Jan Hicks Creates - Basics of Cross Stitch - 10. How to Stitch with Beads

[@susanradford9503]

Thanks Jan that was really informative. Everything seems daunting until you try it!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Truth!

[@ElizzaBeast]

Thank you for sharing... I've been a little intimidated by beads

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hope this helps!

[@amydavis4945]

Another one of my many crafts is making beaded jewelry. I have found that it's **much** easier to pick up a bead on a needle if the beads are in a flatter surface, such as a small tray (as opposed to a bowl). Also to keep those tiny little beads from rolling around on your tray/bowl, you can place a piece of felt (or a beading mat) down on the bottom. The beading mats I use are kind of like felt but kind of like springy foam - so you can depress the needle down slightly to "pick up" the bead, without getting your needle stuck in the "fabric" of the mat. Also, if anyone finds adding beads to your cross stitch really *fun*, you can actually buy "Beaded Cross Stitch" kits (they mostly come from Russia). I've done many of those and it's literally cross stitch with beads on every stitch. I've even taken very very small, few color, cross stitch kits and matched the floss color to my VERY extensive bead collection, and turned a regular cross stitch kit into a beaded cross stitch. Anyway, thank you so much for another great tutorial. I get so darn excited every time I get a notification of your uploads, lol.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I meant to mention the felt and forgot. I knew there was something else I wanted to say. I have several of those pads, but felt is going to be more accessible to most people. I have seen those russian beaded kits. They are gorgeous! I have a TON of seed beads. Between adding beads to knitting and doing kumihimo for a number of years, I gathered quite a collection. Interesting idea of making a design a beaded design. Hmm....wheels are turning! 😁

[@barbarahenderson1936]

Thank you Jan, now I know how to finish my Easter piece that has been sitting around for a year!

[@flowerandlinen]

great tutorial Jan - thanks. I used to help my mum bead my old costumes from dancing. One day a famous Australian fashion designer asked me mum to bead an outfit for charity. I had to take two days of school to help her get it done on time.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Oh wow! I’m sure it must have felt good to get it down, a sense of pride, but I’m sure the doing of was a bit stressful!

[@kaylowry4188]

Thanks Jan. Another great video thanks for taking the fear out 😃❤️

[@jamjams_9678]

Awesome!

[@kandaykerr3653]

Thank you as I'm getting ready to put beads on for the first time!

[@kaywhaley6694]

Thank you for that. I always learn so much from you. I have been resisting trying patterns that have beading.

[@angelaspringett9246]

I used to use a little piece of felt, it helps to see the beads and tips them up too. Great design and video

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Angela! I actually meant to mention that, to put in the bottom of the bowl or plate, or even a piece of paper towel to help keep them from slipping.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Great tutorial Jan...thanks so much❤️

[@Terry81772]

Good video. You look fabulous today!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you, Terry!

[@debranealey5747]

I use the round paint pallets from dollar tree to put and sort my beads. They have little ground places to put the paint that makes it easy to sort different colors.

[@amyseniva4634]

Thank you!! This was very helpful 💜

[@paulettecurt-costa8902]

Ty Jan. It looks easier than I thought. I just started a Piece for my daughter and the pattern shows a few apple seeds where they use beads. I’m going to try it!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@jodempsey3761]

How awesome Jan! I cant believe I've spent all these years "scared" of beading. I have acquired several Lavender and Lace and Mirabillia fully kitted projects (including the bead packs) from an estate sale that I've delayed starting because of those beads. Guess what I'll be starting for my birthday in March?!?! Thanks for another great video!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Wow! That's awesome! And perfect birthday start!!

[@zook717]

SHINEY OBJECT!!! Lol! So, sometimes I see instructions that tell you for the second leg, to better secure the bead, instead of going back through the bead, to simply go over the bead, placing a strand of floss on either side of the bead (hope that makes sense). I usually bead the way you do (YAY I DID SOMETHING RIGHT!), but is there a difference or a better time when you would use the other method, or is it simply personal preference (and what do the Cross Stitch Police say?). Thank you so much for sharing - super ready for my first Chatelaine now!!

[@JanHicksCreates]

I haven’t actually ever seen instructions like you describe. Quite frankly, I don’t know what good it would do to do it that way. It would be easier than having to go back through the bead, but it wouldn’t actually “secure” the bead. But also, you aren’t usually going to be using two strands of floss. It would be hard to get the four strands of floss and the eye of the needle through the holes in these tiny beads. Even if you’re talking about a bigger bead, where you could use a bigger needle and possibly two strands of floss, I would still go through the bead to secure it rather than over/around it. Does that make sense?

[@zook717]

Yes makes sense! Thank you!!

[@jas2627]

Love this series! Thank you for the tutorials and great explanations. Can you do a video that goes over back stitching? Do you outline every square or do a section at a time? Thanks!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Jas, I talk about this in my second Basics of Cross Stitch video- starting to stitch. Let me know if you’ve checked that out, if it was helpful and if you still have questions. I plan on doing a video next Monday of odds and ends tips, and I can add something on back-stitching if needed.

[@jas2627]

Jan Hicks Creates thank you! I’ve been watching your videos out of order. Lol. Thank you so much for teaching us!

[@lindabullock742]

Thanks for the video Jan...really loving this series....and really love your cream scissors ✂️...can you share where you got them please?....🥰😘🇦🇺

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Linda! The scissors are by Sajou. I got them a few years ago as a present from a friend.

[@debranealey5747]

Love those scissors.....please share where u found them

[@JanHicksCreates]

They are from Sajou. They were a gift from a friend several years ago.

[@nadinexerri5579]

Hi Jan, Great demo! I am doing my first Mirabilia so will need to get beading for the first time soon. Now I feel all set to go. 1 Question, I read a lot about Invisible thread for the beading. I have just ordered some but not received it yet. Do you ever use it and if yes what is your experience with it please? Thanks!

[@JanHicksCreates]

No, I haven't used invisible thread at all. I just use a thread that matches the fabric. Don't really need anything fancy for this.

[@winningnumbers]

Can I use the dmc embroidery floss to thread beads onto? or does it need to be a beading thread? Thank you in advance for your reply. much appreciated.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, you can totally just use floss to stitch on beads.

[@nancybareiss7769]

You look awesome. .new haircut?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Not new. I’m letting it grow out a bit and it was a good hair day. 😁