Coral Stitch Bead Embroidery

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How to do Bead Embroidery with the Coral Stitch

The Coral Stitch gives at least three totally different ways to anchor down beads to the fabric. The little knots formed between its linear structure can be used to space out the beads in your own creative ways. I have also shown a dimensional variety that can be used on edgings or in 3 D embroideries. Which one do you like the most?

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Sample 1: With single beads

Fig 1: Come out with your needle from one end of the stitch line. Slip in a bead and push it to the base.	Fig 2: Pluck a bit of fabric on the stitch line. The distance of this stitch from the first one should be roughly the size of the bead.
Fig 3: Keep the bead closer to the fabric and take the working thread over the needle. Loop it under the needle, as shown.	Fig 4: Pull out the needle to form a knot. Continue the process.
Fig 5: I find working the other way much comfortable. Slip in the bead.	Fig 6: Pluck a bit of the fabric on the stitch line.
Fig 7: Loop the working thread over the needle and then under it. Pull it out to form the knot.	Fig 8: The beads sit snug and secure between each knot.

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Sample 2: For dimensional edges

This is a great method to use on the edges of the fabric material. It creates a beautiful decoration with its dimensional features.

Fig 1: Come out with your needle from one end of the stitch line. Slip in a few beads into the needle. I have used 4 beads to begin with, but then I continue with 5 beads later.	Fig 2: Pluck a bit of fabric on the stitch line. Note that the space from the first stitch point is not much. In fact, the lesser space, the more dimensional effect you create with the beads.
Fig 3: Loop the thread around under the needle and pull it out to form the knot. The beads rise up to fit into the small space creating a beautiful arch.	Fig 4: For the next one, I slip in a single bead. This will give a break between each arch you will make with the beads.
Fig 5: I alternate between single beads and 5 beads.	Fig 6: The final effect is perfect!

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Sample 3: Alternating beads

Fig 1: Come out with your needle from one end of the stitch line. Slip in a few beads and push it to the base.	Fig 2: Loop the thread under the needle to form the knot. I leave the next stitch empty.
Fig 3: Continue with alternating between 3 beads and an empty stitch to create a pattern like this.

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Stitch used in this project

Coral Stitch