These pretty seed bead flower earrings are a perfect first beading project: light, spring-and-summer fresh, and made from simple repeated petals that anyone can learn. This step-by-step guide shows you how to weave them by hand using Preciosa seed beads, so you finish with a charming pair to wear or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
You can customise the colours to suit yourself or a loved one, and once you are confident with the technique you can explore endless combinations. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: About an afternoon for a pair
- Beads used: Preciosa rocaille seed beads, green and pink
- Technique: Simple petal weaving with a beading needle and thread
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities make one pair, so scale up for more. Add the beads, findings and tools to your cart from the cards below. The needle, pliers and tray are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Preciosa Seed Beads Rocaille, GreenCentres and leaves1
- Preciosa Seed Beads Rocaille, Pink 2 DyedPetals1
- Sterling Silver Marquise EarwiresThe earring hooks1 pair
- Fireline Beading Thread, ClearStringing1
- Beading needleThreading back through beads1
- Round Nose PliersOpening the earwire loops1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising bead colours3
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£7.91 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£3.58 Excl. VAT
£9.20 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make seed bead flower earrings
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Tip your beads into the sorting trays so each colour is easy to reach while you work. Measure your thread: each flower is small, so you only need around 40cm of thread per flower.
Step 2: Start the first petal
Thread 1 green bead, then 15 pink beads onto your thread. Take your needle back through the green bead to form your first petal. Tie the ends in a knot so it cannot loosen as you work, and leave some slack on the tied-off end.
Step 3: Build the petals
For the next petal, thread 1 green bead and 13 pink beads. Pass your needle through the last 2 pink beads of the first petal, then through the new green bead, and pull the thread through. Repeat twice more for four petals in total.
For the final petal, take both ends of the thread and add 1 green bead, threading each end through opposite sides of the bead to form a cross. Pass the needle up through the next 2 pink beads on the first petal, add 11 pink beads, then thread through the last 2 pink beads on the petal to the right and back through the green bead. Tie the ends to secure.
Step 4: Add the leaves
Starting at any petal, thread your needle from the pink bead nearest the centre up through 5 beads. Add 4 green beads, then take the needle down through the 5 pink beads on the other side towards the centre. Thread through the centre green bead and back up the other side through 5 pink beads. Repeat around the flower, then tie off. Make a second flower by repeating steps 2 to 4.
Step 5: Attach the earwires
Open the loop on each marquise earwire with your round nose pliers, hook it through one of the leaves on a flower, then close the loop again. Your earrings are ready to wear.
Frequently asked questions
What beads do you use for seed bead flowers?
Small rocaille seed beads, which are the round glass beads used for weaving. We used Preciosa rocailles in green for the flower centres and leaves and pink for the petals, but any two colours work, so pick shades that suit the look you want.
Is seed beading suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a great first beading project. The flower is built from simple repeated petals, you only need about 40cm of thread per flower, and once you have made one petal the rest follow the same pattern.
What thread is best for seed bead earrings?
A strong braided beading thread such as Fireline. It resists fraying and holds tension well, which keeps the petals crisp, and it threads easily onto a fine beading needle for working back through the beads.
How long does a pair of flower earrings take?
About an afternoon. Each flower is small and quick once you have the petal technique, so a relaxed pair including the leaves and attaching the earwires is very achievable in a single sitting.
Can I change the colours?
Absolutely. The design is just a centre, petals and leaves, so swap in any rocaille colours you like. Two-tone combinations work beautifully, and it is an easy way to match an outfit or make a thoughtful personalised gift.
What tools do I need to make beaded earrings?
A pair of round nose pliers to open and close the earwire loops, a fine beading needle, and a sorting tray to keep your bead colours separate and easy to pick up while you work.
Make it your own
Once you have the petal technique, the colours are yours to play with: try ombre tones, seasonal shades, or beads that match a favourite outfit. For more seed bead makes, see our crocus bracelet and clover bracelet projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
