Basic Bead Embroidery Stitches Tutorial

From Jennifer VanBenschoten, former About.com Guide

Now we will add a bit more texture and some more color with a row of freshwater pearls surrounded by rows of seed beads.

Pick up a freshwater pearl and push it down against the Stiff Stuff. Attach it in the same way that you attach a bugle bead. Stitching through the pearls twice is optional, although it will result in more secure beadwork and will make the entire piece more stable.

Bring your needle up at the far end of the pearl and pick up two seed beads. Secure them in the same way that you secured the first two rows of seed beads, using beaded backstitch. Follow the line along the pearl as your guide.