Free-Form Bead Embroidery: Texture and Sparkle!

July 3, 2025

Everything that You Want to Know About Free-Form Bead Embroidery and More!

My name is Christen Brown, and I am the one to ask! I am a Creative Spark Teacher and the author of Beaded Embroidery Stitching, by C&T Publications. I am honored to be a presenter at the Embroidery Extravaganza, a Creative Spark event that will be held July 17, 2025.

What do I need to get started?

I will talk about the basics that you will be need, and what to look for when purchasing supplies. I will cover the types of beads, bead sizes, and the embellishments that you can include. I will also explain the tools and supplies, the types of thread that you will use, and show you how to thread those tiny beading needles!

In my presentation Free-Form Bead Embroidery, I will demonstrate how to stitch the two basic stitches used for this technique. The first is a bead embroidery stitch called the continuous bead stitch, where the beads are stitched into a row onto a fabric base. The second is a bead woven stitch called the peyote stitch, where a bead/s are threaded into the continuous row of beads, and previous rows.

The step-by-step examples show you the possibilities that can be created by combining these two stitches to create organic, free-flowing, landscapes.

Additional elements such as large beads, glass charms, sequins, rondelles, and buttons can also be added.

These elements can be incorporated into the rows of stitching or stitched to the fiber base using a combination of additional bead embroidered stitches.