How to Bead a Sweater

Choose the sweater. It can be new or old. Any color, any weave, although the tighter weaves tend to hold up better under the weight of bead work. The style should determine the design and the kind of beads that would look best. For example, a wide, cable-weave collared sweater would look best with nubby, wooden beads, while a demure shell sweater of smooth cashmere would sparkle with little seed pearls.

Choose the beads. Decorative beading for clothing can be as varied as your imagination. Lovely accent beads come in all shapes, sizes and colors, smooth or faceted, pearlized, metallic, wooden or gem-like. Decide the overall effect you want when making your choice. If you anticipate using a large amount of the same beads, make sure to check for color differences between batches. Remember that with embellishments that catch the light and the eye, a little goes a long way. Beads can also add considerable weight to a garment, which is another important aspect to consider.

Use the right sewing implements. The correct thread for hand appliqué work, which works best for sweater beading, is made of quality cotton, a poly-blend or silk. Remember, thread must be thick in order to keep your bead work secure through wear and cleaning. Use hand-quilting needles, sizes 8 to 10.

Apply a fabric stabilizer. Use a light to medium weight interfacing, sew on or iron on, to stabilize the fabric underneath your bead work. Apply this before sewing on beads. Cut it roughly to the size of your beading pattern and snip away excess when beading is complete. More dense sweater collar and cuff areas may not need this reinforcement.

To learn beading stitches, look in sewing or craft books, or search online for photos and instructions. There are many sources available, including the public library. Lots of sewing books give step-by-step instructions on beading stitches, which are not difficult, but may take some practice. Before starting on a sweater project, practice your stitches on fabric scraps or remnants. Common beading stitches include back stitch, baguette stitch, fence of bugles, seed groupings and vermicelli.

Sew one bead at a time. Start at the center of a design and work outwards, keeping beads evenly spaced and close, but not too tight, to the fabric. Beading should not cause the fabric to pucker. To hold beads in place while stitching, use double-stick tape, washable sewing adhesive or attach them with one simple "tack" stitch that can be removed later.