1. Use a good quality thread. Decide your colour scheme, the secret is to keep it simple, stick to 2 or 3 colours.
2. Thread on your beads, don't use damaged or broken beads, and then come back through the one before the end. Resist the temptation to knot it at the end and start a new line. The extra time spent does make a difference!
3. Go back through all the beads on to the back of the fabric ready for next line. Keep the lines as close as possible for a solid professional look. When you run out of cotton secure with a knot and glue for extra strength.

TIPS AND HINTS

TIP 1 Use a bead at the bottom of each line or experiement with coins or sequins.

TIP 2 If you choose bugle beads for fringing, put a sead bead inbetween each bugle. It prevents the beads breaking and grinding against one another. Avoid using broken bugles to start with as this will make patterns unpredictable.

TIP 3 When you have completed a section hang the piece up somewhere so you can look at it from a distance. This gives you a chance to re evaluate design and colour.

TIP 4 If you get half way through and want to give up DON'T it will be worth it.