Lesson 5
Aari Embroidery: Creating Graduated Volume with Beads and Sequins
In this lesson, you will practise combining beads and sequins using the Indian Aari technique. By changing the number of beads beneath each sequin, you will control its height and create a gradient of volume. This exercise explores how different combinations can bring texture and movement to your embroidery.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with fabric mounted under tension
Embroidery hook
Embroidery thread
Loose beads and sequins
Soft pads for holding your materials
Sharp pencil
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Attach beads and a sequin together with one stitch.
Create raised sequin embroidery using two beads beneath each sequin.
Reduce the height by switching to one bead, then sequins alone.
Combine raised sections, flat sequins and bead-only lines.
Vary these combinations along a curved outline.
Your Practice
Keep the front side of the frame facing you and draw a curl. Make a starting lock at its centre. Place two beads followed by one sequin onto the hook’s needle, transfer them onto the loop and secure them together with a stitch. Repeat along the drawn line.
Gradually reduce the volume by using one bead beneath each sequin, then continue with sequins alone. Observe how these changes affect the height and texture of the embroidery.
Return to two beads and one sequin, then continue the line with beads only, following the demonstration.
Draw another curl and repeat the exercise, varying the combinations to practise creating smooth transitions between raised and flat sections.