Thread: Chunky beading

I've always liked the look of chunky beading, like on this costume that Latriamou has up in the swap meet. For those of you who have done it, do you have any tips? Do you lay them out first? Sew in a certain pattern?

Great question! I'm curious, too.

I did this one

Beading close up

I actually did it as it told me to. No patterns (in fact a little wine helped me from unintentionally creating patterns.) The small beads were sewn in bunches and the large ones sewn individually. I reinforced the largest beads with two to three stitches and made sure I knotted off every inch or so. I also sewed through a sequin background to give more depth to the beading.

ETA: If you want more close bead shots ask and I'll post them so you can see.

I wonder - is there a good source where you can buy these mixtures in large bags and colors?

Originally Posted by _Tanya_

I did this one

Beading close up

I actually did it as it told me to. No patterns (in fact a little wine helped me from unintentionally creating patterns.) The small beads were sewn in bunches and the large ones sewn individually. I reinforced the largest beads with two to three stitches and made sure I knotted off every inch or so. I also sewed through a sequin background to give more depth to the beading.

ETA: If you want more close bead shots ask and I'll post them so you can see.

How long does it take you to do all that beading? beautiful work!!!

Originally Posted by Surida

I wonder - is there a good source where you can buy these mixtures in large bags and colors?

I go to Michaels, and look for the "neckace" or beading kits. Also big bags of cheap beads look nice when paired with good sparklies. The pearls in my costume must have cost 3 bucks for 150 beads.

Originally Posted by gabykings

How long does it take you to do all that beading? beautiful work!!!

It took about 3 months on and off. I think because there were no patterns I had to worry about the time was much shorter.

...

Here: Solid Color Assorted Glass Beads - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Assorted Glass Bead Kits - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

I haven't tried these per se, but another bhuzzer told me about them.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Here: Solid Color Assorted Glass Beads - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Assorted Glass Bead Kits - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

I haven't tried these per se, but another bhuzzer told me about them.

Great source! Thanks!

mmmmmm! yummy! I've been cooking some project ideas in my brain and think I just might have decided to do a chunky beaded cossie. Love the purple one, and Tanya that pearl is stunning!

Check the bargain aisles at the craft stores. When product lines are discontinued, you can get good prices on more expensive beads. You may not be able to get enough for a whole project, but you can pick up great accent beads to add variety to your design.

Fire Mountain is having a big year-end sale now. If you 're on their site, be sure to look at the "Beading Blowout Sale" tab.

najla86 - Eshta created the gorgeous purple bow costume that you are referring to. Maybe she'll chime in on how she did it or maybe you can PM her. I have 3 of her costumes. Her bead work is beautiful.

I can chime in but you won't believe me.
I covered that bra in 2 days. The belt in about 3.
It isn't hard but it requires a practiced hand, speed and carelessness. Because if you focus too much on the beading will either be too close together or not close enough. You also can't have a pattern or everything going in the right direction. It is a lesson in controlled chaos with some very strong thread.

Eshta, what kind of needle and thread do you recommend?

I used to always cheat and do chunky beadwork with e600 glue, but that method is far from foolproof!

Eshta, how exactly does it work? do you bead in first the smaller beads than "sprinkle" large ones on top? or do you just bead whatever bead you get your hand on, large or small, at any random spot?

I bet it is much easier to chunky bead on a fabric bra and belt than to have to pull the thread through a sequin and bead set. My fingers hurt just thinking about it.

denim thread. only comes in yellow and white. best thread for beading ever. I use a super long 2 1/2" special ultra sharp needle which I have to special order in bulk. Then you just make a giant bowl filled with all the beads you think you'll use. Shake it up really well and whatever your fingers grab that's what you use.

I was wondering about this too. (I remember seeing one of Ozma's costumes where she put in Virgin of Guadalupe bead on it!)

Do you work in any particular direction? Do you sew all the big ones down first and fill in the small ones? Am I thinking about this too much?

thinking about it way too much. The only things you lay down first are any really big stones.

Originally Posted by eshtabellydance

thinking about it way too much. The only things you lay down first are any really big stones.

Yup. Stitch down a bunch of big things scattered across the area...then the next size down the same way..

Originally Posted by ozma

Yup. Stitch down a bunch of big things scattered across the area...then the next size down the same way..

That doesn't sound too bad. I'm going to have to try this sometime soon.

you know I never worry about sizes. I really just put everything in a big bowl and mix it up. Sequins, beads, pearls, everything. It's the only way to get truly random and chunky I think.

Originally Posted by eshtabellydance

you know I never worry about sizes. I really just put everything in a big bowl and mix it up. Sequins, beads, pearls, everything. It's the only way to get truly random and chunky I think.

True, but I think the general idea of "start with the biggest" and then once you've used a random mix "fill in holes with small beads" is an easy way for beginers to wrap their heads around it all

that's true. good idea!

I find what works very well is to anchor a long piece of thread where you want the chunkiness to begin. Then STRING the beads randomly. You'll end up with an anchored string of beads; tie off if you wish for ease of handling. Then with another anchored piece of thread (through the very first bead in your original anchor), lay this string of beads in a close-knit, random pattern and sew onto the fabric. This stringing and then anchoring will reinforce the beading to the fabric so that if one bead becomes dislodged the whole thing doesn't start unraveling; it creates chunkiness; makes the beads easier to handle while sewing them onto the fabric; and there is a beautiful spontaneity to the design.

did you make your mannequin?? I want to know how!!!!

Duct tape.
I wore a super tight T-shirt and cut-off stockings (b/c I wanted a "crotch" to fit hot pants and pants in general; this mannequin hangs as opposed ot getting a pole up the hooha). Then my partner carefully wrapped me in at least 2 layers of duct tape. He cut up the back of one leg, up across my back and up the neck. I got out, retaped very well (b/c once you stuff, the seams will start coming apart) and stuffed with old plastic bags, T-shirt scraps, and blown up plastic sandwich bags reinforced with tape. I marked my nipples (to fit bra cups and designs), hips, natural waist, and belly button.
This is the free version of instructions on how to make duct tape body double. lol...

Originally Posted by Azhia

I find what works very well is to anchor a long piece of thread where you want the chunkiness to begin. Then STRING the beads randomly. You'll end up with an anchored string of beads; tie off if you wish for ease of handling. Then with another anchored piece of thread (through the very first bead in your original anchor), lay this string of beads in a close-knit, random pattern and sew onto the fabric. This stringing and then anchoring will reinforce the beading to the fabric so that if one bead becomes dislodged the whole thing doesn't start unraveling; it creates chunkiness; makes the beads easier to handle while sewing them onto the fabric; and there is a beautiful spontaneity to the design.

that is a method called couching. You can look it up online. Very useful technique for lots of things...g.:

I wanted to resurrect this thread to ask a question because I am a complete novice at this... so do you stitch each bead down individually (kinda like a button) or do you sew a few beads down at a time and then tie off?