Lesson 8.1
Coil Embroidery: Beaded Outline and Curved Thread Filling
In this lesson, you will explore coil embroidery by filling a petal with flowing lines of thread. You will first outline the shape with beads using the Indian Aari technique, then practise drawing continuous curves on paper before recreating them on the fabric. The focus is on bringing the filling to the petal’s border so the finished shape remains complete and clearly defined. A Dior video included in the lesson offers an additional visual reference.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your traced petal motif
Lunéville hook
Embroidery thread
Loose beads
Soft pad for holding the beads
Paper and pencil
Scissors
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Outline a petal with beads using the Aari technique.
Draw flowing curves without lifting your pencil from the paper.
Translate continuous drawn movements into curved embroidery stitches.
Continue from the beaded outline into thread filling without cutting the thread.
Bring the filling to the border to preserve the petal’s shape.
Your Practice
Make a starting lock and follow the petal’s outline with beads using the Aari method.
On paper, practise drawing a continuous curved line without lifting your pencil. Let the curves gradually fill a shape, as though you were colouring it with lines.
Return to the frame and fill the petal with thread-only coil stitches, continuing without cutting the thread. Bring the curves to the beaded border throughout the filling so the petal remains clearly defined. Watch the Dior video provided in the lesson to help you understand the movement and effect.