding gift for my husband's aunt 4 years ago, and it took me about 2 days.  The result was beautiful, though. :)

To attach the beads, find the correct matching colored thread to the bead (ie. if they're white beads, then use 1 strand of white floss).  Using a beading needle (no other needle will fit through the holes), fun the thread through the back of your project under a few stitches, then run it through another set of stitches, alongside the first set stitches, and again one more time (you should end up where you want to start, and doing so will anchor the thread better so that the beads don't slip out).  Or, you can go through the same area of stitching on the back, but be sure that when you pull the thread through the stitching on the back, to NOT go through where the thread came out, but to insert the needle in the stitch next to it so that the thread is looped over the first stitch (I truly hope this makes sense LOL).  DO NOT KNOT YOUR THREAD.

Put a bead on the needle, and then go to the area that you want to place the bead.  Make a 1/2 "X" (like you would to cross stitch), pull the needle through the fabric, and the bead should sit there.  Insert the needle in the fabric where you would normally make your top stitch to finish the "X", go through the bead again, and then come down on the other side to finish your "X".  You've secured your bead. :)

This is extremely easy when you get the hang of it. :)

If you need further assistance, please don't hesistate to contact me again.  I hope that I was able to explain this well.

Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela