Lesson 1Understanding thread types and breaking strength: silk, polyester, nylon/monofilament — when to use which for durability and invisibilityCompare silk, polyester, cotton, an' nylon threads fi bead an' sequin work. Learn how twist, diameter, an' finish affect strength, visibility, an' abrasion resistance, an' how fi pick threads fi han' or machine stitchin'.
Silk thread for fine couture embellishmentPolyester thread for everyday durabilityNylon and monofilament: pros and consTesting breaking strength and abrasionColor matching and intentional contrastLesson 2Safety, care, and conservation basics: avoiding corrosion, rust-proof beads, colorfastness testing, and storage best practicesLearn how fi protect beads, sequins, an' fabrics from damage ova time. Wi cover corrosion risks, rust-proof an' colorfast materials, humidity control, an' safe storage systems dat keep shine, shape, an' thread strength.
Identifying corrosion‑prone metals and coatingsRust‑proof and tarnish‑resistant bead optionsSimple colorfastness and crocking testsHumidity, light, and pest control in storageArchival boxes, bags, and labeling methodsLesson 3Selecting lining and interfacings to control weight and comfort: lightweight linings, cotton batiste, power mesh, and sew-in vs. fusible optionsUnderstand how linings an' interfacings support heavy embellishment while keepin' garments comfortable. Compare cotton batiste, power mesh, an' other bases, plus when fi choose sew-in or fusible products fi stability an' drape.
Matching lining weight to bead loadCotton batiste as a breathable support layerPower mesh for stretch and distributed weightSew‑in versus fusible interfacing choicesPlacing support only where needed on garmentsLesson 4Hand tools and work setup: frames/hoops, thimbles, bead mats, magnification, lighting, and ergonomic considerations to reduce fatigueSet up a comfortable, efficient beadin' workspace. Learn how fi choose frames, hoops, thimbles, bead mats, lightin', an' magnification, an' how fi arrange seat an' tools fi reduce strain, fatigue, an' repetitive injury.
Selecting frames, hoops, and stretcher barsThimbles, finger cots, and grip aidsBead trays, mats, and spill‑proof containersTask lighting color temperature and anglePosture, breaks, and hand‑stretch routinesLesson 5Common sequin types: flat sequins, cup/concave sequins, paillette/large sequins — sizes, hole types, reflective qualitiesExplore main sequin families, includin' flat, cup, an' paillette styles. Learn how size, thickness, hole placement, an' surface finish affect sparkle, movement, an' suitability fi couture, costume, an' everyday garments.
Flat sequins: structure, sizes, and coverageCup and concave sequins: depth and sparklePaillettes and large sequins: impact and swingHole positions, threading paths, and stabilityMatte, metallic, and holographic surface finishesLesson 6Accessory materials: embroidery threads, beading needles, stabilizers, appliqué nets, and adhesivesDiscover supportin' materials dat mek embellishment easier an' cleaner. Wi cover embroidery threads, beadin' needles, stabilizers, appliqué nets, an' adhesives, wid guidance pon when each tool improve precision an' control.
Choosing beading and embroidery needle sizesTemporary and wash‑away stabilizer optionsAppliqué nets and tulle as transfer basesAdhesives for positioning, not long‑term holdOrganizing small tools for quick accessLesson 7Choosing fabrics for embellished eveningwear: silk charmeuse, crepe, chiffon, tulle, organza, brocade — drape, strength, needle/skein compatibility, and behavior under weightStudy how different evenin'wear fabrics behave unda dense beadin' an' sequins. Evaluate drape, shear, an' strength in silk, chiffon, tulle, organza, an' brocade, plus needle an' thread choices dat prevent snags an' runs.
Silk charmeuse: fluid drape and snag risksCrepe and satin: balanced weight and coverageChiffon and georgette: handling sheer groundsTulle and net: grid alignment for motifsOrganza and brocade for structured designsLesson 8Common bead types: glass seed beads, Czech beads, bugle beads — characteristics, weight, finish, and best usesExamine key bead categories used wid sequins, includin' seed, Czech, an' bugle beads. Learn how size, wall thickness, finish, an' weight influence texture, drape, an' di structural demands pon fabric an' thread.
Seed bead sizing systems and shapesCzech pressed and fire‑polished beadsBugle beads: lengths, edges, and breakageOpaque, transparent, and AB finishesBalancing bead weight with fabric strength
