Beading and Sequining

Beading and sequining add texture and a feeling of luxury to apparel and non-apparel. Beading and sequining should be designed, planned and worked on a garment before it is made up. The purposes of the item wil determine the choice of bead. Extra fabric should be allowed when cutting out in case there is some shrinkage. It is important to line all pieces of beading as this will prevent the threads getting caught.

When designing beading think of each bead as a single unit in the design. The design can then be created much like a mosaic. Beading should enhance the fabric or item not overwhelm it.

Some beading techniques are:

• Sewing down a single bead

• Sewing a continuous line of beads

• Stitching one bead on top of another

• Attaching a bead with its hole facing upwards

• Couching between beads in a continuous line