Beads in cross stitch: how to attach a bead neatly and securely
Beads add sparkle and texture to a piece: dewdrops, fairy lights, an animal's eyes, details on clothing. Attaching a bead isn't hard, but a couple of techniques keep it straight and secure.
How beads look on a chart
Usually a small circle or a separate symbol in a square, and the key lists beads separately with the bead number. Sometimes a bead sits on top of a cross, but more often it replaces it, on an empty square.
What you need
- A fine needle that fits through the bead's hole — a beading needle or the finest tapestry needle. More on needles in "Needles for cross stitch".
- One strand of thread matching the fabric or the bead. Thick thread may not pass through the bead twice.
- A dish or mat for the beads so they don't roll away.
How to attach a bead
- Bring the needle up at the bottom left corner of the square.
- Pick up one bead on the needle.
- Take the needle down at the top right corner — a half stitch with the bead in the middle.
- Work all beads in the same direction, like the bottom stitches of your crosses, so they all face the same way.
Keeping the bead from wobbling
- Go through twice. Bring the needle up at the same corner again and pass through the bead once more — it will sit more firmly.
- Or cross it. Make a second stitch in the other direction through the same bead: it will sit right in the middle of the square.
- Don't pull hard. Thread pulled too tight tilts the bead and puckers the fabric.
When to add them
Beads go on last, after crosses, backstitch and knots. Otherwise they catch the thread and get in the way of neighbouring squares. If the piece will be washed, first check that the beads can take water — see "How to wash and press a finished cross stitch".
Where the app fits
In Crossette you mark beads on the chart just like crosses, backstitch and knots — you can see which beads are already on and which are still to come.
About the author
This article was written by the Crossette team. We're building Crossette, a cross stitch tracker for iPhone and iPad. It's in development; to join the beta, email [email protected].