Wahnapitae, ON P0M 3C0
Phone: 705-694-0065
Fax: 705-694-1594
Toll Free: 1-877-224-2323
Email: info@ibeadcanada.com
Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm
Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm
Free Shipping on Most Orders Over $150* – Learn More >
Beaded Rosettes
Bells
Cabochons
Dolls & Acc.
Dream Catcher Rings
Drum Making
Flat Back Stones
Jingle Cones
Mirrors
Pipe Stems
Rhinestone Banding
Sequins
Sew On Stones
Beading Foundation
Crepe Soles
Fabric
Fringe
Ribbon
Trim
Bails
Bolo Tie Acc.
Bookmarks
Brooch & Bar Pins
Buckles
Buttons
Caps & Cones
Chain Extenders
Clasps
Crimps & Ends
Conchos
Connectors
Earring Components
Eyelets & Snaps
Findings Sets
Garment Studs
Hair Accessories
Head & Eye Pins
Jewelry Parts
Jump & Split Rings
Key Chain Parts
Mobile Phone Acc.
Safety Pins
Wire Guards
Leather & Rawhide
Cord
Chain
Leather & Suede Lace
Sinew
Thread
Jewelry Wire
Memory Wire
Shaping Wire
Bead & Craft Kits
Books
Patterns
Displays
Gift Bags
Gift Boxes
Jewelry Cards
Organizers
Tags, Labels & Stickers
Zip Lock Bags
Chakra
Healing Stones
Incense & Holders
Mala Beads & Acc.
Oils & Burners
Rocks & Minerals
Smudging
i-Bead Inc. · Beading Basics
Turn a handful of seed beads into lines, curves and little works of art. Learn the materials, practise the backstitch and finish with confidence.
Two colours. Endless possibilities.
Real beads from our collection.
Bead embroidery attaches beads to a fabric or foundation with needle and thread. The surface supports the design, so you can draw a shape and build it a few beads at a time.
The front
A firm, sew-through beading foundation is a practical starting point for small jewellery pieces. Choose a colour that works with your beads; tiny spaces may remain visible.
For this first sampler, use a flat piece you can comfortably hold. Keep the design small enough to finish without rushing.
The back
A separate backing covers the reverse-side threads after the embroidery is complete. Soft leather or a suitable suede-type fabric can work; thickness, comfort and ease of stitching matter.
A stiffener is a possible middle layer for a design that needs extra support. It is not the same thing as the foundation or backing.
Start simple: this guide makes a practice sampler with one straight line and one gentle curve. Learn the stitch before adding a cabochon, a clasp or a wearable attachment.
These are products from our range, sold separately. Open each listing for current availability. One bead colour is enough to learn; a second makes your sampler more playful.
The surface
An 8.5 × 11 inch sheet, listed at 1.5 mm thick. Cut a small piece for practice and save the rest.
View product →
The thread
White size D beadworking thread, 78 yd. The Beadsmith lists this fine thread for embroidery and use with a #12 beading needle.
View product →
The needle
A 25-pack of beading needles. Test the threaded needle through your foundation and through a bead more than once.
View product →Colour one
Opaque navy blue #48, sold in an 8–9 g vial. Use this colour for your first line.
View product →Colour two
Opaque blue turquoise #43, sold in an 8–9 g vial. Try a second colour for the curve.
View product →
An alternative surface
The same listed sheet size and thickness in black. Choose either foundation colour; you do not need both.
View product →Gather small sharp scissors, a ruler, a shallow bead tray and good lighting. Use a fine marking tool tested on a scrap of your foundation. Keep marks inside the area you plan to cover.
Handle needles carefully and keep loose beads away from young children and pets. A soft mat helps stop beads rolling away.
Pass the threaded needle through a sample bead several times before you begin. Bead holes, needle eyes and existing thread all affect the fit.
The S-Lon here is fine beadworking thread. A thicker S-Lon cord is a different product and should not be substituted just because the brand name matches. Check bead, needle and thread compatibility →
Follow the four steps, then repeat the last two. This version overlaps each new pair with the preceding bead to connect the row.
Step 1 of 4
Bring the needle up at your starting point. Add beads 1 and 2. Lay them on your drawn line and take the needle down just after bead 2.
Bead order · viewed from above
Up at the start → add 1 + 2 → down after 2.
Numbered circles are beads. The highlighted beads belong to this pass.
Step 2 of 4
Bring the needle up immediately before bead 1. Pass forward through beads 1 and 2, following their holes.
Bead order · viewed from above
Up before 1 → through 1 → through 2.
Numbered circles are beads. The highlighted beads belong to this pass.
Step 3 of 4
Add beads 3 and 4. Set them against the previous pair and take the needle down just after bead 4.
Bead order · viewed from above
Add 3 + 4 → down after 4.
Numbered circles are beads. The highlighted beads belong to this pass.
Step 4 of 4
Come up between beads 1 and 2. Pass forward through beads 2, 3 and 4. Continue by adding two beads, then returning through the last three.
Bead order · viewed from above
Up between 1 and 2 → through 2 → 3 → 4.
Numbered circles are beads. The highlighted beads belong to this pass.
Light, even tension: draw the thread in until the beads settle. Stop before the foundation bends. For a gentle curve, place each pair along the line before choosing where the needle goes down.
Tick each stage as you work. The ticks reset when this page is reloaded. There is no fixed bead count: your actual lines and bead sizes determine how many you need.
0 of 6 steps checked.
For a practice sample, you can leave the back visible so you can study your stitching. For a finished piece, plan the backing and attachment before trimming.
End or replace a thread
Take the thread to the back. Seat a knot close against the foundation, then add another knot directly against it so it cannot slip through. Check that the row remains settled and the knot holds before trimming the excess.
Start a fresh thread with its own secure anchor. Change thread while you still have enough length to finish comfortably, rather than struggling with a tiny tail.
Plan the edge
Inspect the reverse before cutting the foundation. Keep clear of every stitch and leave enough sound material for your chosen edge finish. Match the backing to the intended use and test whether your needle can pass through the layers safely.
A stitched edge joins foundation and backing. If you use adhesive to position layers, check compatibility and the full cure instructions. Keep it away from the area you will sew.
Your next skill: a basic beaded edge can join the two layers and frame the design. Watch the basic beaded-edge demonstration ↗ before planning a wearable finish. Our adhesive guide helps you check a proposed glue.
Choose what you are seeing, then check the suggestions before adding another row.
Foundation puckers
Undo the affected stitches and resew with the foundation resting flat. Draw the thread snug enough to settle the beads without gathering the surface. A tight row is easier to correct now than after backing.
Gaps or lifted beads
Look at where the needle entered the foundation. A gap after each pair can mean the next entry is too far away; crowded beads can lift when there is too little space. Unpick the affected pair and place it again.
Thread tangles or frays
Untwist the free thread before tightening. Shorten your working length if it repeatedly tangles. Check for rough bead holes and for accidental stitching through an earlier thread. Replace damaged thread instead of covering the problem.
Needle will not pass
Back the needle out. Check whether the eye and thread, rather than the needle tip, are catching. Test a fresh bead and inspect the layered foundation. A smaller needle alone will not solve a hole already packed with thread.
This sampler uses a firm beading foundation that you can hold in your hand. Embroidering a garment is a different setup: consider the fabric’s stretch, stabilisation, bead weight and care requirements before stitching directly onto it.
Yes, after testing the combination. Smaller beads make finer lines but may leave less room for repeated thread passes. Work a short scrap sample first. Mixed bead sizes also change the spacing, so place each group before deciding the next stitch position.
Start with a separate sample and plan how the stone will be held. A decorative ring of beads is not automatically a secure setting. Use a suitable bezel or another attachment designed to hold the cabochon, with adhesive only where appropriate for the materials.
Care for the most delicate component: beads, thread, backing, adhesive or findings. Avoid soaking an untested piece. Keep it from catching on clothing, inspect any attachment before wearing, and store it so the embroidery is not crushed.
Bring your bead sample, foundation and planned use, or send us the product details. Thickness and handling are worth checking together. Contact i-Bead Inc. → · Read the Needle Guide →
Sign up today to stay in the loop about the hottest deals, coolest new products, and exclusive sales.
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Summary of i-Bead Inc.'s Terms of Service:
Product Descriptions: i-Bead Inc. strives for accurate product information, but errors may occur. Product availability and specifications, like size, are subject to change.
Product Images: Images are for representation purposes; actual products may vary in appearance due to display settings or manufacturing differences.
Copyright & Intellectual Property: All content on the Website is owned by i-Bead Inc. or its licensors. Users are granted a limited, non-commercial license to view and print content for personal use but cannot reproduce or distribute it without permission.
Trademarks: The i-Bead name and logo are trademarks of i-Bead Inc. Unauthorized use of trademarks is prohibited.
Use of the Website: Users must comply with laws and the Terms. Account creation may be required for certain services. Users are responsible for account security and cannot engage in harmful behavior or unauthorized access.
Pricing & Availability: Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and are subject to change. Additional charges for taxes, shipping, and duties may apply. Out-of-stock products may be removed or delayed.
Limitation of Liability: i-Bead Inc. is not liable for any indirect damages, and the website is provided "as is" without warranties.
Privacy & Data Protection: The use of personal data is governed by the company’s Privacy Policy, which users should review.
Indemnification: Users agree to defend and hold i-Bead Inc. harmless from any legal issues arising from their use of the site or violation of the Terms.
Modifications: i-Bead Inc. can update these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting.
Governing Law: The Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, and any disputes will be resolved in Ontario courts.
Contact Information: For questions, users can contact i-Bead Inc. at their address or via email or phone.
Summary of i-Bead Inc.'s Refund Policy:
In-Store Purchases: Items can be returned within 30 days with the original receipt for an exchange, store credit, or refund. Must be unopened and in original condition.
Online Purchases: Returns allowed within 30 days of receiving your order. Prior authorization required. Items must be unopened and in original condition.
Non-Returnable Items: Sale items, opened packages, broken strands, cut items (e.g., fabric, ribbon, rhinestone banding, etc), books, patterns, and special orders cannot be returned.
Restocking Fee: Returns after 30 days incur a 20% restocking fee. Clearance/discontinued items cannot be returned after 30 days. Returns initiated beyond 90 days are not eligible for a return or exchange.
Damaged/Defective Items: Contact customer service within 48 hours. Return shipping will be covered, and you can request a refund or replacement.
Return Instructions: Include the reason for the return and your order details. We recommend using a traceable shipping carrier. Returns must be prepaid, and customs fees are not covered.
Refund Process: Refunds will be issued after inspection, minus shipping costs, and may take 1-2 weeks to process.
For returns, the items must be in their original, unopened condition.
Shipping rates, eligibility, discounts and exclusions are explained in our Shipping Policy. Available shipping methods and applicable charges are shown at checkout.
Important: Read these limitations before selecting this lower-cost shipping option. Stamped Envelope Shipping uses Canada Post Lettermail, not a tracked parcel service.
If you want tracking, delivery confirmation or available carrier insurance, select an eligible tracked parcel shipping option instead.
Summary of i-Bead Inc.'s Sales Tax Policy:
Orders delivered within Canada: Applicable GST/HST is calculated based on the delivery province or territory. Please see our Sales Tax Policy for current rates.
First Nations tax relief: Eligible customers may qualify for GST/HST relief. Please review our Native Status Cards policy for eligibility and application requirements before ordering.
U.S. orders: Shipping to U.S. addresses is temporarily suspended.
International orders (outside Canada and the U.S.): We do not charge Canadian GST/HST on goods shipped outside Canada. Destination duties and taxes may apply and are the recipient's responsibility.
Summary of i-Bead Inc.'s Native Status Card Policy:
Tax Exemption Eligibility: Status Card holders can qualify for GST/HST relief if:
Ontario Residents: Eligible for an 8% HST rebate on orders shipped within Ontario.
How to Apply:
Important: Misrepresentation of eligibility can result in penalties from the CRA.
In short, eligible Status Card holders can receive tax relief by following the proper procedure and submitting required documentation.
Summary of i-Bead Inc.'s Privacy Policy:
i-Bead Inc.'s Privacy Policy outlines how they collect, use, and disclose personal information. They gather data directly from users (e.g., contact details, order info, payment info) and through tracking technologies (e.g., cookies). This data is used for order processing, marketing, security, and customer support. The company may share data with third-party vendors and partners for service fulfillment, marketing, and legal compliance. Users can access, correct, or delete their data, and opt-out of marketing communications. The policy also covers data security, retention, and international transfers.
By proceeding with checkout, you acknowledge and agree to i-Bead Inc.'s Terms & Conditions and the applicable policies linked above. Delivery estimates are not guarantees; weather, holidays, postal disruptions, and other carrier-related circumstances may cause delays. Shipping services differ in whether they include tracking, delivery confirmation and insurance, so please review the method you select at checkout and our Shipping Policy.
Wahnapitae, ON P0M 3C0
Phone: 705-694-0065
Fax: 705-694-1594
Toll Free: 1-877-224-2323
Email: info@ibeadcanada.com
Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm
Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm
