Batik Butterfly Pillow

4. Bring the needle back through the corner of the pillow and pull tight to anchor the strand of beads. Hint: Hold the accent bead while pulling the thread.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 5, completing the desired number of strands.

6. Tie a finishing knot, and then bring the needle and thread halfway through one strand of beads. Bring the needle out of the strand and cut the thread.

7. Thread the original tail through the needle. Thread this through another strand of beads in the tassel and cut off to hide all the loose ends of the thread for a finished look.

Beaded-Embroidery Steps:

1. Choose beads to accent specific areas of the batik design. Thread a one-yard length of beading thread through a beading needle. Tie a knot at the end.

2. Single beads can be attached using the single stitch as follows:
A) Insert the needle into the pillow at the side seam closest to where you want the beads.
B) Make sure the knot is locked inside the pillow.
C) Bring the needle up where you want the first bead.
D) String on the bead.
E) Inset the needle back into the pillow and then to the next bead location.
F) Repeat this step until all single beads are attached.
G) Tie a finishing knot near the last bead, and then bring the needle back to the side seam and out.

3. Multiple beads that are graduated in size can be attached using the stacked single stitch. Follow the directions for step 2, except string on multiple beads (the largest bead first). Go back through all beads except for the last one strung on. Go back into the pillow and to the next location.

4. Larger beads can be couched or surrounded by a circle of seed beads. Sew on a large bead using a single stitch. Bring the needle up near the large bead and string on enough seed beads to surround the large bead. Bring the needle back into the pillow next to the first stitch. Come up on the opposite side of the large bead. Pull tight to close the circle. Bring the needle through one seed bead and back into the fabric to the next location.

5. Attach a border of seed beads around the perimeter to hide the seams. The border is attached using a backstitch. Thread a long length of beading thread or wire onto a beading needle and knot.

6. Go through the pillow at one seam near a tassel. String on six seed beads. Go into the fabric directly at the end of the line of six beads. Direct the needle back toward the line of beads. Come up between beads 3 and 4. Put the needle through the beads 4, 5, and 6. String on six more beads and repeat until you reach the corner.

7. Tie a finishing knot and bring the tail back into the line of beads. Cut excess thread.

8. Repeat for all four sides.