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Samples Attached Onto Fabric Becomes Beadwork Samplers Return to Sampler Main Page I have eliminated the Navigation Bar on this page so that you can make your own personal copy. Just return to the Main Sampler Page to move around Beadwrangler's. |
Our goal is to make beadwork samples and then stitch them
to counted cloth, creating samplers that preserve beadwork and are also
references for making individual stitches. Keeping a copy of the
how-to instructions with your samplers will make it easier to make these
stitches again in future beadwork. Margaret Ball's book, Embeadery, is a great resource for making additional samples to those on my website. Each time you make a new beadwork sample, you are learning more techniques and adding to your reference material. With these samplers, you can teach, provide presentations about beadwork and enjoy them as references for years to come. You can pass these samplers on to another beader, an organization, or whoever you believe would carry on beadwork preservation.
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By now you should have a grouping of samples completed from my instructions. You will find counted cloth at most craft stores. You can purchase a roll of the counted cloth, cut it into pieces and use a sewing machine to stitch around the edges. If you do not sew, you can purchase counted cloth already finished in rectangular shapes. You can also go to a sewing center that sells sewing machines and usually will have a list of people who sew for a living and can finish your cloth edges. The finished counted cloth is more expensive than a larger piece that you cut into sections.
If you reside out of the USA, check websites such as JoAnn's, a craft store, and also counted cloth websites to purchase this fabric. You may have an equivalent in your local area. I use an off white counted cloth that is softer on the eyes than a pure white cloth. Either white or off white works. The 14 count cloth looks especially nice, however, if you can not obtain the 14 count, you can use another count such as 10 or 12.
If you are planning to put your counted cloth pages into a book, make sure you leave enough edge on the left side for that purpose. Two inches should be enough space.
My counted cloth pages are 11 1/2" long by 9" wide. I have a friend who sews, Tre', and she finished the edges on all my counted cloth for me. Yes, I am very lucky.
I set my samples across the length of the page. When looking at the samples, I am looking at them with the 11 1/2" setting across and the 9" setting lengthwise. If you have 3 samples to go across, leave about 2" between each sample. If you have 4 samples to go across, leave about 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" between them.
I make both Czech and Delica samples and meant to always set the Czech on the top and the Delica below them, however, I have done them both ways and I will eventually have to correct them so they are all uniform. I f you are doing both type beads, leave about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2" space between both rows of bead samples.
You can space your samples evenly on a page. If you only have one or two samples, you can put them towards the left and add more samples of the same type beading later.
Use white or off white Silamide thread to stitch down the samples. You can also use thin sewing thread. I double the thread and put a knot in the end. You can use Fray Stop on the knot ends to keep them from raveling. With a sewing or embroidery needle, string on about 30" of thread, double the thread and make a knot at the end. Bring the needle from the back of the cloth through to the front where you want to stitch on a sample. Pull the thread taut. Bring the needle through the edge of the sample and back into the cloth. Work around the sample. The thread should not show on the front of the cloth. Each time you bring the needle up through the beadwork sample, only catch the outside thread of the sample and then bring the needle back down to the other side. Knot the thread when finished and cut off the excess thread. Attach each sample separately with thread. Do not go from one sample to the n3ext. If you ever have a problem with one sample, you can remove it without affecting any of the other samples.
Here are some examples of my samples stitched onto counted cloth. The first sampler is flat peyote stitch.
The second sampler is circular flat bead crochet.
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The third sample is bead embroidery.
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As you can see, the samples look much more impressive when stitched onto cloth. Once they are stitched onto cloth, the piece becomes a sampler.
Keep your stitched samplers in a large plastic bag that allows them to lay flat or a cloth covering, something to keep them from getting soiled until you are able to make or purchase a book for them. We will talk about handmade books and purchased book at a later time. Eventually, I plan to put my samplers in a book and also include the instructions.
If you have any questions about putting your samples onto counted cloth, just email me.
It is exciting to see all my samplers together, as pages, for teaching, instructions, and preservation of beadwork.
