Noob question: mill hill beads

[Ingahaim]

As some of you know I'm stitching the seasonal summer fairy from Joan Eliott. I don't have a lot off experience yet, but almost at the end of the stitching I'm in trouble. I don't know how to attach the beads as I have never had beads before. I didn't left open spaces, but stitched in the color next to the bead. Now do I just attach them over it? Or do I have to restart the whole piece? I'm almost starting the backstitching and the cross stitches are almost done.

And what do I do for the next ones? Cause I'm planning to make the other three aswell, and her new goddesses line.

[crafterglen]

This is a great place to ask questions 'cause we all started somewhere? I have stitched the Joan Elliott pieces and they are lovely. First you don't usualy stitch the square where a bead will go, just leave it blank, however as you have stitched this piece already then I would stitch on a few beads and see how it looks as it would be a pity to have to take it all out. As for attaching beads, pick a colour nearest your bead, white bead - white thread etc, now with two strands come up as you would to stitch put a bead on your needle, go down, come back up and this time when you go down to finish the cross let the thread go either side of your bead, this means the beads will stay in place and not slip about. I hope this helps, if not google attaching beads, there is bound to be a tutorial somewhere?
Happy Stitching
Glen x

[Squirrel]

Thanks Glen for the tip about making a full cross stitch, something I've not done before. I usually just do it with the half stitch, i.e bring needle up, slid bead on and go down through the hole.

Ingahaim, I have put beads on top of full cross stitches before and it works ok.

Squirrel

[coffee_freak]

i am stitching the same piece.
i have stitched a bead over a stitched square before ..worked fine.
for attaching beads you bring one strand in your needle up like you would if u were starting a x stitch..then slide the bead on..then finish the first / or \ however you stitch..
then bring your needle up to finish that x and slide your needle back through the bead and down to finish the x

that's how I do it..nice and secure.

hope that makes sense.

[Ingahaim]

Thanks all for the help.

The four fairies would be hanging next to each other, should I leave spots open at the other three or just make it like I did with this one?

[coffee_freak]

won't be much of a difference..so the next three i would leave them open...i'm assuming you are doing them on a small count fabric? you wouldn't really be able to tell either way as the anchor thread you attach the bead with will cover all of the fabric..unless they have their nose right on it and move the bead around..lol

good luck!

[Ingahaim]

won't be much of a difference..so the next three i would leave them open...i'm assuming you are doing them on a small count fabric? you wouldn't really be able to tell either way as the anchor thread you attach the bead with will cover all of the fabric..unless they have their nose right on it and move the bead around..lol

good luck!

I tought the fabric was 28 count evenweave. It's the fabric they suggested in the magazine, could choose between 14 count aida and 28 count evenweave.

[Nachstenliebe]

With 28 count fabric I wouldn't worry about seeing a difference between your current fairy with the beads covering the stitching and your future ones. I usually do the half cross as well.. I like the idea of having the beads extra secure but I haven't really had an issue with them moving around.
Faith