Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

Learn the beautiful artform of contemporary beadwork with our Textile & Fashion short courses in Sydney!

Discover how to add texture, sparkle and dimension to your garments and designs in this hands-on beading and appliqué workshop, inspired by techniques used in contemporary fashion, millinery and textiles.

In this one-day course, you’ll create a baroque-style beadwork design using seed beads, sequins, crystals and fringing, stitched onto silk organza with a rotating embroidery frame. You’ll also learn how to apply your finished piece as an appliqué, adding a professional touch to any garment or textile.

Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about modern embellishment techniques, this workshop offers a creative and supportive space to explore. All materials are provided, and you’ll receive lifetime access to the online course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop, you should be able to:

• Use a beading needle and embroidery frame to work with a variety of materials
• Create decorative effects using sequins, crystals, seed beads and fringing
• Design and stitch a baroque-inspired beadwork sampler on silk organza
• Apply your beadwork as an appliqué to garments or textiles
• Understand how contemporary beadwork is used in fashion and design

Course content

What will be covered in this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop?

• Introduction to contemporary beadwork in fashion, textiles and millinery
• Overview of materials: sequins, beads, threads and crystals
• How to prepare silk organza on an embroidery frame
• Techniques for 3D effects and layered textures
• Creating a baroque-style sampler
• How to professionally appliqué your work

Intended audience

Who is this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop for?

This course is open to anyone with an interest in fashion, textiles or handcrafts — no previous experience required. You might be:

• A beginner keen to explore beadwork and appliqué
• A sewist, fashion student or textile artist looking to upskill
• A costume designer, milliner or maker wanting to add texture and sparkle
• Curious about modern embellishment in your creative practice

Whether you're dreaming of runway-ready details or simply love the meditative nature of hand stitching, this workshop offers a rich and inspiring introduction.

You may also be interested in our two-day Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment course — a more in-depth exploration of couture techniques including tambour beading, ribbon-work, and 3D embellishments.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

Please bring a basic sewing kit including:

• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Pins
• Pencil or Frixion pen
• Scissors

All other materials are provided, including specialty threads, silk organza, cabochons and embellishments sourced from Europe.

Optional: 12" embroidery frame available for purchase on the day ($60).