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Lesson 3.2

Beaded Flower Stems: French Lunéville and Aari Techniques

In this lesson, you will draw and embroider connecting stems between the fabric flowers created earlier. You will begin with French Lunéville beadwork from the reverse side, then turn the frame to practise Aari embroidery with loose beads. You will also explore colour variations and learn how to hold petals aside when they obstruct your stitching.

Materials to Prepare

  • Embroidery frame with your fabric flowers attached

  • Lunéville hook

  • Embroidery thread on a bobbin

  • Pre-threaded beads for French Lunéville embroidery

  • Loose beads for Aari embroidery

  • Soft pad for holding loose beads

  • Sharp pencil suitable for marking your fabric

  • Pins

  • Scissors

Learning Outcomes


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

  • Draw connecting stem lines between flowers.

  • Embroider stems with pre-threaded beads using French Lunéville.

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

  • Choose contrasting bead colours to vary the design.

  • Pin petals aside to access the stitching area.

  • Secure thread ends around the embroidered chain.

Your Practice


With the reverse side of the fabric facing you, draw connecting lines between the flowers. Prepare your threaded beads, make a starting lock, and follow one line to the next flower using French Lunéville embroidery. Secure the thread ends around the embroidered chain.


Turn the frame to the front and draw the next connecting line. Make a starting lock and embroider it with loose beads using the Aari technique. Choose another bead colour if you would like to introduce contrast.

Where petals obstruct your work, gently pin them aside to give the hook clear access to the fabric.

Continue connecting all the flowers with beaded stems, practising either or both techniques.

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