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I have just found some charts that convert DMC threads into matching Mill Hill/Delica beads for a sewing. I'm wondering if it is as simple as that? If I have a cross stitch chart do I just swap threads for beads and get the same result. I love beading so this would like to give it a try. Just dont know what the best way to go about it is. What about fraction stitches and backstitch. If someone could advise me I would be really grateful. Thanks.

i wouldn't see why not..as long as they are all full stitches. Indian beadwork is just that..making a picture out of beads as you would an x in stitching.
not sure how fine of detail you'd get for certain patterns..but the more simple no shading type of pattern would work..

Thanks a lot for that. And by 'full stitch' do you mean stitching on a bead with a half stitch?

You can use one bead for every cross stitch and should be fine, although you may not be able to get all the shades if there are, four example, four or five finely graded blues.

You can attach beads with a half cross stitch (which is what I usually do), or, for extra security, work with 2 strands (start with a loop start), work a half cross stitch with your bead, then work the other "arm" of the cross stitch and make sure the two strands go on either side of the bead, if that makes sense. It makes it a bit more secure and durable, especially when you've got lots of beads (as you will have, if the whole picture is beads)

Good luck, and show us any experiments and projects!

Oh, and make sure all your beads point in the same direction -- seed beads aren't perfectly circular, so it makes a difference if they go top left to bottom right, or top right to bottom left (or even vertical or horizontal instead of diagonal)

Thanks a lot for that, it's really helpful the stitching tip does make sense, as I know beads can get a bit flimsy and out of line. Just hope the design can 'pop' without any backstitching. Hope the beaded cross stitch can hold its own.

Heres a link to a chart from the Mill Hill site about matching beads to DMC thread. Maybe by playing around with regular and petite beads, or different finishes will give you color gradation and differences.
I'm sure theres a chart for Delica beads somewhere if you dig around.
Good Luck- this sounds like an interesting project- make sure to do a stitch a long when you start working on it.

Thank you!

I've just trie cross stitching with the beads and it was all crooked and out of line and looked messy, I was using 16count, is this incorrect is there a better method and count of Aida to use?

Are you using a half-stitch or full cross stitch to attach the beads? If you are using a half-stitch, the beads will actually take up a bit more space and become uneven over the course of a large span of beads. This happens because the half-stitch allows more "play" in the beads and they shift easier as they become crowded. It's more work, but full crosses will help with the bead alignment.

If you're fixed on using aida you may need to play around with different sizes of fabric and beads. This may be a good time to try an evenweave fabric other than aida. It will give you a bit more freedom. Get a little sampler of scraps and play with them until you find a good fit.

HTH,

You are from Worthing, as in West Sussex? Sorry for jumping OT

worldofrainbows wrote:Thanks a lot for that. And by 'full stitch' do you mean stitching on a bead with a half stitch?

i meant sometimes patterns call for 3/4 stitches,etc..
and the bead would take up the whole "square" so some patterns wouldn't work..
but also yes..attaching beads using a full x so they will sit the same way

This sounds a brilliant idea, can't wait to see the finished result

I have finally got going on my bluebell beaded cross stitch item, so far so good. Have found that I do need the smaller bead for this. Will post a piccie when it is done. Using full cross stitch on them after 3 failed attempts. Looking good.

And yes, to whoever said it I do live in West Sussex, Worthing.