Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment for Beginners Course

Learn haute couture beading and embellishment with our textile and fashion courses in Sydney!

Step inside the world of Parisian couture and discover the exquisite artistry of haute couture beading and embellishment. Over two immersive days, you’ll explore the same techniques used in the ateliers of the great fashion houses, mastering both traditional tambour beading and intricate couture embellishment methods.

Under the guidance of an expert tutor, you’ll begin with the foundations of tambour beading on silk organza, using seed beads, cut beads, and bugle beads to create elegant chain stitch and vermicelli patterns. You’ll then move into the world of couture embellishments — from ribbon work to 3D beadwork and delicate floral designs — crafting beautiful, dimensional samples that showcase your new skills.

Whether you’re a designer, sewist, costumer, or simply passionate about fine handcraft, this course offers the chance to elevate your technical expertise and creative expression. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Haute Couture Beading course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate the foundation techniques of couture beading using standard industry tools and materials.
• Identify the differences between beads and sequins, and select the quality required for couture work.
• Select and use the right tools for different threads and fabrics.
• Complete a vermicelli (cornelli) pattern using the Ari technique.
• Produce a small sample showcasing all fundamental methods learned.

Course content

What will be covered in this Haute Couture Beading course?

Day 1 – Tambour beading foundations

• Understand specialist couture beading supplies, including the varieties and qualities of beads and sequins.
• Learn how fil à gant thread is made in France.
• Prepare a silk organza framework on a rotating frame, ready for beading.
• Set up and use a tambour hook correctly for silk organza.
• Secure starting and finishing knots, and learn how to change direction.
• Begin beading with seed beads, cut beads, and bugle beads using different threads.

Day 2 – Advanced beading and embellishment

• Expand your tambour beading skills with flat and cup sequins.
• Create the vermicelli pattern using the Ari technique.
• Explore contemporary couture embellishments using a beading needle.
• Learn ribbon work, 3D beadwork, and floral applications.
• Combine your techniques into a completed mini sample.

Intended audience

Who is this Haute Couture Beading course for?

This course is suitable for absolute beginners through to experienced makers. It’s ideal for:

• Anyone curious about haute couture beading and embellishment.
• Sewing or craft enthusiasts keen to add a new skill to their repertoire.
• Students who have completed a sewing essentials or fashion illustration course.
• Designers developing a fashion label.
• Costume designers seeking to expand their techniques.
• Sewists, seamsters/seamstresses, and tailors wanting to enhance their professional skillset.

Looking for a shorter introduction to beadwork techniques? You might also like our Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop — a one-day creative session focused on surface embellishment and appliqué design.

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

• Basic sewing kit.

The following materials will be provided:

• Couture beading thread
• Silk organza
• Beads
• Sequins
• Ribbons
• Bugle beads
• Seed and cut beads

Optional: For the duration of the course, you may use a tambour hook, needle, and frame. If you wish to take these home, they can be purchased from your tutor for $70.