Lesson 8.2
Vermicelli Tulip Filling: French and Aari Techniques
In this lesson, you will continue exploring vermicelli filling, first working from the reverse side with threaded sequins and beads. You will then create another tulip from the front side, combining colours and materials using the Aari technique. Alternating plain stitches with embellished stitches creates flowing texture while preserving the flower’s outline.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your composition in progress
Printed tulip pattern
Sharp pencil
Embroidery hook and thread
Pre-threaded beads and sequins
Thread bobbins
Loose beads and sequins in your chosen colours
Soft pads for holding your materials
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Embroider a simplified tulip outline using French Lunéville beadwork.
Fill a shape with winding sequin stitches from the reverse side.
Alternate plain stitches with beads or sequins.
Bring the filling to the borders without crossing them.
Combine colours and materials in Aari vermicelli embroidery.
Define and decorate a central petal without cutting the thread.
Your Practice
Transfer the simplified tulip pattern without its inner lines. With the reverse side facing you, prepare your threaded beads and begin embroidering at the stem, following the demonstrated outline.
Fill the tulip with winding stitches, placing one sequin on every second stitch and gently reaching the borders. You may leave the filling as it is or add threaded beads, again alternating one plain stitch with one beaded stitch.
For the next tulip, transfer the pattern onto the front side and embroider the outline as shown, keeping the central petal free of beads initially. Without cutting the thread, fill the surrounding sections with winding stitches and a mixture of coloured beads and sequins.
Continue with plain stitches to define the central petal, then fill it using your preferred method or follow the demonstrated beadwork.