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Lesson 3.2

Aari Beadwork: Decorative Curls and Two-Sided Practice

In this lesson, you will learn to attach loose beads using the Indian Aari technique, working with the front of the fabric facing you. After practising on a straight line, you will explore an optional exercise combining Aari and French Lunéville beadwork on both sides of the fabric. You will then return to your button pattern and embroider the second curl, navigating crossings with plain stitches.

Materials to Prepare

  • Embroidery frame with your button motif in progress and space for practice

  • Lunéville hook

  • Embroidery thread

  • Loose beads

  • Soft pad for holding the beads

  • Pre-threaded beads for the optional two-sided exercise

  • Scissors

Learning Outcomes


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

  • Attach loose beads from the front using the Aari technique.

  • Transfer a bead from the hook onto the working loop.

  • Begin a practice line approximately 2 mm from the starting lock.

  • Combine front-side and reverse-side bead placement in an optional exercise.

  • Follow a decorative curl and navigate crossing lines.

  • Finish with a securing stitch and draw the thread tail to the reverse side.

Your Practice


Turn the frame so the front faces you and place your loose beads within easy reach. Make a starting lock on a practice line.


Pick up one bead with the hook, insert the hook approximately 2 mm from the lock, and draw out a loop. Slide the bead onto the loop and secure it with a stitch. Repeat along the line, then finish with a plain stitch, cut the thread, and draw the tail to the reverse side.


For additional practice, follow the demonstration to alternate bead placement on the front and back of the fabric, combining Aari and French Lunéville movements.


Return to the button motif and make a starting lock at the base of the second curl. Follow the curve with loose beads. At crossing lines, use a plain stitch to pass over the existing chain, then resume beadwork.

Stop at the indicated point, make a short securing stitch, cut the thread, and draw the finishing tail to the reverse side for securing.

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