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Lesson 1

Feather Embroidery: French Lunéville Beaded Outlines

In this first lesson, you will prepare your feather design and trace its outer lines using classic French Lunéville beadwork. Working with grey beads on metallic thread, you will practise consistent spacing, precise corners and careful navigation between neighbouring sections.

Learning Outcomes


By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Transfer a feather pattern onto framed fabric.

  • Outline the feather using French Lunéville beadwork.

  • Maintain bead spacing of no more than 2 mm.

  • Define sharp points with plain securing stitches.

  • Follow closely spaced lines using the paper pattern as a reference.

  • Keep the hook upright and its screw aligned with the stitching direction.

  • Secure cut thread ends around the embroidered chain.

Materials to Prepare

  • Embroidery frame with fabric mounted under tension

  • Printed feather pattern

  • Book or flat box to support the pattern

  • Pencil

  • Lunéville hook

  • Metallic embroidery thread on a bobbin

  • Pre-threaded grey beads

  • Scissors

Your Practice


Place the printed feather on a book or flat box beneath your mounted frame. Carefully copy the design with a pencil, keeping the paper pattern nearby for reference.


With the reverse side facing you, make a starting lock at the top of the feather. Supply the beads beneath the frame and follow the outer lines, keeping the spacing no greater than 2 mm.


At each sharp point, attach the bead at the tip, then add a plain stitch upwards and another downwards, following the demonstration. Continue beading while keeping your hook vertical.


Complete the outline in sections, checking the paper pattern wherever lines meet or run close together. Stop beading at the indicated junctions. Finish each section by drawing out a large loop, cutting it and securing the thread ends around the embroidered chain.

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