# Bead embroidery

> Bead embroidery sews beads, sequins and cabochons onto a base of fabric or felt; a textile jewelry technique for brooches and pendants.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-embroidery/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-21
- Updated: 2026-07-21
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/bordado-con-cuentas/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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In bead embroidery, beads are sewn onto a base of fabric, felt or leather, filling in a design. With cabochons and stones, pendants and brooches are made.

![Steps of the technique: Draw, Fix the cabochon, Embroider the first row, Fill, Cut, Back](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/bordado-cuentas-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it is done

1. The design is drawn on a stiff base.
2. The center cabochon is fixed with glue or a small stitch.
3. Beads are embroidered around it, in rows.
4. A backing (leather or ultrasuede) is sewn on and trimmed.

## Materials

Seed beads, faceted beads and cabochons; waxed thread; fine needle; felt or stiff stabilizer.

## Styles

From simple rows to designs with volume, in brooches and bib necklaces.

## Tradition

A classic technique of the peoples of the American plains and of haute couture.

## Step by step

1. **Draw.** Trace the design on the stiff base.
2. **Fix the cabochon.** With glue or stitches.
3. **Embroider the first row.** Around the cabochon.
4. **Fill.** Row by row outward.
5. **Cut.** Trim the base.
6. **Back.** Sew on a leather backing.

## Tools and materials

- Beads and cabochons
- Waxed thread and fine needle
- Felt or stiff stabilizer
- Ultrasuede or leather

## Common mistakes

- Loose thread: the row sags.
- Trimming too close to the stitching.
- Cabochon badly fixed.
- Beads of different sizes.

## See also

- [Bead weaving: peyote, brick and loom](https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-weaving-peyote-brick-and-loom/)
- [Leather](https://www.711grados.com/en/leather/)
- [Bead crochet and knitting](https://www.711grados.com/en/bead-crochet-and-knitting/)