Dimensional Bead Embroidery is one of those books you absolutely should get if you have any interest in learning bead embroidery, or building on existing skills.

The first chapter covers tools and supplies and explains about backing materials. Each of the projects are done on a foundation which is backed with another fabric after it's embroidered to cover the stitches.

The second chapter gets into techniques, and starts from the very basics. It doesn't assume you know anything about bead embroidery which makes it a good book to learn from if you're a beginner. It talks about how to tie secure knots, finding and marking the center of the foundation you will be beading on.

Then you learn how to plan a design working around a focal element like a cabochon and more detail on choosing the right backing material for your project, as well as tips for strengthening it if necessary. This chapter also has an overview of edging and finishing techniques.

Using components give tips on how to use irregular components that don't have flat backs, have holes you want to cover and when you should glue a component down to the backing material.

Then it gets into the stitches. If you overview the first few chapters and it's all things you're fairly confident about, this is where it gets exciting.
If you're a beginner to bead embroidery, this chapter covers how to do the 3 basic embroidery stitches, back stitch, couched stitch and lazy stitch, as well as variations like stacks stitch, loop stitch, picot stitch and other very textured stitches.

Bezel stitches is where it starts getting very exciting for people who've done bead embroidery before. The author has a bunch of different bezels that are ornamental and functional.

There is also a chapter on edge treatment and one on attaching pieces of bead embroidery to create something like a big, bold necklace.

The projects range from things that could be done an in evening to very big projects that will take a few days. Because there is so much information in the first 8 chapters, you can easily modify any of these projects to suit your own component or style. My favorite projects are the Traditions in Lavender Brooch which could also be the basis for a beautiful barrette and the asymmetrical Midnight Waterfall Necklace.


I'm really impressed with the clear photography, comprehensive diagrams and very clear text. The projects are gorgeous, and will garner many compliments.

You can get this book directly from the publisher, Lark Crafts or by clicking the Amazon.com affiliate link below.



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Lark Crafts provided this review copy of Dimensional Bead Embroidery to me free of charge.
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