I have stitched a number of cross stitch pieces with beaded accents on both aida and linen. No issues. And I just thread each stitch of my cross through the bead's hole (with a more slender beading needle) for a nice, square bead placement. Super easy. And once you've done a small project or two, branch out to whatever inspires you! I started stitching as a child on a large needlepoint project. My first cross stitch project was also large and complex. But as long as you are not in a hurry, you just stitch one stitch at a time. And you can find examples of every kind of stitch on youtube. If you've got the time and the patience, you can do anything.

I was just about to post about beading. I have never used beads either and it seems like a lot of people on here have. I was wondering if anyone has done beads but prefers the look without them or if they add a bling that is always welcome? My problem is I have never seen a piece with beads. No stores with finished pieces on display, know no other stitchers. Sigh
I'm like lmurdoch that I started with complex projects. I just knew if I started with too simple I'd get bored. I'm going to check out online and see if I can get a good look at finished projects with beads. :)
Liz

Honestly, I don't think that you have to do a dozen small projects. When I started out I purposely chose 4 or 5 small ones because I didn't want to discourage myself. The small few projects gave me confidence. I don't like to work on paper and you can use the beads on fabric. I would choose the aida but that's just me. If you look at ECS fabrics, they have so many beautiful colors in aida. And if you want to change the colors yourself in floss, it's ok. There are no "rules" as far as us stitchers are concerned. I've noticed that at the back of some mags they show how to bead. If you are unsure, I would be happy to post the instructions to the Chat, of course giving the magazine name and if there is an author I will give full credit. However, since you have a computer, just go on there and they can show you how to do it. Again, all of us stitchers want for you to have fun and enjoyment and becoming as addicted as we are. Remember, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO 12 SMALL PROJECTS before you start on something you can't live without. There are so many talented and funny people on this site, and they are more than willing to help! There are no Cross Stitch Police!!!!!!! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to come to Chit Chat. To my fellow stitchers if I have goofed up, feel free to ungoof me.Good luck and have fun. Pam

I have done about 3 or 4 Mill Hill designs. They are a lot of fun. I was very intimidated by them in the beginning, however, they turned out to be fairly easy. I have changed out the perforated paper for Aida each time. I try to match the color of the Aida as close to the paper as I can and use a 14 count Aida so that way your finished project is the same size and will also fit nicely in their pre-made frames. Just keep in mind it is easier to stitch the project first completely and then go back and put the beads on. On the pattern there will be a symbol where the bead goes, there is no stitching under the bead. Come up with your beading needle in the lower left corner and go through the bead and go down through the upper right corner. I hope this make sense to you. Try it, you will not be disappointed with the end result. They are beautiful designs.

I have to agree with these guys about doing a few smaller projects just to get the feel of reading/interpreting instructions, changing colors and beads, accent stitching, centering the project...getting to know what makes you scratch your head and what questions you need to raise. Think of us as the net...somebody has a rescue for you! 😊 But when the big urge strikes, go for it! You can do whatever you think you can do...sometimes with a little he!p, but you CAN do it! 😊

I personally don't like anything that has beading on it, that is my opinion and I am sticking to it. Darn things roll all over the place, if you drop one off the needle it is like trying to find who tooted in the crowd at church. That being said I also started out with a big project for my first cross stitch. I was a poor college student at the time and I bought a book of patterns that was on sale and everything to go with it, I believe the whole project cost $10.00 which was a lot of money for me back then. I got so frustrated and ended up pitching the whole thing and quit cross stitching for several years (the internet wasn't available then *gasp* the horror). I didn't have a support system since there wasn't anybody else that did it so I couldn't ask for help. I did eventually come back to it and have been stitching for over 20 years. I still ask questions and learn new things, thank you all on this chat for your help, tips and advice. I say do what you feel comfortable with, if you feel like you can do it give it a try but remember if you get frustrated and pitch it like I did you could have bought something else to cross stitch you may have enjoyed more and finished.

I love the Mill Hill kits and have done a bunch of them. The instructions are easy to understand, just be sure to read them all first, they are step by step. I also find it easy to hold the perforated paper in just my hand. If you are just starting cross stitch I would find one that didn't have too many colors or an elaborate design, some of the sleighs are pretty detailed, just so you can get the stitching down. The more detailed design the more color beads you will have too.

I would also say that you don't have to do 12 small projects before trying a big one. I would step up, try 1 or 2 small items then maybe increase the size, like finding something that is 5 x7. It is all when you feel comfortable and how you learn the craft. I have been stitching for 15 years and I am still learning new tricks. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Good Luck and Happy Stitching!!

Hi Carissalindsey30
I've stitched a few Mill Hill kits and and they are super easy with the perforated paper. It's easy to hold and never wrinkles like fabric! I think the beading is beautiful but some of the kits have tons of beading and some have little accents. You really need to see what you would like. I did the Witch Way beaded kit and it came out gorgeous!! The person I gave it to never stitched before and she loved it so much she purchased a Mill Hill sugar skull kit, which was mostly beads, and finished it! She now stitches all the time! If you really want to see some gorgeous beading, I suggest you check out Floss Tube. There are a lot of Mirabilia designs people are working on and they show them as they are being done. The beading is just incredible. There are queens and mermaids and fairies. So pretty! One thing to mention about perforated paper...DO NOT FOLD IT to find your center. You should use a ruler. I made that mistake and actually tore the paper but it was over enough so I could cover it with the frame. Also the frames they are pictured with fit perfectly, no need for a framer on these, just pop them in the frame. Note: the frames do not come with backs. I had to put some foam core board on the back to make the picture secure. It was pretty easy. Good Luck!

Carissa - I have done many large projects with beads and love them. I feel they give a depth to the work. I have never done a Mill Hill kit as I gave up on kits 20 years or more ago. When I first started stitching I bought a beautiful Dimensions kit and started in the center and was working along enjoying myself and watching my project come to life. One night I looked at my pattern and my fabric and I knew I wasn't going to have anywhere near enough fabric or threads. So I threw it away and didn't do any stitching again for about a year. Then I found a Stoney Creek magazine in Barnes & Noble and was hooked again and have been stitching ever since. When I put a bead on my project I start at the lower left corner with ONE thread and run it through the bead to the upper right corner. I do this several times on the same bead and it doesn't wobble or come loose. VCESS just mentioned a method the other day about using a petite tapestry needle for beading and I tried it and it is fantastic. I will be using this needle again when I am working on the beading part of my new project - "A tapestry of life" by Stoney Creek. I hope you will enjoy your project and keep us posted on how it is coming along. The only suggestion I can give to you about - are you ready for a bigger project - read the pattern you want to do over and over till you understand what all is involved and make sure you feel comfortable with all it requires. I think you will be fine.
cheryl