Beaded Fern stitch is a simple, but versatile variety of Fern stitch and is ideal to use in floral sprays, and is excellent for simple Christmas wreaths.
In this sample, I have used perle #8 hand-dyed variegated thread and a size 26 tapestry needle. Since the beading is done during the stitching process and not added afterwards, I suggest you use a 26 tapestry needle. The eye of a tapestry needle is long, which means you can thread perle #8 and Perle #5 through. However, the needle itself is thin, meaning you can add a bead to your working thread as you stitch. I have used seed beads in this sample.
How to work Beaded Fern Stitch
Beaded Fern Stitch consists of a simple arrangement of 3 straight stitches along a central line. You add beads to every second arm along the line.
Work three straight stitches, as you would with fern stitch, and bring your working thread out from the back of the fabric. Thread two or three seed beads onto your needle.
With the beads on the thread, work a straight stitch on the left side.
With the beads on the thread, work a straight stitch on the other side. Next, work a unit of three straight stitches of normal fern stitch.
Repeat this pattern along the line. Beaded Fern stitch is delightful, particularly when worked on a curve or in a free-form manner. You can also use bugle beads or even some novelty beads if they are the right size.
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Since I jumped the gun last week and beaded the spines of my fer stitch, I tried it again this week, doing the fronds: http://210920746822434353.weebly.com/my-stitchery-journal/2014-staying-connected-week-forty-two
Hi Sharon,
I completed the beaded fern stitch sampler today. the details are here-
https://jizee6687.wordpress.com/category/tast-2014/41-135-beaded-fern-stitch/
Thank you,
Chitra
Hi Chitra I tok a peek at your samples and they are great as usual!
This was fun to learn, and will be so useful for Christmas decorations.
http://queeniepatch.blogspot.jp/2014/10/tast-135-beaded-fern-stitch.html
HI Queenie yes it is a very handy stitch
Hooray! I found a suitable needle, so I redid my sample. Much better and easier, too!
http://nickersmarie.blogspot.com/2014/10/take-stitch-tuesday-135-beaded-fern_22.html
I really really like this!
http://210920746822434353.weebly.com/my-stitchery-journal/2014-staying-connected-week-forty-two
Sharon I really need a kick to get me catching up on the tast stitches, the crazy blocks and quilting seem to have taken over but must get back into these stitches now I have put it on paper will have to carry it out. Have just checked and feel by the wayside on 105 though have used one or two since on my crazy blocks
Margaret I dont usually get mean with my readers but you said you needed a kick to get you going on the TASt stitches – well I am looking for my boots…. with a big grin on my face
This was fun to stitch, even though I didn’t have a needle small enough to use seed beads. I used #6 beads and #5 Perle Cotton, but still like it. Must get some #26 Tapestry needles.
http://nickersmarie.blogspot.com/2014/10/take-stitch-tuesday-135-beaded-fern.html
I love this stitch with the addition of beads. Thanks so much for sharing the technique.
Great that you found it useful Andrea
I am loving the beaded stitches Sharon! Thank you! http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.ca/
Hi Angela – yes the beaded stitches are fun
I’ve enjoyed all the beaded stitches, but, like Queenie, this one really makes me want to start a sampler of them.
Ooh! Another fun stitch to try!
This week, I tried the fern stitch and the triangular buttonhole stitch. Both were quick and fun! http://monkeyandmutt.blogspot.com/2014/10/tast-10212014.html
This is such a lovely variation on fern stitch, I’m sure I’ll have fun playing with it. Today I wrote about Kiko’s flower:
http://fat-quarter.blogspot.nl/2014/10/kikos-flower.html
Oh, how pretty! This makes me want to start on a Beaded TAST sampler asp!
A case of the early bird this morning, finding the beaded fern post and so good to have caught up with my TAST stitches at last.
I’ve enjoyed trying out the Lock and Fern variations and will surely find more ways to interpret them.