Lesson 1Understanding thread types and breaking strength: silk, polyester, nylon/monofilament — when to use which for durability and invisibilityLook at silk, polyester, cotton, and nylon threads for bead and sequin work. See how twist, thickness, and finish change strength, how easy they are seen, and how they stand rubbing, and pick threads for hand or machine sewing.
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 to keep beads, sequins, and cloths safe from harm as time goes on. We talk about rust dangers, rust-free and color-safe materials, control of wet air, and good storage that keeps shine, shape, and thread strong.
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 optionsKnow how linings and stiffeners hold heavy decorations while keeping clothes comfy. Compare cotton batiste, power mesh, and other bases, plus when to pick sew-in or stick-on types for steady hold and nice flow.
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 comfy, good workspace for beading. Learn to pick frames, hoops, thimbles, bead mats, lights, and magnifiers, and arrange chair and tools to cut tiredness, weariness, and repeat hurts.
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 qualitiesLook into main sequin kinds, like flat, cup, and big paillette types. Learn how size, thickness, hole place, and surface change shine, move, and fit for fancy clothes, shows, and daily wear.
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 adhesivesFind helping materials that make decoration easier and cleaner. We cover embroidery threads, beading needles, stabilizers, appliqué nets, and glues, with tips on when each helps exactness and hold.
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 night clothes fabrics act under heavy beads and sequins. Check flow, cut, and strength in silk, chiffon, tulle, organza, and brocade, plus needle and thread picks that stop snags and tears.
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 usesLook at main bead groups used with sequins, like seed, Czech, and tube beads. Learn how size, wall thick, finish, and weight change feel, flow, and pull on cloth and 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
