Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

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

Add texture, dimension and sparkle to your creative projects with this hands-on beading and appliqué workshop, inspired by techniques used in contemporary fashion, millinery and textile art.

In this one-day course, you’ll explore a variety of decorative methods using seed beads, bugles, sequins, crystals and fringing to create a richly layered baroque-style design. Working on silk organza and using a rotating embroidery frame for precision and ease, you’ll learn how to stitch delicate 3D elements and embellishments by hand. You’ll then be guided through the process of applying your finished piece as an appliqué — transforming your design into a wearable or decorative item.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills in textile embellishment, this workshop offers a practical, technique-rich introduction to contemporary beadwork. You’ll also receive free lifetime access to the online version of the course and become part of the Couture Bead Masters online community.

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

Learning outcomes

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

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

Course content

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

• Introduction to contemporary beadwork and its use in fashion, textiles and millinery
• Overview of materials: sequins, beads, threads, and crystals
• Setting up silk organza on an embroidery frame
• Stitching techniques for 3D effects and layered textures
• Creating a baroque-style sampler with applied beadwork
• How to professionally appliqué your work to a garment or textile surface

Intended audience

Who is this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in fashion, textiles, or handcrafts — no prior beading experience needed. Join this class if you are:

• A beginner keen to explore beadwork and appliqué techniques in a supportive setting
• A sewist, fashion student or textile artist looking to expand your embellishment skills
• A costume designer, milliner or maker wanting to add texture and sparkle to your work
• Curious about incorporating modern embellishment techniques into your creative practice

Whether you're dreaming of runway-ready details or simply love the meditative nature of hand stitching, this one-day workshop offers a creative and inspiring introduction to contemporary beadwork.

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

A basic sewing kit including:

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

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