MINI LESSON

Typically I like to post process photos of projects from beginning to completion.....however, lately there's been a lot of heath drama in our household.....which has limited stitching opportunities.

Thanks for hanging in with me anyway......here's a project currently under construction.

It will finish with borders to measure about 16" sq. What you are seeing here is the center section, featuring embellished woolfelt paisley designs. Obviously, some are waiting their turn.

Detail

The individual motifs are complete and now attention is turned toward attached flat sequins which will be scattered onto the background, using an even count flat peyote stitch. Here's how:

To hold the sequin in position for stitching, I place a small dab of glue to the back of the sequin. Using the single bead backstitch, small seed beads are stitched....one at a time, completely around the outside edge of the sequin. This stitch is illustrated, photographed, or demonstrated in all of my current books.

This is how row 1 of the beading looks. You MUST use an even number of beads, keeping the thread tension fairly tight and even, and the beads spaced evenly apart.

On row 2.....the needle exits a bead from row 1, a single bead is added to the thread...the next bead in row 1 is skipped, then the needle enters the following bead.

So, the process is: exit a bead, add a bead, skip a bead, and enter the next bead.....continue that way to complete row 2.

At the end of row 2, you must 'step up' to start row 3. Pass the needle through the last bead of row 1 and 2....then repeat....add a bead and skip a bead, enter the next bead. On this row it may not actually appear as if you are skipping a bead....because the bead you are skipping is actually in row 2. Envision teeth of a zipper and you'll get the picture.

Row 3 is complete. Notice as each row is created.....it's worked toward the center of the sequin....and that's what hold it in place.

To add further interest, I added a 4th row.....this was done by existing the last bead in row 3, adding 3 seeds, skipping a bead and entering the next bead of the 3rd. row. That creates a star shape.

I recommend stitching with good light, sewing with Nymo Beading Thread, and a long thin applique needle.