Lesson 2
Feather Embroidery: Aari Sequins and Fish Scale Rows
In this lesson, you will work from the front side of the frame using 4 mm silver sequins and metallic thread. You will outline the first feather section, adding short securing stitches at sharp corners, then fill a second section with fish scale rows. Plain return stitches allow the sequins to face the same direction.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Attach loose sequins using the Indian Aari technique.
Maintain consistent spacing along a drawn line.
Define sharp corners with short securing stitches.
Correct unclear guidelines before continuing.
Create fish scale rows using plain return stitches.
Finish a section and draw thread ends to the reverse side.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your feather pattern in progress
Embroidery hook
Metallic embroidery thread
Loose silver sequins, 4 mm
Soft pad for holding your sequins
Pencil for correcting guidelines
Scissors
Your Practice
Keep the front side of the frame facing you and your loose sequins above the fabric. Make a starting lock at the top of the first feather section. Place each sequin onto the hook’s needle, transfer it onto the loop and secure it with a stitch.
Follow the outline with evenly spaced sequins. At each sharp turn, add a short plain securing stitch in the demonstrated direction before continuing. Clarify any faint guidelines and add extra securing stitches where needed to preserve the corners.
Finish the section with a lock, draw out and cut the loop, then bring the thread ends to the reverse side.
For the second section, embroider the first sequin row downwards. Secure the turn and return with plain stitches close to the sequins, following the red guide. Add another securing stitch, then work the next sequin row along the return path. Complete the two-row section as demonstrated.