Lesson 9.1
Aari Leaf Embroidery: Silver Bugle Beads and Metallic Veins
In this lesson, you will embroider a leaf using silver cut bugle beads and fine silver metallic thread. Working from the front of the fabric with the Indian Aari technique, you will outline the leaf, stitch along its veins, and secure bugle beads between them. A short designer video offers inspiration for using this technique in necklaces, belts, and other decorative details.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with mounted fabric
Printed leaf pattern
Pencil suitable for marking your fabric
Lunéville hook
Silver cut bugle beads
Fine silver metallic embroidery thread
Soft pad for holding the beads
Scissors
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Transfer the leaf pattern onto your mounted fabric.
Outline the leaf using Aari tambour stitches.
Place bugle beads according to the drawn vein pattern.
Secure individual beads with short stitches.
Combine stitched veins with one or two bugle beads between them.
Complete both sides of the leaf using the same sequence.
Recognise ways to adapt the technique to decorative accessories.
Your Practice
Trace the leaf pattern onto your fabric and keep the front side facing you. Make a starting lock with silver metallic thread, then embroider the leaf’s outline.
Begin at the pointed tip. Place the first bugle bead onto the working loop, position it according to the drawn vein, and secure it with a stitch. Return to the leaf’s edge and make a short stitch over the existing outline.
Continue following the demonstrated sequence: place one or two bugle beads between the veins, secure them with short stitches, and stitch along the vein lines as you move to the next section.
Once the first side is complete, make a couple of stitches over the existing embroidery and repeat the process on the other side. Review the designer video for ideas on applying this technique to necklaces, belts, or other embroidered details.