How to Bead Formal Gowns

While it can be a little time consuming, beading is a wonderful way to add a unique and elegant design to your formal gown.  While you can use a running stitch to bead your gown, applying the beads individually will produce the best results in the end.

Preparation

1. Gather beads, beading thread, scissors and needle.


2. Plan and draw the design you want your beads to be in.


3. Measure the area on your gown where the bead design will be placed to make sure there is enough room for the design.


4. Know the fabric type of the gown to determine what needle size you will need to use.


5. Compare different beads to the gown to see what looks best against the gown.


6. Choose what type of thread you will use, and be aware of the thread size.


7. Determine whether you want to use a running stitch or apply the beads individually.

Apply Beads Individually

1. Thread the needle and sew through the back side of the gown.


2. Knot the thread twice.


3. Make sure the knot is secure.


4. Thread the bead.


5. Insert the needle in the direction of where the next bead is being placed.


6. Apply the beads in the same direction.


7. Loop each of the beads twice.


8. Tie a knot in the thread on the inside of the fabric.


9. Cut any loose ends off.


10. Repeat these steps for each bead until the design is finished.

Running Stitch

1. Loop the thread once and insert the needle.


2. Bring the needle up through the fabric towards the next bead placement.


3. Loop the next bead.