Learn the art of cross stitch beading
What is beading in cross stitch?
Cross stitch isn’t just limited to needle and threads. Did you know that you can add beads to designs, giving projects texture, dimension and also allowing your creativity to run wild?
It may feel overwhelming looking at all the different shapes and styles of beads, and wrapping your head around beading needles and how to attach beads to a piece of work. However, we hope that by the end of this helpful guide and tutorial, you’ll be well versed in all things beading.
Beading appears in cross stitch designs when designers want to add some depth to their works, accenting details with tactile flair. In addition, stitchers who struggle with French knots can also substitute a bead in its place instead, as beading is much less complicated than French knots!
Continue reading to find out more on the different types of beads, what beading needles are and how to use them, alongside a tutorial on adding beads to your project.
By the end of this article, you will have mastered everything you need to know about beading. You'll be ready to tackle any design that comes your way, or add your stamp to a piece of work by personalising the project with a variety of beads.
Getting started
Types of beads
Beads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the one most commonly used in cross stitch is seed beads.
These beads are small glass beads, measuring between approximately 1-2.5mm in diameter. Their versatility makes them ideal for use in all manner of needlework projects, including cross stitch and embroidery, as well as jewellery making.
Seed beads are available in a variety of colours and finishes from bead specialists Mill Hill, which you can find on Lakeside Needlecraft. These range in size from 15.0 (petite glass beads) to size 11/0 (glass seed beads). Size 11/0 seed beads measure 2.2mm diameter, making them the perfect size for adding onto commonly used size 14- or 28-count fabrics.
You can also discover a wide variety of finishes with the size 11 Mill Hill seed beads, including frosted, antique, crayon and glow in the dark – giving you the perfect opportunity to be creative with beads.
A standard packet of size 11 beads contains approximately 475 beads. If your project is heavily beaded, you may find larger packs available of some of the most popular colours.
Other beads to look out for, which can be included in some cross stitch patterns, are bugle beads (size 11/0, elongated 6mm), pebble beads (size 3.0, round 5.5mm) and pony beads (size 6/0, round 4mm).
Beading needles
Beading needles have sharp points and are finer than sewing needles, making them ideal to insert through the small holes in beads. They’re also useful for attaching sequins, pearls and small buttons to the fabric.
If you’re struggling to thread these, we suggest trying a needle threader, magnifier and plenty of light (or a daylight lamp) to help. If this doesn’t work for you, read our guide on how to thread a needle for more helpful tips and tricks.
Beading needles are available in size 10-15, and for more common seed beads (size 11/0), a size 10 or 12 beading needle is recommended. For petite seed beads (size 15/0), try a finer needle, like a size 15.
It is better to buy beading needles in mixed-size packs as the central hole of beads can vary in diameter, so you're more likely to have a needle to hand that works. The size specification on beads refers to the size of the hole, so refer to this when choosing your beading needle.
Milward Beading Needles
These beading needles are delicate, long and super fine, perfect for threading beads, sequins, and pearls onto fabric. There are four needles within each pack, including sizes 10, 12 and 13 needles.
The eye of the needle is long and thin, allowing for a fine or invisible thread to be used without getting stuck in the bead or sequin centre hole.
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John James Needles
Each needle style comes in its own elegant and distinctive colour pebble for quick identification. This specific packet includes four needles of size 10 and 12 beading needles. The case is also very handy to keep your needles safe and secure, especially when travelling.
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How to attach seed beads using cross stitch
Use a whole cross stitch when attaching seed beads to your fabric. This holds the bead in place securely as well as keeping it upright, creating the best finish to your work.
Before you begin, thread your beading needle with two strands of stranded cotton floss. Use a shade that matches the bead colour as closely as possible (we’ve shown it in contrasting thread here so you can see the process more clearly). You may find this DMC to Mill Hill glass bead conversion list helpful to match your shades.
Step 1
After securing the thread at the back, bring your needle through one of the bottom corners of where your bead is to be positioned.
Thread your bead onto it, then take it down again in the opposite top corner. This attaches your bead with the bottom diagonal arm of the stitch.
Step 2
Add the top arm of the stitch in the opposite corners, making sure one strand of thread falls on either side of the bead to help hold it upright.
Step 3
Pull your thread all the way through, ensuring both strands are laying flat and taut against the surface of your fabric around the base of your bead.
Secure your thread on the fabric reverse by running it through the back of nearby stitches, or the bead stitch itself. You should do this even if you have more beads to attach – this ensures each bead is individually secured, as it’s easy for them to get caught and lose tension.
To achieve a seamless finish, try using invisible thread to attach your beads. You should use the same technique as with stranded cotton. Just be aware it can be quite springy and tricky to get to grips with, so it’s worth practising on a scrap piece of fabric beforehand.
Attaching other types of beads
These steps can be used to attach all manner of round beads. The only difference may be with bugle beads, which are formed into a narrow elongated tubular shape. These are often shown on patterns as long lines, to indicate direction.
To attach bugle beads to your cross stitch, start by bringing your needle up through the fabric at the base of the line indicated on the pattern. Insert your bead onto your needle, then follow the line on your pattern for orientation. Take the needle back down at the end of the line and secure your thread on the reverse after each bead.
Try out beading techniques
Put your beading skills to the test with this free set of cross stitch Christmas tree card patterns. The patterns each include seed, pebble and bugle beads, perfect for you to apply your beading knowledge and expand your stitching skillset.
Why you should use cross stitch beading in your designs
Using beading when cross stitching will not only add another skill to your crafty repertoire, but it's also a fun added bonus to elevate a design.
It's also a good opportunity to get stuck in with something new and, along the way, you will find there are handy tools to help you on your beading journey.
The more time you spend playing with beads, you may find that a bead nabber is helpful for picking up the beads with the touch of your fingers. Investing in a beadalon mat will also keep your beads safe when working, preventing them from spilling off your workstation.
In addition, you might want to purchase a bead storage case. These secure storage solutions include tiny compartments, meaning you can organise and separate your beads by type, shape, size and colour.
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How to frame your designs
After all that hard work of beading, show off your finished piece in a complementary frame by reading our handy beginner's guide to framing your cross stitch.
It details the easiest methods so you can feel confident in framing your own cross stitch, rather than spending lots of money on a professional framing.
