Two curved needle process for Bead Embroidery on Existing Garments
The following process for beading and couching on completed garments is shown using a #12 John James Beading Needle but I have found that using the John James #10 Curved Needle works amazingly well especially over stay's. The #10 curved needles are used on 3 dimensional objects such as Beaded Art Dolls and easier to manage with a couching needle. As a reminder - all pearls and beads will require couching when one is following a fabric design or pattern. At first this may seem tedious, but ,the completed garment or item will be stunning and your thumb nail will become your best friend.
** BE- stands for Bead Embroidery
Step One : Set both needles on design. You can start on the end or further up the design
The assigned couching needle – keep it at the top of the work to keep the needles straight. I also use Nail Polish to mark this needle.
Step Two: Add two beads with the BE Thread.
Step Three: Come through both beads with Bead Embroider Thread
Step Four – Add two new beads and step back to third bead and pull thread through three beads. This is the standard Bead Embroidery process of securing Beads and/or Pearls.
Step Five: Bring couching thread over to secure beads
Step Six : Secure a second time with couching stitch
Step Seven: Add two more beads step back one and come through three beads.
Step Eight: Couch again with second thread using the design to keep the beads in place.
