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Lesson 7.2

Aari Tulip Embroidery: Graduated Beads and Sequins

In this lesson, you will use the Indian Aari technique to combine beaded lines, plain travelling stitches and raised sequin details. You will build the texture from one bead beneath each sequin to two, then reduce it again. Smaller sequins complete the remaining flower lines without cutting the thread.

Materials to Prepare

  • Embroidery frame with fabric mounted under tension

  • Printed tulip pattern

  • Sharp pencil

  • Embroidery hook and thread

  • Loose beads

  • Loose sequins in two sizes

  • Soft pads for holding your materials

Learning Outcomes


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

  • Transfer and position a tulip motif within your composition.

  • Use plain stitches to travel between decorative sections.

  • Attach a bead and sequin together over an existing stitched path.

  • Create graduated height by alternating one and two beads beneath a sequin.

  • Adjust stitch spacing to accommodate raised embellishments.

  • Continue into smaller sequin details without cutting the thread.

Your Practice


Copy the tulip pattern onto the front side of your fabric. Make a starting lock where the stems meet and follow the demonstrated route, combining beaded sections with plain stitches. Repeat the beadwork on the other side of the tulip, then travel down with plain stitches.


Place one bead followed by one sequin onto the hook’s needle and secure them together close to the previously stitched line. Repeat at intervals of approximately 3–4 mm.


Increase the height by placing two beads beneath each sequin, leaving approximately 4 mm between attachments. Then return to one bead and one sequin to lower the raised effect.


Keep the thread attached and continue along the remaining drawn lines with smaller sequins until the flower is complete.


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