Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Beaded Embroidery
Beaded Embroidery
For the greater objective of beautifying garments, beaded embroidery developed as a distinct art form.

Share this Article:

Beaded EmbroideryBead embroidery is a type of beadwork that uses a needle and thread to stitch beads to a surface of fabric, suede or leather. Bead embroidery is a very beautiful and unique form of embroidery which can add new life in ones embroidery designs patterns. One can use this technique to make handmade gifts, on clothes, bags, caps, cushion covers and other home décor stuffs. From ancient traditions to the modern culture, the style of beaded embroidery has evolved from simple designs to creatively sewn beaded embellishment techniques. The need to beautify both garments as well as household objects with precious, semi precious stones and glass beads has made this embroidery very popular. Bead embroidery is one of the most expressive, most satisfying methods of beadwork, which is like painting with beads; forms create themselves, patterns flow and the beads know where they want to be. The popularity of beading embroidery is also increasing in today"s world. It is not only used for clothes but for other accessories like purse, bag, gloves and boots as well.

Traditionally, bead embroidery has been used on clothing and decorative textiles. It may be used in jewelry with the addition of structural supports such as bracelet bands. Other clothing accessories such as belt buckles and handbags can be embroidered with beads, and household items such as pillows or boxes may be embellished with bead embroidery. When used with hard surfaces, bead patterns are measured and planned with seam allowances and attached after embroidery by means of glue or epoxy. The motifs are stylized, generally an elephant with a howda, a camel and rider, a warrior on his horse, a women churning butter, and so on. In bead work, decorative items such as torans, Chaklas, long panels as well as pillow covers and indhonis (the base for water pots carried on the head) are created by women.

Origin of Bead Embroidery
Beaded Embroidery It is an historical technique which is previously used by emperors, kings, and nobles to decorate their clothes. This work was done by with silk, silver or gold threads which looked rich and royal. With beads some had used precious stones and gemstone in this technique. This craft is developed in the late 19th century with the use of imported Venetian beads. Bead embroidery on textiles is done to embellish the fabric in a few regions. In India special beadwork embroidery of the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan are very famous. Unlike in Gujarat state, where the bead embroidery shows only beads as the beads become the fabric, as it were, elsewhere mostly flowing or geometrical designs are worked with beads on fine fabrics.

Technique of Bead Embroidery
Three basic methods may be used to embroider with beads: individual beads may be sewn directly onto fabric, or several beads may be run through a needle before running through the backing, or else a line of threaded beads may be laid upon a fabric and secured with couching stitches. Many people use a needle and thread to stitch beads to the fabric, usually a fine needle with a small eye to facilitate easier passage through the small holes in many seed beads, a second technique uses a fine hook to chain stitch thread to the fabric, in Europe this technique is known as Tambour or Luneville embroidery, and is commonly used to bead haute couture garments. In India the work is called Zari or Aari and is used on garments and furnishings. In Zari and Aari work, the beads are attached to the top side of the fabric where the chain stitch is formed. In Aari work the thread is hooked through each bead as the stitches are formed. The Aari beading methods appear more difficult to master for those more used to working with a threaded needle but do have an advantage in speed over stitching beads with a needle, increased speed is possible as the thread is used from the spool so is continuous, there is no need to fasten of, cut new thread, thread the needle, and fasten on. Most beading onto fabric is worked with the fabric stretched tightly over a frame, this holds the fabric tight and provides a flat surface to work the embroidery on, and beads can add significant weight so some support is important. Using a frame means the embroiderer has both hands free for working. In Aari or Zari work the frame is often closer to the ground, and used while seated on the ground.

Method of Bead Embroidery
Bead weaving or stitching is one of the most enjoyable of beading techniques to learn. It will add more skills and detailing to the work and one can get some attractive applique.

Beaded Embroidery
•Select the design and decide how big or small you want to make it.
•Decide the details you want to use in the designs and purpose of the designs so that one can easily choose the patterns or style according to the need.
•One can also use different styles of beads to get different effects. For example, Charlotte beads that are flat on the sides can add sparkle to the Beadwork.
•To add a lot of glamour, one can use these beads by themselves, or employ them in the design intermittently to create an occasional accent.
•One can also get beads in various finishes, including unlined or lined beads.
•After the selection of beads and designs, select the fabric.
•Use the threads and beads according to the fabric so that it can give an attractive look to the embroidery.
•Use accurate thread, needles, and a hoop or string to ensure that the fabric is tight enough while one works on it.
•With the use of thread and small needle, a large variety of patterns are created out of different coloured beads.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Bamboo and Cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Bamboo and cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh have a huge variety from utility items.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.
Crafts of Jharkhand
Mainly dominated by the tribal art the crafts of Jharkhand reflect the color of the state. The handicrafts of this young tribal state are mainly made from naturally available resources and serve the purpose of daily utility.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
Bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland flourish due to the abundant supply of these two materials in the forests of this Indian state.
Crafts of Punjab
Crafts of Punjab have a good demand not only in the local market but also abroad. They present a perfect combination of artistic designs and vibrant colours.
Crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The indigenous crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, speak volumes of the creativity of the people of the region.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the creations.
Terracotta Art in India
Terracotta Art in India traces its history to ancient periods. Various forms of terracotta were found in the excavations of Indus Valley Civilisation and India has been the cradle of terracotta art. The art gradually evolved and made its way to different regions of the country in varied forms.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya display miscellaneous items that catch the fancy of all.
Wood Craft of Manipur
The ancient Indian craft of Wood Craft has seen its evolution in Manipur, from the traditional artistic designs which still sustain their appeal to tourists, to modern utilitarian crafts.
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu is especially known for the six metre high horses. The terracotta form of art is more pronounced in the temples housing the deity of Ayanaar.
Metal Crafts of Manipur
The metal craft of Manipur encompasses the process of smelting of iron from ores and making products in addition to ones made from other metals of brass, copper, bell metal, gold and aluminium.
Ivory Craft in India
Ivory Craft is engraving and carving on ivory that is a medium of artistic expression practiced in many parts of India.
Cane Craft
Cane craft in India showcases the remarkable artistry and skill of artisans. Utilizing the versatile material of cane, they create a diverse range of exquisite products ranging from furniture and baskets to home decor items and accessories.
Applique of Rajasthan
‘Appliqué’ work in Rajasthan echoes the magic of colour whilst offering that oriental charm of multicoloured harmony.
Bamboo Crafts in India
Bamboo crafts in India show a wide variety. Furniture, showpieces, and various home decors made out of bamboo add extra richness to the looks of the house. The art has also expanded to home utility items across the country.
Stone Carving of Manipur
Stone Carving of Manipur primarily encompasses household products like earthen pots and utensils, in the contemporary scenario.
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage that is displayed in the creations.
Aftaba - Metal Craft
Aftaba or Ewer is essentially a Mughal discovery in India. Aftabas were generally used to carry liquids. The vessel generally has a curved shape.
String Puppets of Karnataka
String puppets of Karnataka are hugely popular among the native people as well as in the other states.