Lesson 2
Dress Embroidery: Rhombus Netting with Bugle Beads, Stones and Chain
In this second dress practical lesson, you will select a coordinated colour palette and begin embroidering the central rhombus motif. You will alternate cut bugle beads and larger stones with decorative chain, then complete the crossing diagonals with bugles. The focus is on balanced spacing, straight lines and neat intersections.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your transferred dress pattern
Embroidery hook and thread
Cut bugle beads, approximately 2 mm
Larger stones suitable for stitching
Decorative chain
Soft pads for holding your materials
Scissors and suitable chain cutters
Intended backing fabric for checking colour combinations
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Choose embellishments that complement the dress fabric.
Alternate beaded lines with decorative chain.
Adjust bead counts and stitch spacing to centre larger stones.
Attach chain along a guideline using zigzag stitches.
Secure the thread separately at the end of each line.
Cross existing embroidery neatly to complete a rhombus net.
Your Practice
Compare your materials with the intended backing fabric and choose a coordinated palette. The demonstration combines soft pink and purple tones with light green satin.
Begin the central rhombus motif with cut bugles and larger stones. Use approximately five bugles between stones, adjusting the count where necessary. Add a plain stitch when needed to position a stone centrally and maintain balanced spacing.
Practise the chain attachment exercise supplied with the lesson before working on the dress. Position the chain along the next guideline and secure it with zigzag stitches, supporting it with your free hand. Trim the chain to fit and secure the thread. Continue alternating chain lines with bugles and stones, cutting and securing the thread after each completed line.
Complete the crossing diagonals using cut bugles only. Add a short securing stitch before crossing an embroidered line, maintain even spacing and follow the guidelines closely. Rotate the frame whenever needed to keep your working area comfortable and accessible.