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Hello - I went to a huge art fair in Ann Arbor and bought some glass handmade beads, thought I could add them to a wall hanging.

I know how to CQ, mostly do stitches, etc, but have never really added beads. And these are heavy glass, not petite beads, which I have used. Can anyone tell me any simple rules, or give me a link? DO you try to hide the thread or make the thread part of it? Any ideas of suggestions is great. Not sure why these beads "struck me" but they did.

Thank you in advance. I know I have seen some people use beads here and it looks so pretty.

I saw the link that had Tom Russell on The Quilt Show recently & he was showing how to sew beads on a quilt. He indicated that you do the beading after all the other parts of the quilt is finished (sandwiching, quilting, etc.) He hid the knot inside between the layers & the bead thread was between the layers also.

Edited to correct my info on the beads.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nlk,

• • • If they are heavy, you may want to attach them like a button. That means you need to go through all three layers.

Did you see Tom Russell's recent episode on The Quilt Show? He demonstrated how to attach beads and buttons to quilts.

• • • Nicki, we were responding at the same time.

Actually, the only time the threads showed up on the backside of the quilt is when he attached buttons. When beading you only go through the top layer.

Oh, that's right Jean! I got the buttons & beads info. mixed up...sorry about that. I edited my post so it wouldn't confuse anyone. His button samples were awesome. I never knew there were so many ways to sew on a button!!!! He's just an amazing quilter.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nlk,

I don't have a subscription to The Quilt Show so I can't watch it. But this is a good start - thanks.

The answer to your question is: depends on what u like.
I love the extra color and texture u get when the threads are visible but if your beads are super awesome u might want them to stand alone. Or u could embroider little 'frames' for each bead to really draw the eye.

I use hand quilting thread a lot since it comes in lots of colors & dosnt tangle as easily but I've also used regular thread for items that won't receive a lot of wear & tear. I always double the thread & sew thru each bead twice (IF the hole is big enuff), whatever kind of thread I use. I figure with 4 strands thru it I should be safe, lol.

I also stitch about 10 beads then make a 'knot' stitch. I don't know what it's really called but it's where you double stitch in one spot a time or two to secure your thread. That way if a thread breaks in the future you limit the number of beads you lose.

Since your beads are glass u may want to experiment with different strings. Run a thread thru the hole & holding tension on it, slide the bead back & forth like you are trying to saw thru the thread. That'll let u know how 'sharp' the bead is on the inside & if it's likely to cut thru a thinner string. Sometimes you'll get one that'll cut like a knife so stitch accordingly.

FYI: this is a slippery slope, you'll have a bead stash before u know what hit u, lol.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: toryam,

If you need some inspiration for beading and CQ, check out this blog:

http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/

You can click on the "technique" word link on the right side of the page for all posts labeled with that term. But do have a look around the blog at the other posts...it's lovely, and the beading & CQ'ing is gorgeous.

Thank you.

These are BIG beads, not little seed beads, and I think it will be more like an added embellishment on a wall hanging than CQ with the beautiful lace and beading. I am not sure what I will do yet. I appreciate all the tips and links on the technical aspects, as well as inspiration.

There is a small wall hanging I am going to do and I think it might need some beading to embellish it. I went to the library and brought home two books on beading ---Don't think I'll become addicted to it, but they gave me enough info that I am pretty sure will help do what I want to do--

Our library is award winning if you are a teen or twenty-something with lots of time and want to watch anime DVDs.

I am sure I will figure this out.