Correct embroidery of icons using beads

The meaning of color in an Orthodox icon

In icon painting there is no clear meaning of color, but each color has a certain meaning. Yellow and gold symbolize God's presence, heavenly light, eternity and grace. Therefore, holy faces are painted on a golden background. The color white symbolizes innocence with purity, holiness and divine radiance. According to tradition, this tone is used to decorate clothes with wings and swaddling clothes for children. The color silver has a similar meaning. According to the psalms, it is a symbol of purity, eloquence and purification.

Icons for embroidery

The red color denotes feat, courage, the sacrifice of Christ, the Mother of God and predestination, and burgundy represents the human nature of the savior. The color purple or crimson has Byzantine roots. It symbolizes royalty with grandeur. They decorate representatives of the supreme power, princes. This shade is often used to depict the Last Judgment. In this case, it carries the meaning of threat, fire and fear.

The blue hue is represented in icons as a symbol of heaven, divinity, mystery, revelation and wisdom. The tunics of the apostles are often depicted in this tone. Blue is the color that denotes purity with chastity, while green denotes harmony and unity with God. It is also a shade that symbolizes the struggle of life over death and the acquisition of eternal life.

Brown is a shade of mortality, purple is service, black is emptiness, death, renunciation of the human world, humility with repentance. The color gray is not used in icon painting because it creates ambiguity with obscurity and emptiness.

Face of an icon

The face is the face of a saint, a person who has freed himself from worldly vanity. In traditional icon painting, it is customary to depict the face last. As for other methods of depicting saints, using beads or threads, the face is painted at the very beginning. At the same time, the eyes, being the mirror of the soul, are depicted as large and soulful, and the mouth is disproportionately small, being a symbol of sensuality and meekness.

Face

Gestures on the icon

Gestures on icons are very important because they carry a certain meaning and spiritual information. Thus, hands pressed to the body denote experience; hands raised up indicate the need for repentance and prayer for peace. Hands extended forward with open palms symbolize obedience with humility, and hands pressed to the cheeks symbolize sadness and sorrow.

You might be interested in this: Simple children's cross stitch patterns

Note! Objects in hands carry great significance. For example, there is an icon where the Mother of God holds 7 swords in her hands. This icon represents the pain and sadness that Mary had to experience while in the human world.

The Apostle Paul is often depicted with a Gospel, keys and less often with a sword. In the first case, this is a sign of service, in the second, the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and in the third, the word of God. Prophets are often depicted with scrolls of their prophecies.

Apostle Paul

Is it possible to embroider icons with beads without a blessing?

It is believed that starting to write or embroider icons with any material, including beads, requires a blessing. Without it, this matter is considered sinful, capable of bringing mental suffering. In addition to asking permission from your father in the local church, you must fast and read a prayer to the saint who will be depicted on the icon.

Some recommend doing this during pregnancy, but on the day of impurity, touching the beaded elegant embroidery is prohibited. It is not advisable to start embroidering the holy face in a bad mood, after a quarrel with relatives, drinking alcohol or other serious sins. You can create icons to order, but you shouldn’t take money for it. This is a sinful activity. After creating the holy image, it is recommended to illuminate the resulting icon in the church.

Blessing as a necessity when creating works

Embroidery materials and tools

To embroider an icon with beads you will need to take:

• canvas with a printed pattern;
• Czech with jewelry beads;
• a needle;
• instructions;
• square or round cheap hoops;
• threads with semi-precious or ornamental stones;
• rhinestones with beads.

As a rule, ready-made kits have everything you need, and there is no need to look for any tools separately. Icons for embroidery with beads - fully equipped sets.

Description of the process step by step

It is better for beginning craftswomen to try themselves on ready-made sets . Even if you have the ability to draw and a person can make a design on fabric himself, a little technical training in embroidery will not hurt, but will make the finished image better and smoother.

Step by step process:

1. Find the desired embroidery kit.
2. Prepare the beads . It must be even and the same size, otherwise the picture will come out sloppy.
3. After threading, work begins from the upper left corner - it’s more convenient, although some people prefer to start from the lower right and move up.
4. When the work with beads is finished, the hands and face on the icon can be embroidered with floss threads , choosing the right color.

Editorial Voice

Matryona

Fan of embroidery and sewing

Ask a Question

The size of the beads must be selected based on the size of the cage. If the beads are smaller, the design will turn out bad and the fabric will gather together. Before embroidering, it is recommended to soak linen fabric in hot water and dry it so that shrinkage occurs before starting work.

Embroidery techniques

There are many techniques for embroidering icons. However, the most popular and famous are the classic and fastened ones.

Classical

According to the classical embroidery technique, you need to carefully iron the fabric so that the beads lie evenly, stretch the fabric onto a wooden frame or hoop, and arrange the beads into separate boxes. Then secure the first stitch of thread to the fabric and make a loop stitch of thread, holding the first bead on the fabric. You need to start on the left, moving from the top corner to the end. At the end of the row, a bead is secured using a double stitch. In the second row you need to go from the upper right corner to the bottom point on the left, then go to the right corner. This is how the icon is embroidered in forward and reverse directions.

Classical technique

Attached

According to the fastening technique, you need to string beads onto a thread, and then sew it to the fabric using short stitches. Stitches between beads. A thread with beads strung on it is laid on the fabric, and with another thread it is stitched through each bead. According to the technique, the finished face is trimmed with beads.

Embroidery techniques and other handicraft subtleties

The beading technique only looks complicated in appearance, but in fact it is even a little simpler than regular cross stitch. Of course, any handicraft requires patience, attentiveness and perseverance.

The traditional embroidery technique (classical) is sewn in horizontal rows using the same thread. Beads of a certain color are strung on it and vary depending on the pattern. The most important thing is that the beads lie flat, make stitches from corner to corner in one direction:

• Odd rows are from the top left corner to the bottom right.
• Even rows - from the bottom right to the top left corner.

There is a “attached” technique, when many beads are strung on a needle at once and then the entire row is secured to the fabric. The beaded surface with voluminous beads, rhinestones, and pearls looks very beautiful. This is how the robes and halos of saints are usually decorated.

In Orthodoxy, color has a symbolic meaning, for example, blue is the color of purity, symbolizing the Mother of God, white is the color of purity of thoughts and holiness, red is the color of suffering and love, green is the color of life, black is the color of mourning and sorrow, gold signifies the Kingdom of Heaven.

These subtleties must be taken into account and applied correctly if you select bead colors yourself. Also pay attention to the markings indicating its color and size. Beads from different manufacturers differ in quality and price.

Think in advance about which hoop you will use to do the work. You can simply sew a small icon by hand if you have experience and are confident that you will not skimp on the work. Most ready-made patterns are applied to a dense base lined with non-woven fabric.

Medium-sized images can be sewn on a regular round hoop. Remember that it will no longer be possible to move the work in the hoop. You will not be able to hold the embroidered part with a clip. Larger work will need to be mounted on an embroidery frame.

For beads, it is better to use special cassette boxes for each color. The colors are clearly visible and the holes in the white fabric are visible. To quickly string beads for embroidery, you can place a small part of it on a white or light-colored handkerchief or cloth napkin.

The strength of the warp thread is important for beads. They behave well - thin silk threads or special fishing line for embroidery do not get tangled or fray. The most inconspicuous colors in the work are usually the white and beige shades of the thread.

How to thread a needle correctly

Threading a needle is not always successful the first time. To make the task easier, there are four simple ways: using varnish, melted wax candle, lighter and water. In all variants, the tip of the thread is wetted, set on fire, or dipped to make it more pliable and flat.

You might be interested in this Review of interesting and detailed diamond embroidery patterns

How to thread a needle

Step-by-step description of the process

To embroider an icon with beads, you need to start with choosing a technique. The only rule is that you cannot change the direction to get a neat job. In order for the final image to be strong, it is necessary to secure each embroidered row with a double stitch. That is, a step-by-step description of the process looks like this:

1. Read the instructions;
2. Lay out all the materials on the table and sit comfortably;
3. Choose a technique;
4. Secure the first bead in the corner with a double stitch;
5. Embroider one row and secure the result with a double stitch;
6. Continue making the next rows until the work is completed.

Then you need to insert the finished work into a baguette, mat or frame, give it as a gift or attach it to the wall.

Work on the icon of St. Helena

The icon of Saint Helena is one of the rare ready-made embroidery kits. It shows Elena with her son Konstantin. Each of them holds a cross in their hands. The icon serves as a symbol of support and revival of Christianity and faith in the kingdom of heaven.

Note! Work on holy images should be carried out according to instructions, with complete humility and understanding of your work, blessing and maintaining fasting.

Saint Helena

We embroider the icon “Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

The Icon of Tenderness of the Mother of God denotes the triumph of Orthodoxy, the joy of motherhood, and the Annunciation. It shows Mary ecstatic and happy, with her hands crossed in prayer and her head bowed. Captured on the icon at the moment of the descent of the Archangel Gabriel, who tells her about the Immaculate Conception. The icon contains yellow, white, red and often blue tones. The tiny embroidery of the holy image, as in the first case, should be carried out with full responsibility and understanding of the matter.

Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is the most frequently encountered shrine, which is considered the easiest to embroider with your own hands. As a rule, there are only six colors here, so inexperienced craftsmen begin making icons with beads from this shrine.

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

We embroider personalized icons

Personalized icons are a great gift for a birthday or angel's day. As a rule, they are depicted on a plain background with a thin gold or black outline. The name of the saint depicted must be present. To embroider a personalized icon, you can use a ready-made template or make it yourself.

Peter and Fevronia

Peter and Fevronia are one of the most revered saints among married couples or newlyweds. They symbolize purity, holiness and Christian love. As a rule, they are most often depicted in full growth against the background of the temple. Jesus is depicted in the center. It is considered to be one of the most difficult subjects to paint images as there are so many small details and colors involved.

Peter and Fevronia

Embroidery of icons with beads: Charivna mit

Charivnya mit is one of the most revered shrines, which today you can make with your own hands, adding beads. This is a difficult plot to create that requires special attention and accuracy.

You might be interested in this: How to embroider on a sewing machine for a beginner

Charivna mit

Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the favorite saints of all Russians. Today, anyone can decorate his image using beads for handicrafts according to a ready-made pattern or his own designs.

Nicholas the Wonderworker

Everlasting color

The most beautiful shrine that you can make with your own hands, embroidered from beads, denoting purity, unfading and purity. On it, Mary is represented with Christ and they are decorated with flowers, a rainbow and angels.

Note! When creating these holy images, it is necessary to use a wide variety of colors, ranging from emerald green to soft pink.

Everlasting color

Unexpected joy

Unexpected joy is one of the revered Christian scenes, which depicts a man worshiping the Virgin Mary holding the baby Christ in her arms. A very rare shrine, which is extremely rare in embroidery kits. In terms of complexity, this is one of the most difficult plots to write.

Unexpected joy

Icon of St. Sophia: bead embroidery

Saint Sophia is the most revered martyr of the Christian world, the patroness of wisdom and spiritual purity. In holy images she is most often depicted with open palms, a cross and a scroll in her hand and in a gesture of blessing. Very often she is depicted in full growth along with her daughters Vera, Nadezhda and Lyubov. Bead embroidery of the icon of this saint can be done either using a ready-made kit or using your own patterns.

Saint Sophia

Beginning of work

There is a set of rules for cross stitch. After the inventory is prepared, the patterns for cross stitching an Orthodox icon have been downloaded for free, get to work.

Embroidery does not like to be rushed . Beginner needlewomen are recommended to purchase a set. It consists of a finished canvas, pattern and threads. Inexperienced craftswomen can start working with children's kits to practice stitching techniques and the ability to hide thread correctly. Such sets usually include from 5 to 8 colors. This is enough to get started. You can start embroidering temples; such patterns are simpler than icon patterns.

The color of the threads used must comply with the rules and canons. Black and gray colors are never used to create Orthodox icons. Flowers that symbolize eternal peace, life, purity and holiness include:

• white;
• gold;
• blue;
• green;
• purple.

Before starting work, the edges of the canvas are processed. This can be done by stitching by hand or using a sewing machine, as well as using clear nail polish or masking tape. This treatment is necessary so that the fabric does not fray during operation.

Algorithm of actions for correct cross stitch:

• find the middle of the outline;
• make markings using thread, pencil or marker;
• insert the work into the hoop;
• start embroidering.

The canvas in the hoop is stretched well and evenly. Otherwise, the crosses may come out in different sizes, the appearance of the finished work will be noticeably spoiled, and it will be impossible to correct it.

How to choose an embroidery kit

As a rule, the embroidery kit contains everything you need to create a full-fledged icon. You need to choose based on price, manufacturer company, complexity of embroidery and beauty. For example, the company that produces beaded icons has proven itself to be a good company. For beginners, it is best to start with small sets that have simple lines.

Note! It is best to learn how to embroider first on ordinary inexpensive step-by-step paintings, and then try to make icons.

Features of icon embroidery

Icons sewn with beads are so beautiful that they are equated to works of art and they think that sewing them is very difficult. Not certainly in that way.

The choice of patterns and manufacturers is large, and you can find small-sized embroideries, simple ones, with a small number of colors, which will be very useful for the first time. Under your patient hands, biblical stories will be born, coloured, shimmering and sparkling in the sun.

Hand-made icons are not just embroidery, they are a noble, godly activity. The process of their creation requires a special approach and a special attitude.

How to consecrate

An icon embroidered with beads can only be blessed by a clergyman during the liturgy with the sprinkling of holy water. He reads prayers over it and pours holy water on it. After completing the rite, the icon of the mistress can be placed on the home iconostasis or any other decent place.

In general, you can embroider icons using ready-made sets only with a blessing, in order to subsequently insert the finished product into a frame and consecrate it. In this case, you can work in two techniques: classical and attached. It is important to do everything according to the model so that you get not only a beautiful icon, but also an exactly repeating image of the saints without distortion.

Ideas for embroidering icons with patterns

Bead embroidery of the “Seven Arrow” Icon (set “Svetlitsa”)

• The “Seven Arrow” icon of the Mother of God is considered one of the most miraculous images and helps to heal from illnesses. It also helps to reconcile warring parties and get rid of cruelty.
• You need to embroider the icon slowly, deliberately, trying to place each bead in its place evenly and neatly. If the row went wrong, it is better to undo the work and start embroidering it again, strictly following the pattern.
• Photorealistic drawing on canvas helps to recreate the icon with photographic clarity, and detailed instructions will help even beginners cope with the work.
• Beads must be sorted before work and used exactly according to the pattern.
• The fabric in the kit is thin and requires a special frame for embroidery.

Bead embroidery of the personalized icon Tatyana (set “Russian artist”)

• Icons named after saints (Name icons) occupy a special place in the bead embroidery technique. They are often presented as a valuable gift addressed to the person whose Heavenly Patron is embroidered on the icon.
• Before starting work, it is better to place the beads in separate containers with lids. As you work, pour small portions onto a flat surface (a sheet of paper, for example). This will make it easier to pick up the beads with a needle.
• There are a lot of beads in the set, quite enough to finish the job.
• The canvas itself is dense and holds the weight of the beads well and does not stretch during operation.

Bead embroidery Icons of St. Nicholas (set “Russian Artisan”)

• Nicholas the Wonderworker helps everyone and always - in everyday life and in suffering, in everyday and in critical situations. All travelers and traders are under his special protection.
• The patron always responds to the prayers of mothers for their children. His icon is one of the most revered Orthodox saints and is found in every home.
• The set contains fabric with a printed pattern; the image itself is clear and does not erase during operation.
• Good quality Czech beads are easy to work with and are immediately placed in separate bags. But for work it is better to transfer it into small containers with lids.
• This manufacturer also has a range of frames for decorating ready-made icons.

Bead embroidery Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (Nova Sloboda set)

• The icon helps many sufferers who ask for deliverance from despondency and sadness, and also ask for strength that is lacking when fighting adversity. The icon cures diseases, not only physical ones, but also spiritual ones.
• The fabric in the set is of very high quality, the finished embroidery inserted into the baguette looks as if it had been ironed. High-quality beads on the finished painting play beautifully in the sun and look different at different times of the day.
• The beads are not sorted by color, so you will have to work extra hard on this.
• Detailed embroidery instructions with tips will help you get used to this exciting activity.
• There are no special canons for embroidery, the main thing is that the beads lie evenly, and the result pleases you.
• Real hand-made masterpieces can be created using rhinestone embroidery kits from this manufacturer.

Bead embroidery Icons Everlasting Color (set “Rainbow beads” or “Crochet”)

• The white lily on the icon symbolizes the purity and purity of the image. The face of the Most Holy One is used to bless the bride before the wedding, and in the future it helps in family life.
• For embroidery with beads you do not need too strong threads; you can embroider with any threads that you have available. But it is better if the thread is white and strong enough to support the weight of the beads.

• A small icon will be quite affordable for beginners. At a small size, it is easier to finish the drawing and correct it if something goes wrong.
• The flowers on the icon should not be embroidered, but woven according to a special pattern. This makes it more voluminous and realistic.