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One of my current WIPs has beads scattered on it and I've realised that I'm not actually sure of the best way to attach them

How do you all do beads? Do you match the thread to the fabric or the bead? Do you use a half cross or a full cross, with the second leg going around the bead?

Any tips, tutorials, hints or general advice would be appreciated. Thanks

I am not big on beads.....I change them to metallic thread.....But when I am forced to use then I always match the thread to the color of the bead. And I use a half stitch to attach them.

I used to use beads a lot, and always attached them with a full cross stitch in a colour thread matching the bead, but these days i also substitute them for metallic threads. Which i think is sometimes more effective.

I attach them with a full cross with both legs going through the bead so the bead stands straight instead of on a slant. Unless the chart says otherwise (and sometimes even if the chart says otherwise) I use floss the same color as the fabric.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like there are lots of different ways to do it

I match the thread to the fabric color if its not surrounded by stitches, the bead color if it is. I usually attatch with a half cross one strand stitched twice, it's quite secure that way. Ive done a full cross sometimes when I want the bead to be upright instead of slanted, but usually I like them slanted.

I use matching metallic thread to match the beads and full cross stitch so that they stand vertically not diagonally.

I do half cross stich & then when I return to make full x-stitch put one bit of yarn either side of the bead so they stand proud.. Same colour as bead as it does not show once sewn so I guess same as colour you are working on would be fine too..

I use beading nylon and do a half or full cross depending on the direction I want the bead to lay. I back stitch at the back just to hold them tight.

Allyn wrote:I attach them with a full cross with both legs going through the bead so the bead stands straight instead of on a slant. Unless the chart says otherwise (and sometimes even if the chart says otherwise) I use floss the same color as the fabric.

I do it this way, but sometimes floss matches bead.

Mystonique wrote:I use beading nylon and do a half or full cross depending on the direction I want the bead to lay. I back stitch at the back just to hold them tight.

Can you iron if you use beading nylon? Because most of my work is Christmas stuff that gets used, it must be washable, and sometimes needs to be ironed after washing.