There are no two ways about it; we simply adore working with beads. Whether we’re making beaded jewelry from scratch, adding beads to our knitting, or stringing them onto fishing line to create beaded curtains, we enjoy the entire experience of choosing what kind and shape of bead we like best, colour coordinating them, and getting really creative with how we string them together. We also love beads because they’re a simple way to jazz up and customize things that already exist, and what’s better than making something your own by adding some sparkle?
Just in case you’re on the same page as us about how great beads are, especially when it comes to customizing your own fashion, here are 15 awesome DIY clothing projects that involve beads!
1. Pearl beaded scarf
Have you always loved the look of pearls in jewelry and clothing in just about any style, especially if they’re varied in size? Then we are on the very same page as you and we think you’re going to love this project featured on
2. Pearl beaded shirt collar
Are you very into the idea of pearls but you’re just not sure you need another scarf right now? In that case, perhaps a beaded collar might suit your tastes and needs a little bit better! This might look like an accessory rather than actual clothing, but it’s actually made from the collar of a real shirt so that counts, right? We adore the look of clustered pearls near the tips of each collar and the way they disperse as you get further from the corners.
3. Turquoise and wooden bead tank top
Perhaps you love the idea of beading things and you want to bead some clothing but shining pearls aren’t really your style and you’d prefer something that looks a little more natural or evidently DIY? Then perhaps wooden beads and beads made of turquoise would be more your style!
4. Leaf beaded gray marl sweatshirt
Are you very into the idea of hand sewing beads onto a shirt in a simple way but with a pattern that’s pleasing to the eye, but you live in a chilly area and a tank top just won’t do it for you? In that case, maybe you’d prefer something like this sweatshirt featured on
5. Beaded dress straps
Do you have a lovely dress that you’ve worn before but still like enough that you’ll probably wear it again, even though you try not to repeat items at big events too often? In that case, consider making some cute little alterations that will switch things up a little bit and keep the garment interesting.
6. Beaded jean cuffs
We’ve talked a lot about tops, shirts, blouses, and collars being beaded and customized, but what about beading projects for the bottom half? Don’t worry,
7. Woven fringe shirt with wooden beads
Just because you’re working with beads doesn’t mean you have to limit your design to just sewing beads around the edges of things. Instead, try upcycling a shirt in a way that will totally transform its style!
8. Beaded bubble heart fabric brooch
Have you thought about beading a shirt you really like but it’s one that you wear often and you worry you might suddenly want to wear it plain again sometime later? Then instead of beading a pattern directly onto the shirt, you might consider creating a beaded shape on a piece of fabric to make something cute like this heart brooch.
9. Geometric beaded sleeves
Have the ideas we’ve shown you so far that involve sewing wooden beads to a shirt in shapes and patterns caught your eye but you’re still kind of intent on designing something that’s got a little more personality? In that case, maybe creating your own geometric sleeve similar to this one featured on
10. DIY beaded ribbon sash
Are you still very intrigued by the idea of creating beaded detail for an outfit but keeping it so that it can be removed if necessary rather than attaching it permanently to the clothing? In that case, you might enjoy this ribbon sash idea to complement your favourite dress! We love the way
11. Beaded collar cardigan
We’ve talked a little bit about beaded collars, but those tutorials mostly referred to tank tops, blouses, and sweatshirts. Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more business casual that you could easily wear to the office while still adding a bit of detail to the look? Then check out how
12. DIY beaded collar dress
Just in case you haven’t seen quite enough beaded collars yet, here’s another one for you! This tutorial from
13. Beaded necktie collar
Are you such an upcycling enthusiast that you’d love to find a project that will let you not only repurpose a garment but also add beads all at once? Then perhaps you’ll be a fan of this collar necklace that’s folded and created from an old necktie!
14. Burberry inspired beaded heel sandals
Have you ever seen designer sandals that involve beaded embellishments hanging around the ankle strap of a heel? They’re stunning but they’re often extremely expensive, which is why we love tutorials like this one from
15. Beaded hair elastic
Are you a crochet enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for interesting ways to enhance your own style using your yarn skills? In that case, why not make yourself a beaded accessory that has some practical function too? We adore this sparkly, beaded little hair tie that, while not technically a piece of clothing, will give you just a little bit of sparkle and pizzazz if you’re wearing an outfit that doesn’t need much help. Check the whole project out in more detail on
Do you know someone who loves adding a bit of glitz and glamour to their old clothing and accessories in order to keep their style interesting and upcycle whatever they can? Then share this post with them for a little bit of inspiration!
The post