Using Seed Beads Instead of Stitches? (Anyone done this?)

[Shuko]

Okay. I have this idea for a project, and it's very large by my standards (36,000 stitches), but I can't seem to find any really helpful sources or testimonies online of people who've tried the same thing I want to. Here's what I want to do:

I want to do a counted beaded picture (I'm not even sure if that's the right terminology, since I can't verify that either), where I used Aida cross stitch cloth as a guide for sewing on size 11/0 Toho round seed beads (they're about 1.8mm across and 1.3mm thick). Essentially, what I'll be doing is what's in this picture (please bear with me, since I slapped it together in MSPaint in a few minutes, lol):



I'll be using invisible thread to stitch a bead on each square, making rows and columns of diagonally-positioned beads, rather than crossed floss stitches. What I want to know is, has anyone done this? I know people incorporate beads into cross stitch all the time as accents or substitutions for French knots, but what about for total coverage? If so, do you have any tips you can share with me? I also have a few specific questions:

1. For the size beads I'm using, what would be the best size aida cloth to achieve maximum coverage without things getting too crowded? For example, I've got some 18 count cloth at the house already, and I've done some figuring that tells me that each diagonal on a single square of that fabric is about 2mm long. That should be just enough room, shouldn't it?

2. For a project like this, would the rounded beads be better, since they fill up the squares more, or would the cylinder ones be better, because they're more uniform in shape and line up better?

I hope someone can help me. I hate to think I'm doing the pioneer thing here. ^^; I never was a good tester, and I never think of all the problems I can have beforehand!

[Servotron]

I would say just to make a couple of test pieces before for start with the big project. It's not something I've heard of someone doing before, but it sounds interesting. Just do a couple of small sprites as a test and see what they look like.

[Shuko]

I would say just to make a couple of test pieces before for start with the big project. It's not something I've heard of someone doing before, but it sounds interesting. Just do a couple of small sprites as a test and see what they look like.

That sounds like a good idea. The main thing is the fabric; I need to make sure the count is high enough to provide the most coverage, while at the same time small enough to allow the beads to fit. I can easily test that with a couple of sprites. I've got to do a Mario and a super 'shroom in my original design anyway, so I'll go ahead and do a test set of those first and see how they look. Thanks, Servo!

[Lunariah]

What a neat idea! I hope you post a picture of what the test sprites look like. I'm curious to see how they look.

[Shuko]

Well, I gave it a shot on some 18 count Aida, and the size was too small, so I went to 14 count, and this is what I got:


It stretched the fabric too much. :x I'm going to have to try the 11 count Aida and hope for the best, I think.

[PaperRockScisorz]

I think that looks pretty neat! Maybe you could post a picture that's more of a close-up (or at least a larger picture), so we can see what you mean?!

[Wolfix]

I've done a lot of seed bead jewellery making before so I know a few things you may have problems with:

1. Make sure you're using some really strong thread as the beads are hard and may have very small chips which make them abrasive and once the thread snaps in one place, you lose a big chunk of your picture. Maybe it's worth using a few strands of thread just to be safe.

2. The weight of the beads will make the aida very floppy so it may be best to use plastic aida. This will stay more rigid when you're working with it and when you go to frame your finished product.

3. Most seed beads vary in size so you may want to sieve out the runts before you get started.

Best of luck and please post WIP pics!