Let the Beads Do the Magic in Your Cross-Stitch Embroidery Projects

Adding beads to your embroidery is one of the most fascinating ways to adorn your embroidery projects. This does not only add visual interest and a distinctive form of beauty but also gives your needlework a three dimensional look. Today, jewelry making and beadwork are very popular, making it easy for one to acquire amazing beads for one's embroidery project.

A crafts store, local drug store, bead specialty shops and fabric stores are some of the places you can procure beads. To find bead shops one can use mail-order catalogues or the internet. Today, beads are produced in fascinating variety of color sizes and shapes. Beads are made from several different materials and in all shapes imaginable.

You only need to follow a few steps to be able to use beads to exquisitely adorn you embroidery projects. Below are three tips to help you come with an exquisite piece of work with beads and embroidery.

Asses the quality of your beads
Some beads have higher quality than others. For your embroidery projects you should use fine quality beads. The last thing you want is for the colors to peel off because of regular wear or wash. A simple way of testing the beads is to rub them against each other in your hands to find out if the color is maintained. Beads made of glass are the best to use to embellish your embroidery.

Ensure that the needle is of the right size
When dealing with beads the needle size is crucial as opposed to when dealing with embroidery. When affixing small-holed beads like seed beads onto your embroidery, you should use a thin, small and long beading needle.

There are two reasons for using beading needles. Firstly, they are more often longer than ordinary embroidery needles and allows one to string several beads all at once. Secondly, they do not break your beads as you are thread them.

Adding beads to your embroidery project gives your project an elegant look like a piece done by professionals. The only limiting factor is your imagination.

Make sure your color scheme is consistent
It's important to visualize the finished product whenever you are adding beads as an embellishment. Use beads of similar colors if you are looking for complementary addition. The end result is an elegant look added to your work without diverting viewer's attention from you stitching.

Use much bolder or opposite color if you are looking for a visual interest addition. For instance, thread red beads onto an embroidered Christmas tree.

The other choice is to use thread of the same color as you fabric or a clear thread then add beads to the empty spaces on your embroidery. Clear thread enables one to only see the beads and not the thread. It also makes the beads to catch the eye of the viewer even when no embroidery lies under it.

For fascinating and elegant embroidery projects, incorporate beautiful beads and see your simple project transformed into a masterpiece.