Hi, sometimes I get asked what the exact requirements are for my various tutorials by people who are thinking about buying them, so I thought I’d stick them all on a page for you here. If you’d like to recreate one of my colourways then I’ve also started a list of past kit colours here.
Baroque Tape Measure Surround
2qty 14mm Round Swarovski Rivoli 1122
3g Size 15 Miyuki Seed Bead Colour A
10g Size 11 Miyuki Seed Bead Colour A
3g Size 11 Miyuki Seed Bead Colour B
47 qty 3mm Fire Polished Beads
46 qty 4mm Round Beads
98 qty 2.8mm Miyuki Drop Beads
B 32 qty 3mm Bicone Crystals (Swarovski 5328)
Tape Measure, 50mm diameter, 10mm thick.
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice, scissors.
Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds.
I also use Swarovski Rivolis- other brands can be much thicker so won’t fit the bezel – but any brand seems to work for the fire polished, rounds and bicones.
Please also note that the drop beads are 2.8mm Miyuki, not the other Miyuki size of 3.4mm (which have much larger stalks).
Space Needle Case
Long Needle Case
Rivoli 2qty 14mm
15A 1g Size 15 Miyuki seed beads, colour A
15B 1g Size 15 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
11A 9g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour A
11B 2g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
11C 6g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour C
8B 3g Size 8 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
Drop 2g 2.8mm Miyuki Drops, colour A
Needle Case Long – 91mm long, 14mm diameter, unfinished wood. Must have ‘flush’ lid (same diameter as body).
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice (I’d suggest matching it to the colour you choose for the needlecase), scissors, paint or marker pen for colouring the needle case, and a small (1” by ¼”) piece of double sided sticky tape.
Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds.
I also use Swarovski Rivolis although this pattern is quite forgiving of a thicker rivoli so you should be fine with Preciosa or Matubo.
Please also note that the drop beads are 2.8mm Miyuki, not the other Miyuki size of 3.4mm (which have much larger stalks).
Short Needle Case
Rivoli 2qty 14mm
15A 1g Size 15 Miyuki seed beads, colour A
15B 1g Size 15 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
11A 6g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour A
11B 2g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
11C 3g Size 11 Miyuki seed beads, colour C
8B 3g Size 8 Miyuki seed beads, colour B
Drop 2g 2.8mm Miyuki Drops, colour A
Needle Case Short – 58mm long, 14mm diameter, unfinished wood. Must have ‘flush’ lid (same diameter as body).
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice (I’d suggest matching it to the colour you choose for the needlecase), scissors, paint or marker pen for colouring the needle case, and a small (1” by ¼”) piece of double sided sticky tape.
Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds.
I also use Swarovski Rivolis although this pattern is quite forgiving of a thicker rivoli so you should be fine with Preciosa or Matubo.
Please also note that the drop beads are 2.8mm Miyuki, not the other Miyuki size of 3.4mm (which have much larger stalks).
Oscar’s Bauble
12 qty Czech Gumdrop beads 7x10mm, or Czech spikes 7x17mm
11A 11g Size 11 seed beads, colour A (highlight colour, forms the petals/star) 11B 8g Size 11 seed beads, colour B (main colour)
15A <1g Size 15 seed beads, colour B (although these are not seen so you could use any colour).
Optional 20x4mm Lochrosen (crystal sequins) or other ‘highlight’ beads.
Something to hang the bauble by – a fine chain, thread or fine ribbon or cord.
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice, scissors.
Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds.
Sun Star Brooch
11 1g Size 11 seed, highlight colour
8A 2.5g Size 8 seed, main colour
8B 1g Size 8 seed, highlight colour
6 2g Size 6 seed, main colour
Dagger 32-36 16x5mm single hole dagger bead, main colour
Cabochon 1 30mm diameter, 7mm high domed glass cabochon
Strong Glue – I use E6000.
Brooch back (flat back if possible as these are the easiest to attach securely).
Bead backing (I use Nicole’s Bead Backing as the colours are fantastic and the texture easy to work with). If using a white backing you may wish to colour it in some way to prevent unattractive white showing through.
Backing material – Ultrasuede or similar.
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice, scissors.
Please note that I use a mix of Miyuki and Czech beads in these, and because of the nature of the bead embroidery you should be able to use any regularly sized, good quality type of bead – there’s plenty of ‘play’ in the pattern. You can even work with a slightly smaller or larger cabochon, although not by too much as otherwise the curvature of the daggers and outer beads won’t work and they won’t sit flat.
Cellini Rick Rack Ninja Star
One 14mm Rivoli (can be Swarovski, Preciosa, Matubo or even a cheap Chinese one as there is plenty of play in the bezel depth.
Miyuki Seed Beads – Approximate quantities (please note these will vary according to bead finish as that impacts the weight of each bead).
Original version
15A, 15G = 1.2g 15C, 15D,15I = 0.6g 11B, 11E, 11H = 1.3g 8F = 3.5g
One 14mm round Rivoli
Big version
11A = 2.2g 11G 2.4g 11C, 11D,11I = 1.2g
8B, 8E, 8H = 3g 6F = 11.2g (or 120 3mm fire polished rounds)
One 18mm round Rivoli
I have also made this with some Etched Czech seed beads rather than just the Miyuki – I’d suggest sticking to Miyuki for the smallest beads in either version to get an accurate central bezel.
Squidy
Cabochon 1 Approx 25x50mm oval domed semi precious flat back
Chaton 2 8mm Swarovski or equivalent
Seed Beads
15 <1g Size 15 seeds in 2 or 3 toning colours
11 <1g Size 11 seeds in 3 or 4 toning colours
8 <1g Size 8 seeds in 2 toning colours
Goldwork wires
Pearl Purl 50cm 1.1mm or 1.4 mm (no.1 or no.2)) – toning colour aka Hard Purl, Purl Wire.
Bright Check Purl 20cm 1.4cm (no.6) – highlight colour (for the fins)
You can substitute a Smooth or Rough Purl for the Bright Check, and if you prefer not to use goldwork, then you can substitute backstitched rows of size 15 seeds. The Pearl Purl is used in two different steps so you can use two different finishes or colours – the Cab outline (20cm) and the outer edge of the whole piece(30cm).
Silk ribbon for the tentacles – I use a hand dyed ribbon from Hope Jacare – 4mm wide and lightweight – search for ‘silk embroidery ribbons’ to get the right weight. Stef Francis also makes the correct size in lovely colours. I use 25cm in each of at least five strands (or 125cm total).
Bead backing in a colour to tone with your beads – I use Nicole’s Bead Backing as the colours are fantastic and the texture easy to work with, but any good quality ‘hard’ felt will work.
Backing material – Ultrasuede or similar.
Strong Glue – I use E6000
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice (but not Fireline or similar – they are awful for embroidery, way too stiff and you’ll want to match colours), optional sewing thread, sharp scissors, sacrificial non-precious scissors (see below).
If you want to do more goldwork or already have the kit, then a mellor and/or goldwork tweezers for pushing the metals around, and goldwork scissors, plus embroiderers beeswax (not Thread Heaven) to prevent snagging – but for a piece with only a little goldwork in you will probably get away without them.
You may prefer to use a sewing thread rather than a beading thread for the goldwork steps.
At the very least you will definitely need an old pair of scissors to cut the wire as they will trash them if you don’t have specialist goldwork scissors (and you need a clean finish so don’t be tempted to use wire cutters, they’re too big and clumsy).
Bead colours – this piece is really designed for using up tiny amounts of beads – the bulk of the surface is either cab or metalwork. Colourwise, the outline colour needs seeds in all three sizes (not the same colour as the Pearl Purl, opaque beads work well), as does the bubbly fill (ideally a transparent bead for the latter to get that bubble effect). A bit of a contrast with the front 11s of the bezel against the chatons makes them ‘pop’. Other than that anything which tones and blends across say 4 shades is great (so I’ve used a variety of greens, turquoises, blues & purples to work with the turquoise and purple of the cab – all colours which sit next to each other on the colour wheel). Or simply match the colours in your ribbon?
Bead brand – Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds. I’ve used both Swarovski and Preciosa Chatons – both work fine.
Jelly
Seed beads – less than 1g each of:
Colour A – Seed beads in sizes 15, 11, 8 & 6
Colour B – Seed beads in sizes 15, 11, 8 & 6
Colour C – Seed beads in size 11 & 15
Drop beads – assortment of colours and finishes, around 20 beads.
Feature beads
5 7mm 2 hole czech cabochons to tone with colour C (also works with 6mm)
5 4mm rounds to match the cabochons
5 2mm rounds to match the cabochons (can use 3mm)
Pearl Purl 30cm 1.1mm or 1.4 mm (no.1 or no.2)) – highlight colour
aka Hard Purl, Purl Wire
Silk ribbon for the tentacles – Silk ribbon for the tentacles – I use a hand dyed ribbon from Hope Jacare at https://hope-jacare.myshopify.com/ – 4mm wide and lightweight . If you’re shopping around, search for ‘silk embroidery ribbons’ to get the right weight. Stef Francis also makes the correct size in lovely colours. I use 25cm in each of at least 5 colours (or 125cm total) – Hope Jacare’s packs already have a colour mix so are ideal as you only need to purchase one.
I’ve also added some net yarn from the Hope Jacare for textural interest to some versions
Brooch back if you want to make a brooch as per the instructions – Stitch N Craft do lovely ones with a pendant bail so the piece can double up as a pendant as well. Alternatively you can stitch a jump ring to the backing, or add a loop of beads if you only want a pendant.
Bead backing/foundation – in a colour to match your C beads. I use Nicole’s Bead Backing as the colours are fantastic and the texture easy to work with, but any good quality ‘hard’ felt will work. If using a white backing you may wish to colour it in some way to prevent unattractive white showing through and make the beading easier.
Backing material – Ultrasuede or similar to match your C beads.
Equipment
Strong Glue – I use E6000
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice (but not Fireline or similar fishing line type threads – they are awful for embroidery, way too stiff and you’ll want to match colours – I use KO or Miyuki threads), sewing thread, sharp scissors, sacrificial non-precious scissors (see below).
If you want to do more goldwork or already have them, then a mellor and/or goldwork tweezers for pushing the metals around, and goldwork scissors, plus beeswax (not Thread Heaven) to prevent snagging – but for a piece with only a little goldwork in you will probably get away without them.
I would strongly suggest you use a standard sewing thread rather than a beading thread for the goldwork steps (see Stitch Basics for why).
At the very least you will definitely need an old pair of small scissors to cut the wire as it will damage your nice beading scissors.
I sell the Pearl Purl required in my Etsy shop here, or if you’re after more extensive goldwork supplies or equipment I use sarahhomfray.com
Ice and a Slice
Beads
| Per slice | Large | Medium | Small |
| Colour A (citrus colour) | 1g size 15 seeds2g size 11 seeds<1g size 8 seeds10qty size 6 seeds4 8X13mm teardrop shaped crystals in metal sew on settingsOR 4 7mm two hole czech cabochon and 4 x 4mm rounds | 1g size 15 seeds2g size 11 seeds<1g size 8 seeds10qty size 6 seeds4 6X10mm teardrop shaped crystals in metal sew on settings | 1g size 15 seeds2g size 11 seeds<1g size 8 seeds4 8×4.8mmmm teardrop shaped crystals in metal sew on settings |
| Colour B (pith – white or cream) | <1g size 11 seeds2g size 8 seeds | <1g size 11 seeds2g size 8 seeds | <1g size 15 seeds1g size 11 seeds |
Please note that I work with Miyuki seed beads, and I’ve not tested this pattern with other brands – bead embroidery is pretty tolerant so you can probably switch but may need to make some adjustments to bead counts (particularly in the later steps). The ‘variations’ section shows the colour numbers etc I’ve used in my samples.
Optional Pearl Purl 20cm 1mm or 1.25mm – highlight colour aka Hard Purl, Purl Wire
Bead backing/foundation – in a colour to match your A beads. I use Nicole’s Bead Backing as the colours are fantastic and the texture easy to work with, but any good quality ‘hard’ felt will work. Alternatively a white backing would also be fine to match your white ‘pith’ beads.
Backing material – Ultrasuede or similar to match your A beads.
Findings etc to finish (see Variations, p5) – Depending on how you want to wear your slice, you’ll need findings. For anything which will hang, remember to use closed jump rings or split rings when you edge (not open jump rings as your thread will slip through the gap).
Equipment
Strong Glue – I use E6000
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice (but not Fireline or similar fishing line type threads – they are awful for embroidery, way too stiff and you’ll want to match colours – I use KO or Miyuki threads), sharp scissors.
If you want to do more goldwork or already have them, then a mellor and/or goldwork tweezers for pushing the metals around, and goldwork scissors, plus beeswax (not Thread Heaven) to prevent snagging – but for a piece with only a little goldwork in you will probably get away without them. At the very least you will definitely need an old pair of small scissors to cut the wire as it will damage your nice beading scissors. I would strongly suggest you use a standard sewing thread rather than a beading thread for the goldwork steps (see Stitch Basics for why). I sell the Pearl Purl required in my Etsy shop here, or if you’re after more extensive goldwork supplies or equipment I use sarahhomfray.com
Christmas Tree Brooch
Around 100 mixed shape and size sequins, in three or four colours (next to each other on the colour wheel for an ombre effect). Make sure you have plenty of flat sequins – all ‘cup’ sequins can make it quite tricky to get an even background.
1g Size 15 seed beads
2g Size 11 seed beads
Brooch back if you want to make a brooch as per the instructions. Alternatively you can stitch a jump ring to the backing, or add a loop of beads if you only want a pendant or decoration.
Bead backing/foundation I use Nicole’s Bead Backing as the colours are fantastic and the texture easy to work with, but any good quality ‘hard’ felt will work. I would avoid plain white backing as it will show through the sequins. You’ll need a piece big enough to cut an isoceles triangle 5.3cm across the base and 7.3cm tall.
Backing material – Ultrasuede or similar to match your foundation, same size.
Strong Glue – I use E6000
Beadweaving needles,thread of your choice (but not Fireline or similar – they are awful for embroidery, way too stiff and you’ll want to match colours to your backing), sharp scissors.
Great Balls of Spikes
S 12qty Czech Spikes (7mm x 17mm) or Gumdrops (7mm x 10mm)
F 24qty 3mm Fire-polished or Round
11A <1g Size 11 seed beads colour A (highlight colour)
8B <1g Size 8 seed beads colour B (main colour)
11B <1g Size 11 seed beads colour B
15B <1g Size 15 seed beads colour B
11C <1g Size 11 seed beads colour C (secondary colour)
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice, scissors.
Please note that I always use Miyuki seed beads for this pattern – it has not been tested with Toho seeds or other brands, so I can’t guarantee a fit if you choose to use those as seeds. Any brand seems to work for the fire polished beads.
Kissing Piggies
1qty Polaris/Luna Soft Cabochon, 24mm
8A <1g (60 qty) Size 8 Seed Beads, Colour A
8A <1g (20 qty) Size 8 Seed Beads, Colour B
11C <1g (20 qty Size 11 Seed Beads, Colour C
11D <1g (40 qty) Size 11 Seed Beads, Colour D
T 20 qty Twin beads (Preciosa)
P 20 qty Piggy beads
R 10 qty Round Beads 4mm
F 10 qty Fire Polished beads 3mm
Beadweaving needles, thread of your choice, scissors.
The Indecisive Beader 