Create a professional-looking finish to your bead embroidery when you know how to make a brick stitch edge. The beads stand at attention while joining the layers and hiding the raw edges. It is a basic edge stitch that you will come back to again and again to finish your bead embroidery projects. And it’s another opportunity to play with design and color. It’s easy!
The brick stitch edge is also called a sunshine edge and is used as a beaded edge around a bezel. It’s also known as the raw edge or basic edge that creates a finished and professional look to your beading projects covering the raw edges with some bling. It’s a terrific finishing technique that also helps secure the layers in your beading project. Here’s how to make a brick stitch edge with bead embroidery.
Bead Embroidery: How to Make a Brick Stitch Edge
The brick stitch edge makes beads stand at attention while joining layers and hiding raw edges. It is a basic edge stitch that you will come back to again and again to finish your bead embroidery projects. Here's how to make a brick stitch edge with bead embroidery.
Materials
- Bead Embroidery Project with layers trimmed close outside edges
- Seed Beads - Size 11 Delica beads are used in the example
- Nylon Beading Thread in a neutral color or that coordinates with your project
Tools
- Beading Needle - size 10 or 12
- Scissors or Thread Snips
- Bead Mat
- Bead Scoop - optional, but makes clean up easier
Instructions
- Gather your tools and supplies as listed above. They are pictured here, along with other common beading supplies.
- Thread your needle with a comfortable length of thread, about an arm's length. Tie a knot at one end of the thread and insert the needle between your top layer of work and the lining. Pull the thread through the edge of your piece, hiding the knot between the layers.
- Pick up 2 beads. These are Size 11 Delica cylinder beads, but other bead shapes and sizes make attractive beaded edges.
- Next to the first beads, pierce the lining no more than 1/16-inch from the edge and continue through the front of the piece, catching just the edge.
- If it hasn't moved on its own, turn Bead 2 over so that it sits right next to Bead 1. Without catching your embroidery piece, bring the needle back through Bead 2. The two beads should now be sitting right next to each other.
- Pick up Bead 3 and pierce all layers from back to front, just as you did before.
- Bring the needle back through Bead 3.
- Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you have completed your bead embroidered brick stitch edge.
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Can you use seed beads for the edge stitch?
Yes! You’ll get a much neater edge with the Delica beads, but seed beads work, too! Try both on a sample before finishing your beading project and see which one you like the best! Try different bead combinations and have some fun! Remember, this is YOUR beading project – make it yours!
Browse through more bead embroidery projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
