Bead Embroidery Basics: How to Bezel a Cabochon
Hi lovely beaders! I'm Catriona Starpins, and I'm so excited to share the very first video in my Bead Embroidery Basics series with you. If you've been curious about how to get started with bead embroidery—or you’ve always wanted to bezel around a cabochon but didn’t know where to begin—this is the perfect place to start.
In this lesson, I walk you through one of the foundational techniques in bead embroidery: bezelling a cabochon using a four-bead backstitch and peyote stitch. Whether you’re completely new to stitching on foundation or just need a refresher, I break it all down step-by-step with clear visuals and plenty of helpful tips along the way.
🧵 What You’ll Learn in the Video
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What basic tools and materials I use in every bead embroidery project (including some of my all-time favourites!)
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Why I love working with Par Puca cabochons and how to glue them securely to your foundation
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How to use a four-bead backstitch to form the base around your cab
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How to seamlessly transition into peyote stitch to begin forming a tidy bezel
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What to do when your final gap around the cab doesn’t quite fit a full set of beads (don’t panic—this happens to everyone!)
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A little story about how I first got into bead embroidery thanks to a summer retreat with the Bead Society of Victoria 💜
🔧 My Go-To Tools & Materials
Here’s a quick list of the products I used or mentioned in the video:
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Beading Needles: John James size 11 straw needles
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Thread: 6lb Fireline in Smoke
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Foundation: Lacy’s Stiff Stuff
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Glue: E6000 (small tubes are my fave!)
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Cabochon: 25mm Par Puca in Silky Silver (available from Cranberry Beads)
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Seed Beads: Miyuki Size 11/0 Silverlined Dark Smoky Amethyst AB (111013)
Don’t forget a thread zapper or scissors, a handy triangle scoop, and a thimble or finger protector if you tend to pull tightly like I do.
🧡 A Few Encouraging Words
If you’re feeling nervous about starting bead embroidery, let me say this: the hardest part is just getting started. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Every stitch is part of your creative journey. Give yourself permission to learn, to make mistakes, and most importantly—to enjoy the process.
Even if you get frustrated, you’ll be building confidence every step of the way. That’s why I created this series: to help you feel supported, step-by-step, with a friendly voice guiding you through the basics.
▶️ Watch the Video
🎥 Bead Embroidery Basics Ep. 1 – How to Bezel a Cabochon
Hit play and join me at the bead mat!
💬 Join the Conversation
Have questions? Want to share your progress or ask for advice? Leave a comment on the video, or come say hi over on Instagram @catrionastarpins or in our Cranberry Bead Weaving Facebook group. I'd love to see your bezelled creations!
📣 Don't Forget to Subscribe
If you enjoyed this lesson and want to learn more, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. There’s plenty more coming in this bead embroidery series, plus other tutorials on bead weaving, stitching, and creative inspiration.
🏷 Hashtags
#BeadEmbroidery #BezelACabochon #CatrionaStarpins #BeadingBasics #SeedBeads #DIYJewelry #BeadworkTutorial #CranberryBeads #BeadEmbroideryForBeginners #HandmadeJewelry