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 beading and sequins. See how twist, thickness, and finish change strength, how easy they are to see, and how they stand up to rubbing, and pick the right ones 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 practicesFind out how to keep beads, sequins, and fabrics safe from damage as time goes on. We talk about rust dangers, rust-proof and colour-fast items, managing dampness, and good storage that keeps the 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 optionsLearn how linings and interfacings hold up heavy decorations while keeping clothes comfy. Compare cotton batiste, power mesh, and other bases, and know when to pick sew-in or iron-on types for good support and 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, useful space for beading. Learn to choose frames, hoops, thimbles, bead mats, lights, and magnifiers, and arrange your chair and tools to cut down tiredness and repeat injuries.
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 qualitiesCheck out main sequin types like flat, cup, and big paillette ones. See how size, thickness, hole spots, and surface change sparkle, movement, and fit for fancy clothes, costumes, or 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 helpful extras that make decorating easier and neater. We cover embroidery threads, beading needles, supports, appliqué nets, and glues, with tips on when each helps with accuracy 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 weightSee how evening fabrics handle lots of beads and sequins. Check flow, stretch, and strength in silk charmeuse, chiffon, tulle, organza, and brocade, plus needle and thread picks to 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 closely at bead types used with sequins, like seed, Czech, and bugle beads. Learn how size, wall thickness, finish, and weight change feel, flow, and pull on fabric 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
