Journal
Beaded Chain Stitch
When it was time to dress up the orange chain stitch of my current project, I decided that a Beaded Chain Stitch would be just the ticket.
[Tweet “Dress up a simple chain stitch with beautiful beads.”]
Decisions, Decisions…
But… which color of orange? Why is it so hard to choose when there are so many yummy options out there? Is is just me?
Clear Orange or Pearly Orange?
I had trouble seeing how the beads would look, so I put a line of beads on two different needles and had a much better look at the actual color.
I ultimately decided that the clear orange created a nice counterpoint to the shimmer of the turquoise beads. I’ll save those pearly orange lovelies for another time!
Orange Silamide Beadstring — Exactly the right color!
And wouldn’t you know it, my beading box just happen to contain orange Silamide beadstring. I wondered if I was going totally overboard when I purchased that kit from Nancy Eha, but it sure has come in handy!
Add one bead
I do my stitching first, then add the beads. I find it easier to add the beads with Silamide rather than struggling with adding beads to pearl cotton. In my world, small beads and heavy thread don’t mix. If you find a different way that works better for you, go for it!
Pass the needle under the the next chain stitch
As with the Beaded Backstitch I showed in an earlier post, the beads are added one at a time by wrapping the thread under each link in the Chain Stitch. Chain stitch plus pretty beads equals Beaded Chain Stitch. Easy!
One more section complete!
The spacing of the chain stitch gives a different look than the turquoise beads at the bottom of this photo. (Those were wrapped around a short Back Stitch.)
Now, I just have to decide what to do with the purple paisley shapes. Stay tuned!
[Tweet “Tiny beads and heavy thread? See how you can make it work.”]
Your Turn
Have you been following along with the Paint, Stitch, Bead series? Are you interested in learning more? I’m thinking of turning this into a monthly mini-class, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes, please make this a mini class. The samples are beautiful!
Thanks for chiming in, Rebecca.
Yes, I would be interested! If it was half as good as the Silhouette class, it would be worth it.
Thanks, Gigi. I’m so glad you are enjoying the class.
Yes, yes, yes a class in this beading would be great. I want to sign up right now! Just love watching you do this.
Thanks, Terry. I’m thinking of a monthly class that would explore the paint, stitch, bead concept. Could be lots of fun!
Yes Shelly a mini-monthly beading class would be great. I love the idea of learning new beading techniques in small increments rather than in a whole class. Learning one idea or technique at a time gives you time to practice and/or for ideas of where to use it to percolate. I’ve really enjoyed these recent techniques you have shown us.
I’m glad to hear that, Kathy. I’m enjoying the adventures. It’s nice to know that you enjoy reading about them.
Yes, please!
Thanks for the note, Kae. I like to know if an idea will get a warm reception before I get too far down the path…
Shelly, you have just solved a problem for me. I have finished the blocks of a nine block Sue Spargo quilt, put it together but wanted to add beads, I couldn’t get the beads through the needles and floss when I was making the blocks (it is a wool quilt). Now I will add them to the “finished” blocks. Thank you! Marlene
I adore Sue Spurge’s work, Marlene. It is simply stunning. But… I seriously dislike trying to add small beads with Pearl Cotton, and the larger beads don’t always fit my work. Adding them after the fact it a nice option.
Oh yes, yes, yes. Another wonderful class idea! I have tried adding beads to the thread. Not so successfull. Doing it this way really makes sense. I am in.
I’m so glad you find the idea useful, Jann. There are lots of ways to add embellishments. This one just makes sense to me.