Every stitch feels like dropping a pebble into calm water, letting the ripples expand into circles of light.
These beaded rounds capture that same energy, radiating outward with blues, whites, and shimmers that shift as you move.
On a sleeve or hemline, they become more than decoration; they’re echoes of waves, stars, and eyes of protection.
With each bead sewn, you’re layering not just beauty but meaning, turning fabric into a canvas that carries a little piece of your story wherever you go.
Materials Needed
- Seed beads in white, light blue, and navy (size 11/0, 10-12 grams each)
- Faceted crystal beads for extra sparkle (optional, 5-10 pieces per circle)
- Beading needle (size 10 or 12)
- Beading thread (Nymo, FireLine, or polyester thread, 2-3 yards)
- Clothing item (shirt, sleeve, or dress)
- Fabric stabilizer or felt backing
- Small embroidery hoop
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: First, mark the spots on your clothing where you’d like your circles to sit. Then slip a piece of stabilizer or felt behind the fabric, and secure the area in an embroidery hoop.
Step 2: Next, bring your needle up through the fabric at the center point of your circle. You can add two or three navy beads, then stitch them down to form the dark core.
Step 3: After that, begin adding a ring of lighter blue beads around the center. Work in small arcs, stitching two or three beads at a time so they curve smoothly.
Step 4: Then continue with white beads for the outer edge. Then layer them tightly so the circle appears full and glowing.
Step 5: If you want sparkle, add a few faceted crystal beads on the outer edge. This step isn’t required, but it catches light beautifully when you move.
Step 6: Finally, secure your thread at the back with a double knot. Trim carefully, and repeat the process for as many circles as you’d like.
Helpful Pointers:
Always use a stabilizer behind thin fabrics, it keeps the circles flat and stops your beads from sagging.
If you’re working on sleeves or cuffs, keep your stitches snug but not too tight, so the fabric can still move naturally.