Indulge your passion for Halloween, crafting, and jewellery making with Preciosa Crystals in this clever and stylish Seed Bead Pumpkin Brooch tutorial. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to create a unique and eye-catching brooch using seed beads, hand sewing techniques, and dazzling Preciosa crystals. Get ready to showcase your fashion-forward spirit with this festive and fashionable accessory!
The full list of Preciosa Crystals, components and tools needed to complete this project can be found below. If you click on the product description (link), the respective product page will open, where each item can be viewed and added to cart:
Component Image | Component Name / Link To Purchase | Component Quantity |
Preciosa Seed Beads 8/0 Hematite | 1 x 20g | |
Preciosa Seed Beads 8/0 Hyacinth | 1 x 20g | |
Silver Plated Bar Brooch Pin | x 1 | |
Beading Needles Size 12 | x 1 | |
Bead Buddy Thread Magic | x 1 | |
E6000 Plus Glue | x 1 | |
Black or orange sewing thread | x 1 | |
Orange felt or fabric of your choice | x 1 | |
Thin cardboard | x 1 |
Step 1
Secure your fabric
First ensure the Felt for your brooch is secured in an embroidery hoop as this will make controlling the sewing easier. Draw the pumpkin motif onto the taught, secured fabric (use a paper cut out as a template if you are hoping to make more than one that’s exactly the same size and shape). Let there be a margin of at least 3cm of fabric around the outer edge on all sides of what will become your brooch, as this gives you room to work and the excess can be trimmed off later.
Step 2
Prepare your thread
To guarantee a strong and long-lasting piece of beadwork it’s best to condition your thread before you begin. Do this by running the thread through the waxy substance of the Bead Buddy several times before you start. That waxy coating will guard against fraying and the risk of decay over time. You will even find the thread is easier to work with because it’s less likely to tangle.
Step 3
Start with the outline
Sew a line of seed beads along the drawn outline of the pumpkin to begin your shape.
Step 4
Consider the pattern of your embroidery
For this design we used concentric lines of seed beads which gives a uniform feel to the final embroidered piece. An alternative option could include a deliberate mix of sizes and bead types for a different texture.
Step 5
Fill the space with seed beads
Fill in the remaining space with the rest of your seed beads until you have solid coverage right up to the seed bead outline on all sides.
Step 6
Remove from the embroidery hoop
Remove your Felt from the embroidery hoop and trim away the excess fabric. Be careful to not cut through any of the stitches holding the seed bead outline in place.
Step 7
Begin the back of the brooch
Select an appropriately coloured backing material in felt or leather plus a section of thin card for extra structure.
Step 8
Reinforce the back
Cut holes into the backing fabric and slot through the brooch pin, then glue the layers of fabric together using E6000 Plus Glue. The layer of card and the main body of the brooch pin should be sandwiched between the two layers of fabric and be positioned in the centre of the pumpkin design.
Step 9
Trim the edges
Trim the sides of your material until you are as close as possible to the sewn seed bead edge.
Step 10
Hide the edges under a row of beads
Hide the raw edge of the design with a row of seed beads using a picot stitch which will also secure the edges together.
Congratulations! You have just created a fabulous Seed Bead Pumpkin Brooch adorned with Preciosa Seed Beads. This trendy handcrafted accessory will add a touch of Halloween spirit to your outfit while showcasing your crafting skills. Enjoy wearing your unique pumpkin brooch with pride and get ready to receive compliments on your fashionable and creative flair! Happy Halloween!