Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

What you'll learn

Learn the beautiful artform of contemporary beadwork with our Textile & Fashion short courses in Sydney!

Discover how to add texture, sparkle and dimension to your garments and designs in this hands-on beading and appliqué workshop, inspired by techniques used in contemporary fashion, millinery and textiles.

In this one-day course, you’ll create a baroque-style beadwork design using seed beads, sequins, crystals and fringing, stitched onto silk organza with a rotating embroidery frame. You’ll also learn how to apply your finished piece as an appliqué, adding a professional touch to any garment or textile.

Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about modern embellishment techniques, this workshop offers a creative and supportive space to explore. All materials are provided, and you’ll receive lifetime access to the online course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop, you should be able to:

  • Use a beading needle and embroidery frame to work with a variety of materials
  • Create decorative effects using sequins, crystals, seed beads and fringing
  • Design and stitch a baroque-inspired beadwork sampler on silk organza
  • Apply your beadwork as an appliqué to garments or textiles
  • Understand how contemporary beadwork is used in fashion and design

Course content

What will be covered in this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop?

  • Introduction to contemporary beadwork in fashion, textiles and millinery
  • Overview of materials: sequins, beads, threads and crystals
  • How to prepare silk organza on an embroidery frame
  • Techniques for 3D effects and layered textures
  • Creating a baroque-style sampler
  • How to professionally appliqué your work

Intended audience

Who is this Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop for?

This course is open to anyone with an interest in fashion, textiles or handcrafts — no previous experience required. You might be:

  • A beginner keen to explore beadwork and appliqué
  • A sewist, fashion student or textile artist looking to upskill
  • A costume designer, milliner or maker wanting to add texture and sparkle
  • Curious about modern embellishment in your creative practice

Whether you're dreaming of runway-ready details or simply love the meditative nature of hand stitching, this workshop offers a rich and inspiring introduction.

You may also be interested in our two-day Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment course — a more in-depth exploration of couture techniques including tambour beading, ribbon-work, and 3D embellishments.

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

Please bring a basic sewing kit including:

  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Pins
  • Pencil or Frixion pen
  • Scissors

All other materials are provided, including specialty threads, silk organza, cabochons and embellishments sourced from Europe.

Optional: 12" embroidery frame available for purchase on the day ($60).

Course tutors

Charlotte is a British couture dress designer and founder of Couture Bead Masters. She trained at the London College of Fashion in Handcraft and Production tailoring.  Charlotte initially worked...

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Classes Online Courses

Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

<p>Learn the beautiful artform of contemporary beadwork with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">Textile &amp; Fashion short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>

<p>

...
$239 Limited inc GST / $191.20 / $203.10 / $215.10
Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

<p>Learn the beautiful artform of contemporary beadwork with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/textiles-fashion">Textile &amp; Fashion short courses</a> in Sydney!</p>

<p>

...
$239 Limited inc GST / $191.20 / $203.10 / $215.10

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué: Beginners Workshop