Lesson 1Understanding thread types and breaking strength: silk, polyester, nylon/monofilament — when to use which for durability and invisibilityCompare silk, polyester, cotton, and nylon threads for bead and sequin work. Learn how twist, diameter, and finish affect strength, visibility, and abrasion resistance, and how to select threads for hand or machine stitching.
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 to protect beads, sequins, and fabrics from damage over time. We cover corrosion risks, rust‑proof and colorfast materials, humidity control, and safe storage systems that preserve shine, shape, and 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 and interfacings support heavy embellishment while keeping garments comfortable. Compare cotton batiste, power mesh, and other bases, plus when to choose sew‑in or fusible products for stability and 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 beading workspace. Learn how to choose frames, hoops, thimbles, bead mats, lighting, and magnification, and how to arrange seating and tools to reduce strain, fatigue, and 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 major sequin families, including flat, cup, and paillette styles. Learn how size, thickness, hole placement, and surface finish affect sparkle, movement, and suitability for couture, costume, and 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 supporting materials that make embellishment easier and cleaner. We cover embroidery threads, beading needles, stabilizers, appliqué nets, and adhesives, with guidance on when each tool improves precision and 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 eveningwear fabrics behave under dense beading and sequins. Evaluate drape, shear, and strength in silk, chiffon, tulle, organza, and brocade, plus needle and thread choices that prevent snags and 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 with sequins, including seed, Czech, and bugle beads. Learn how size, wall thickness, finish, and weight influence texture, drape, and the structural demands placed 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
