Hello friends! It’s Fran, and I’m so excited to share my favorite beading technique with you all: the blanket stitch! I’ve been using this to add a little something extra to so many of my projects, and it’s just so much fun. I’m going to walk you through my little masterclass so you can create beautiful beaded edges, too!

My Favorite Beaded Projects

I just love seeing how this technique can transform a simple piece into something special. I’ve used it to add a pop of sparkle to a beautiful art doll and even to create a festive little beaded heart for a Christmas ornament. The possibilities are endless, and you can really make any project your own with just a few beads and some stitches.

The Tools of the Trade

Before we get started, I want to go over the materials you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff you can find at any craft store!

• Beads: This is the fun part! You can use so many different types of beads—just go for what you love. I’ve used everything from small round beads to bigger, shaped ones. It’s all about what makes you happy!
• Thread/Floss: I recommend using a strong thread that won’t break easily. You can use fine gold thread, a heavy-duty option, or even just some basic embroidery floss. Just make sure it can handle the beads!
• Needle: This is important! You need to make sure your needle is thin enough to fit through the holes in your beads.
• Practice Fabric: If you’re new to this, don’t jump straight into a big project. I love using old pillowcases for practice. I just cut them up, sew a simple edge, and practice my stitches. You can always use the finished piece for something else later, like a border on a skirt or a dress!
• A Frame: To make things easier, I always recommend using a wooden frame to hold your fabric taut. It really helps keep your stitches even and neat.

My Step-by-Step Guide to Blanket Stitch Beading

I’ve broken this down into two simple techniques to get you started. Once you master these, you can get creative and come up with your own designs!

The Single-Bead Stitch: This is the most basic stitch, and it’s great for adding a simple, clean line of beads to your work. I just take a single bead and use a single blanket stitch to attach it to the fabric. The key here is consistency! Make sure each stitch is the same distance from the edge of your fabric.

The Two-Bead Stitch: For a more detailed and interesting look, you can add two beads at a time. This stitch creates a beautiful little triangular design. I bring my needle through both beads and then back through just one to secure the stitch. It’s a little more complex, but the result is so worth it!

I hope this gets you excited to try blanket stitch beading. Remember, the best way to learn is to just start practicing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns. Happy stitching, friends!

You can watch my video tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5xQRs39hXE