Description and features of soutache technique

First of all, to understand what is soutache jewelry you need to understand the word soutache itself. So, soutache is a thin, flat and flexible fabric cord, ribbon or tourniquet, most often silk. Soutache jewelry is based on a soutache cord inlaid with various kinds of materials, such as rhinestones, stones, beads and cabochons.

This type of needlework appeared and became popular back in the 14th century in the country, which at that time was one of the trendsetters - in France. He immediately fell in love with the nobility of this country and began to embroider both women's dresses and men's military uniforms with soutache embroidery. In Russia, soutache jewelry and embroidery appeared during the reign of Peter the Great and were brought by him from Europe.

If you look at the uniforms of the hussars of the Russian Empire, then epaulettes embroidered with soutache will immediately catch your eye. Subsequently soutache decoration technique lost its former glory and began to appear less and less in the clothing styles of most countries, and only gained popularity again at the beginning of the 20th century. Revived this kind of art known all over the world masters of soutache jewelry from Israel such as Michal Negrin and Dori Chengeri.

In the modern world, soutache needlework is also called the “Russian braid”. This name is associated with very similar methods of making jewelry and sewing with world-famous Russian ribbon weaving.

The basis of soutache products is the imagination of a person who decided to make embroidery or decoration, as well as long and very painstaking work. As mentioned above, the basis of this is the cord. Currently, the coloring of the harnesses can be of any colors and shades.

First of all, before starting work, you should come up with and depict on fabric or paper soutache decoration scheme. Always before starting work, you must carefully prepare all the materials used for the future product, the soutache braid from the edges is most often fired or treated with PVA glue, stones, beads and glass beads are cleaned of foreign dirt and dust, pieces of leather are degreased for good glue fixation.

Next, you need to estimate them with the resulting scheme and slowly start the work itself. Making soutache jewelry very unhurried business and speed in it is not at all an assistant. It takes many hours and days to create a masterpiece.

Types of soutache jewelry

All soutache jewelry can be divided into two main types:

- products, as part of the overall composition - are often used when sewing dresses, with their magnificent curls from soutache cord. For example, you can embroider a blouse or shirt collar with a tourniquet, as well as bring your fantasies to life in order to save damaged clothes (cover a stain or hole on a dress with a soutache tape);

- independent products - earrings, pendants, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, hairpins and headbands, as well as others that can be worn as separate products with different clothes.

In our country, soutache jewelry is also subdivided according to the type of soutache itself:

- Greek (European) soutache - distinguished by a wide ribbon, a rich color palette, the use of artificial fabrics;

- Russian soutache - is distinguished by the softness of the tape, a moderate color palette of soothing tones, the use of a tape based on viscose;

- Belarusian soutache - is distinguished by a narrow rigid tape (no more than 2.5 mm), the cord is made mainly of cotton. Good for making small jewelry.

You can also divide all soutache jewelry according to the use of a color palette in a product, or rather, single-color ones (accessories and ribbon of the same colors or very similar shades are used) and color or variegated ones (they use two or three or many different colors). You should be very careful with the second type, because the human eye does not perceive the product in more than three different colors, and even these three colors must be compatible.

A huge plus of soutache jewelry is their lightness, despite the fact that they look voluminous. The cord itself has almost no weight, and all the weight depends only on the quantity and size of materials used in the product made of stones, beads, rhinestones, and so on. Often, in the manufacture of these, the technique of soutache and braided wire products is combined, which to some extent emphasizes the sophistication of the product.

With the development of the Internet, each person can feel like a master and try to make handmade soutache jewelry. There is a huge amount of advice, descriptions, diagrams and photo of soutache jewelry. It is always worth starting with something simpler, for example, with a small body pendant. To facilitate this task soutache jewelry for beginners presented by master classes.

Soutache embroidery or weaving is one of the varieties of macrame and for this activity they use the same tools - needles, knitting needles, hooks and so on. In addition, apart from the soutache tape itself, you will definitely need small pieces of leather, leatherette or felt (for linings), PVA glue, threads in the color of the braid and fishing line for weaving.

To fully understand all the splendor of products made using the soutache technique, you need to see them live. In most major cities of our country, exhibitions of soutache jewelry are periodically held and each of us can visit one of them at least once in a lifetime.

Price of soutache jewelry

The cost of soutache products is mostly quite small, for example, a simple pendant in the form soutache jewelry to buy it is possible within 500-1000 rubles, but there are exclusive and very expensive things. One of the most famous masters of soutache technique is the Israeli Dori Csengeri, the products of this designer are known all over the world and are often encrusted with precious stones, including jewelry with diamonds, with Swarovski crystals and their cost can exceed a million rubles.

In any case, soutache jewelry is almost always a single item, because it is made by hand and it is extremely difficult to produce exactly similar items. It is precisely because of this that soutache decorations are quite valuable - they seem to exude a certain warmth of laboring hands.

Materials for soutache jewelry they are quite inexpensive and can be purchased both in textile stores and in specialized, focused on do-it-yourself products. If you nevertheless decide to make a simple product with your own hands, then it will cost no more than 200-300 rubles, and maybe even less, because some materials can not be bought, but found on the street or in your bins. For example, a beautiful stone for or can be easily found on the beach or in a quarry, which are present in almost any locality.

A well-chosen soutache jewelry will always look great in a general outfit and even emphasize it. Recently, the soutache craft has become very widespread and beautiful products made using this technique adorn the outfits of famous and eminent people (writers, actors and even companions of the first persons of states).

Soutache embroidery of jewelry: photo and video master class

Soutache embroidery of jewelry: photo and video master class

Thanks to the progress and variety of decorative materials that are used to create all kinds of masterpieces, now anyone can master the most unimaginable embroidery technique. So, from the 14th century, soutache embroidery came to us from France. But similar elements were also found in Slavic culture, so many culturologists and art historians of our time argue about where this art came from.
Now, as before, embroidery is used to create a variety of decorative accessories. This embroidery technique is considered royal, because it was used to decorate clothes, create all kinds of elements and various decor in costume jewelry and jewelry of important and very noble persons.
Anyone, having studied several lessons with a detailed description of the master class on soutache technique, will be able to create various decorations and decor for clothes with their own hands or use them as jewelry.

Master class on soutache embroidery of a brooch or pendant

Any creative work, before being realized, requires a clear plan or at least a well-thought-out concept.
The first stage consists of the preparatory process. First of all, we choose or create a scheme for the future decoration. If possible, it is necessary to draw a product, think over every detail, elements, so that you can purchase the required materials.
The second stage is the creative process or the practical application of the acquired knowledge of the master class on soutache technique:

This is the easiest and most accessible for beginners lesson on soutache embroidery. If desired, everyone can master it if they understand the main principles of such a technique.

Basic techniques and rules of soutache embroidery

Soutache cordBefore starting trial work and teaching master classes, any beginner needs to understand certain subtleties and nuances that the soutache technique has. First of all, it is necessary to correctly select the most important material - soutache cord. It should have flexibility, softness and satin sheen. It should also be understood that the technique and the result of the finished product or decoration depend not only on the materials.
It should be understood that soutache embroidery must be done carefully, with special painstaking and thoroughness. The slightest flaws, curvature in products in such embroidery will be noticeable and conspicuous. In order for the embroidery of this technique to be more accurate, you need to follow a few simple rules:

In the process of cutting, it is necessary to process the tips, since the soutache cord tends to unravel. Therefore, the tips are processed by the usual cauterization of the thread or by gluing PVA;

Mixed combinations with beads, small beads, all kinds of stone shapes and cabochons look the most advantageous;

The soutache technique involves the use of a special fishing line instead of ordinary threads. Thanks to this, seams and transitions become invisible;

At the end, when creating a variety of soutache jewelry, lining material is used. For it, you can use any dense fabric or material: felt, leather, suede and others;

When teaching this style of embroidery, many workshops advise you to do all the work without breaking the main thread or to assemble your product from several separate elements. You can create: brooches, necklaces, collars, earrings. Beginning masters are advised to start something simpler, for example, from a pendant or brooch;

It is better to carefully study all the information of the master classes in order to make as few mistakes as possible in practice.

Video: soutache bracelet master class

Making jewelry using soutache technique

Another option for a master class for creating a headband or other do-it-yourself decoration based on velvet fabric. This decoration can be created in Greek, Slavic or Egyptian style. Soutache embroidery used in these products consists of the following steps:

The work begins with gluing or braiding the rivoli with beads. To do this, we collect the required number of beads on the fishing line, close it in a ring, inserting a needle into the last two beads;

You can braid in different ways: mosaic weaving or delica. The main thing is to move in a circle, observing a certain weaving pattern. It is better, of course, to follow the chosen or drawn drawing with your own hands;

In the second row, when moving in a circle, add beads or beads through one. Beads of each row may differ in color or be solid. This is already the choice and fantasy of the master;

After the crystal has been braided, it is sewn over the rows of the purl braid onto a rigid base. It can be interlining folded eight times or thick leather fabric, its substitute;

Then the lining material is cut off, leaving a few millimeters of margin from the braid;

Soutache braid for work in this master class uses three or more types. Both single-layer and multi-fold rope suitable for such embroidery are used. The soutache is divided in half and seams are laid from the middle in one selected direction. The needle passes from the wrong side into the hole in the braid. The needle should come out in the place where the grooves of the soutache ribbons sewn together are located;

The needle returns to the wrong side of the rivoli through the soutache and interlining. To make all lines and stitches invisible, it is better to use monofilament;

One half of the rivoli is sewn up with soutache. Then they take a bead and circle it with a soutache. All ponytails go inside out;

The second half of the already beaded rivoli is sheathed with the same technique. The tips are brought inside out, their excess length is removed and the cut edges are processed;

Soutache braid is laid out in the form of a drop or a petal from several multi-colored species. You can also lay out various twisted elements created by soutache braid. Beads are sewn either immediately or later. They try to fix individual parts from the wrong side. Stitches are laid between the braid and the soutache. The beads are located in the bends of the soutache petals;

All other actions continue according to the scheme conceived by the master. Additional petals can be created or the pattern will go in different curls.

Weaving rivoli with beads
Weaving rivoli with beads
Weaving rivoli with beads The next step is to create a bandage with your own hands. It is made with the width that will match the selected style. As practice has shown, soutache embroidery is in perfect harmony with any materials, therefore, as the basis of a headband or necklace, you can choose from soft fabrics up to various metals. A small piece of material should complement the size of the embroidered element and match the size of the head.

If the material is fabric, then two strips of interlining are attached with a heated iron. We glue or carefully sew the soutache strips of braid interconnected. The stitches with which we sew the braid to the rim can be easily hidden between the beaded rows.
The ends of the braid are hidden behind the central element on the wrong side. They are additionally sewn for a fortress.
The fabric for the headband should be folded in half so that its edges are hidden inside, and an elastic band can pass through the middle, thanks to which such a headdress will hold. The ends of threads, ribbons and unwanted handmade elements are hidden under the main element. When the work is finished, the flaws are covered with additional material of the same fabric as the rim, and then reinforcement stitches are laid.
To cover the stitches on the front side, you can lay a special thin ribbon that will match the thematic direction of the finished decoration. The type of garment or piece of jewelry depends on the planned projects, which embody the whole essence and grandeur of soutache embroidery in terms of execution technique.
Soutache embroidery in its execution and technical complexity for beginners does not present any particular problems. The main thing is to realistically calculate your strengths, choose what can really be done at the first stages of mastery. For many, studying at the lessons of masters of a certain class can give a significant impetus to growth and creative development. Therefore, having mastered at first a seemingly difficult technique, the former student will not notice how she becomes a first-class master, who herself will be able to give advice and conduct her own master classes for other inexperienced beginners.

Video: how to make soutache earrings

Soutache jewelry embroidery is a great way to turn your old clothes into smart and fashionable ones, and this technique is also used for handbags, shoes, and even beautiful handmade jewelry.

The soutache is used to create all kinds of volumetric details, with and without the use of fabric for attaching the soutache. A three-dimensional element, created without a base, is formed with the help of soutache coils, closely laid and fixed with invisible seams.

In creativity, a special narrow ribbon is used - soutache. With the help of a thin needle and transparent threads, the soutache is attached to the fabric base, connecting with each other and forming voluminous beautiful weaves. Wonderful floral patterns are created by continuous zigzag lines. It is characterized by laying out a pattern along the outline with a braid sewn with inconspicuous seams.

Soutache cord

Soutache is used in embroidery, because this rope is thin, plastic, fits well, and is easy to work with. Such a braid consists of several cords fastened with a thin winding. The ribbon includes a hole in the central part between two laces. Subsequently, a needle will be stuck into the resulting recess to fix the rope on the fabric.

Variety:

• cotton;

• silk;

• synthetic;

• viscose.

Manufacturers produce them in a variety of colors.

The surface of the cord is made shiny and smooth, so the ornaments created in this way look very elegant and attractive. Fine needles are used for such extravagant sewing. Experienced needlewomen opt for thin and strong threads that match the tone of the main working material. For beginners who want to learn the soutache technique, needlewomen recommend getting a hoop, although they themselves have not used them for a long time.

Earrings in soutache technique

Earrings made by this method look unusually beautiful.

Sewing is done with simple types of hand stitches. The most commonly used seam "forward needle" with a small step. Soutache embroidery is more and more popular with young girls, and they are happy to learn how to work on such an exquisite embroidery process.

Simple stitches and the flexibility of the working material, the rapid filling of a vast area with an ornament attracts not only needlewomen, but also new craftswomen. The desire to make something unusual and individual with your own hands, to give charm to the product, unites amateurs and beginners. The splendor and elegance of soutache jewelry captivates and arouses the interest of art connoisseurs.

Let's learn in detail how to make earrings.

Earring Making Workflow

For the implementation of creative work, we need the following materials:

• Fabric base.

• Soutache cord.

• Thin beaded needle.

• Beads.

• Stones.

• Felt or leather flap.

• Scissors.

• Scheme.

• Copy paper.

• Candle or glue.

Before making textile earrings, the prepared pattern is transferred to the canvas using carbon paper or a special marker. The ornament is chosen continuously, without cutting the cord. You can use Richelieu embroidery, and other well-known patterns. An uninterrupted ornament makes it possible to create the impression of a continuous openwork and eliminates the need to hide the ponytail. The delamination of cut satin soutache cord is prevented by cauterization over a candle or by treatment with a transparent adhesive that does not leave marks.

The working thread is fixed with several small seams in the area, which, during manipulations, will be covered with a sewn-on braid.

When performing stitches, we stick the needle vertically, in order to avoid horizontal movement of the rope relative to the base, and distortion of the product. The thread should be moderately free - not overtightened and not sagging. And the locking stitch will be invisible and neat. We carefully monitor that the cord does not stick out at the points of a sudden inflection. Therefore, the completed turns are well fixed between themselves with invisible thread seams.

All voluminous crafts are made up of individual parts. The manufacturing process of volumetric elements consists in the fact that the ribbon is set “on edge”, and at the moment of fixing to the canvas, it is placed in parallel, tightly pressing against the fabric. The curls are connected to each other by alternately pinning them in order of placement. In the process of manipulation, several used threads with individual needles are used.

The basis is felt fabric or leatherette, and an important purpose of the described materials is decoration, which consists in the need to hide the inside of a homemade craft and make it attractive.

Having dealt with the theory, the method of connecting the turns and armed with perseverance and determination, even a novice needlewoman can cope with a narrow cord. Use a variety of additional details in the manufacture: beads, cabochons, beads and other decor. Earrings, necklaces, brooches enchant with their beauty. The main advantage is uniqueness and exclusivity. Fine, requiring perseverance and diligence, work with soutache cord and an abundance of miniature fragments are distinguished by individual production. Therefore, soutache works are in great demand among popular fashionistas, celebrities and artists.

All people who want to look great and fashionable can learn how to use this technique by reading the above. Of course, gold and silver works are in great demand, but, unfortunately, they are not available to everyone. Therefore, applying the knowledge gained in practice, the needlewomen will create no less original jewelry creations from the soutache cord with their own hands.

Mastering the above techniques, craftswomen create unique and individual crafts that delight with their unsurpassed beauty.

Recently, handmade jewelry has become increasingly popular. They are made of beads, beads, polymer clay, rubber bands and many other ways. Let's look at how to create original jewelry with your own hands together.

from soutache

You can not ignore the accessories made of soutache. What it is? Perhaps this word is not as well known as the products themselves, which everyone has seen. Soutache is a braided silk lace that is used to trim clothes, usually for children and women.

Weaving from soutache, first of all, is carried out thanks to a monophonic thread, with the help of which the cords are fixed. And if you have at least a little experience in sewing, mastering this type of decorative art will not be difficult for you.

History of art creation

Soutache embroidery has been known since the 14th century, when it was actively used in decorating women's clothing in France. Later, this technique (soutache) began to be used to create jewelry.

In Russia during the time of Peter I, this type of decoration was also known. In the XIX-XX centuries, it was successfully forgotten about. However, in the 90s of the last century, thanks to the Israeli designer Mekhala Nagrin, who used it to create jewelry, the technique received a second life. Currently, the "soutache" technique is used in the manufacture of handbags, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and much more.

Is it possible to make such decorations at home? Undoubtedly. A soutache is an unusual way of creating jewelry that involves the use of silk cord. By wrapping them around beads or stones, you can get excellent patterns.

Features of weaving from soutache

Before you start creating your dream jewelry, it is advisable to draw a sketch of the planned product. It is not necessary to do this with one hundred percent similarity, but a schematic drawing will not hurt. Here are some more tips:

1. Start in the middle, using several folds of soutache cord for sewing. Sheathe the main element with it and after that start adding the remaining components of the accessory.
2. The wrong side is very important not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also because it is necessary that the product does not fall apart. Therefore, attach a piece of leather or felt, circle it in shape, cut it out and decorate the wrong side.
3. Handle the finished product carefully, as the soutache cord is easily damaged, and if one bead falls out, it will be problematic to correct the situation.

Below we will look at how you can make a bracelet using the soutache technique. A master class for beginners will help you master this type of needlework in the shortest possible time.

What is required to create a soutache bracelet

So, prepare the following materials and tools:

1. Several soutache laces in different colors.
2. Beads with a diameter of 5 mm and 3 mm.
3. The threads are the same colors as the laces.
4. Clamp.
5. A small piece of skin.
6. Clasp for a bracelet.

When all of the above is prepared, you can start making the bracelet.

Making soutache jewelry together

The master class is designed for an average of 3 hours. Let's get started:

1. In this technique, you should start from the middle of the product, but not from the end. Take a large bead and fasten it between two cords. The bead must be firmly fixed between them. Secure the laces with thread.
2. Next, take two more laces of different colors and continue to sheathe the bead.
3. Add 4 more beads, securing them on the sides of the main one.
4. Stitch the beads with soutache.
5. With the help of small beads, form a semicircle around one of the 4 beads, then near the second, close to it.
6. Fasten the ends of the soutache tightly.
7. Do the whole procedure on the other side.
8. To make the side parts, you should take two cords and fold them in half. In the middle, place small beads at the same distance.
9. Add a couple more layers of soutache, inserting small beads between the beads of the already completed rows.
10. Cut off excess threads and fix the ends with a special clip.
11. Make the second part of the bracelet in this way, sew it with the central blank.
12. Sheathe the inside of the center of the decoration with pieces of leather. Cut them according to the size of the middle part.
13. Attach clasps.

This is how you can make a soutache bracelet. The master class for beginners is quite simple and straightforward. After practicing a few times, you will be able to make jewelry with more complex patterns.

Soutache as an art form

Soutache is a weaving technique that allows you to make jewelry not only from beads, but from beads and various stones.

Soutache weaving is gaining more and more popularity. Leading fashion houses pay special attention to such decorations. And this is not surprising, because such jewelry is suitable for both young girls and older ladies.

Bracelets and earrings look fashionable and stylish. The only problem is that not everyone can afford jewelry from world designers, so there are a lot of recommendations for making soutache jewelry on your own. We offer a master class in our article. After all, be that as it may, the ability to weave beautiful jewelry will always be relevant.

Now let's look at how to make a necklace using the "soutache" technique. The master class is designed so that at the end you get an original decoration that will delight you and attract the attention of others.

Necklace materials

To make a necklace, you will need certain materials. But you can change the elements as you wish, replacing some stones with others:

1. The main element is a cat's eye, the size of a finger knuckle.
2. Agate beads, the diameter of which is 6 mm.
3. Mother-of-pearl beads size 3 mm.
4. Pearls - 4-5 mm.
5. Flat mother-of-pearl round beads, diameter - 11 mm.
6. Soutache cord in three colors.
7. Any thickened fabric.
8. A piece of leather to decorate the wrong side.
9. Fishing line.
10. Needle.
11. Pliers.
12. Glue.

You can also use ordinary beads, but in this case, the necklace will look much simpler.

How to make your own necklace

You can start making a necklace using the "soutache" technique. The photo shows how this product should turn out.

1. Glue the cat's eye to the thick fabric. Cut it out, leaving an allowance of a couple of millimeters.
2. Sheathe the stone with beads. Use two.
3. Take a soutache cord 35-40 cm long and wrap it around the cabochon, sewing the edges of the cord to the fabric.
4. Add a silver cord, and at the top, between the two cords, add beads and a black pearl.
5. Add an agate bead at the top, framing it with a silver soutache.
6. Sew half of the row with agate beads.
7. Sheathe them with two cords and at the end connect the blue and silver cords with the previous row, sewing with a needle.
8. Bend the cords in the opposite direction and continue a new row with mother-of-pearl beads.
9. At the end of the row, add a mother-of-pearl bead measuring 11 mm and go around it with cords.
10. Cut off the excess cord, singe its end lightly so that it does not spread.
11. To form a necklace ribbon, fasten a large agate bead in the upper part and then lay out mother-of-pearl beads with a snake, bending around them with a silvery cord.

You have half of the product with the central part ready. Make the second part of the product in the same way.

Try on the decoration. If the length suits you, then you can start making the fastener:

1. Make a loop on one side, and sew a large bead on the other.
2. Cut out a piece of leather to the desired size and glue it to the back of the center piece.

That's all weaving "soutache". The master class for beginners has come to an end. Your necklace is ready!

Soutache is an art form that allows you to create unique jewelry and accessories, embody all your ideas and express yourself through the creation of beauty.

Surely many have seen beautiful dresses chicly embroidered with precious stones and patterns. This is soutache embroidery, known in Russia since the time of Peter the Great.

But over time, the soutache lost its meaning, and the popular technology was almost forgotten. Only in the 90s, thanks to M. Nagrin, did embroidery with cord regain its popularity. The designer has widely used cords in creating jewelry. This was not only the revival of ancient art, but also the formation of a completely new direction - jewelry soutache.

Nowadays, decorative weaving from a cord is gaining more and more popularity, and this is not surprising, because both young girls and ladies of age like luxurious soutache jewelry. Leading fashion houses and glossy magazines are increasingly choosing soutache jewelry. The elegance of the lines and the noble radiance of the stones will emphasize the refined taste of its owner.

The essence of this embroidery is the use of stones, beads, beads, which are fastened together with an elastic cord. At the same time, both volumetric compositions and flat patterns on the fabric are created.

This type of embroidery is characterized by a variety of floral patterns, ornaments formed by continuous lines.

The soutache consists of a pair of thin cords fastened with dense coils of a thin winding. Therefore, this braid always has a characteristic groove exactly in the middle. It is in this groove that the needle is inserted to sew the soutache to the fabric. The material for its manufacture is usually cotton, less often - silk or synthetic materials, viscose. The surface layer of the winding necessarily has a characteristic silky smoothness, so the embroidered patterns look unusually decorative, giving the impression of lace decoration. The color scheme of the braid for finishing in the technique of soutache embroidery is extremely diverse.

For sewing on the soutache, thin needles are used mainly so as not to damage the surface layer of the braid. The working thread is chosen thin and strong. Its color must necessarily match the color of the sewn finishing tape, because the stitches should be completely invisible. Modern needlewomen often use thin synthetic threads of pale colors or a special translucent monofilament that allows you to sew a soutache of any color.

Currently, soutache embroidery, in addition to decorating garments and other items with a flat surface, has acquired another trendy direction. All kinds of volumetric elements are made up of soutache, both with the use of a base for sewing on braid, and without it at all. In the latter case, the soutache turns are tightly packed and fastened with inconspicuous thread stitches to each other.

Types of soutache jewelry

1. Earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants, hairpins.

2. Embroidery of clothes. The technique of its implementation is similar to traditional Russian sewing from ribbons.

Soutache jewelry is created without any restrictions. To create them, in addition to the cord, artificial and precious stones of various sizes and cuts are used. Also, pearls, rhinestones and beads are often chosen for their manufacture. They always have the main element in the form of a large stone. This is the nature of this technique.

Soutache jewelry looks original and expensive. They are always in fashion. Their cost starts from three hundred rubles and can go up to infinity, depending on the value of the stones that were used in their manufacture.

Tools and materials

In order to start the practice, you need to prepare the following materials:

1. Soutache ribbons of a suitable color (necessarily flexible);

2. Transparent monofilament or thin synthetic threads (required in the color of the soutache tape);

3. Thin needles (so as not to damage the soutache);

4. Sharp scissors;

5. Glue or lighter (for processing the ends of the soutache);

6. Cabochons (from natural stones or polymer clay);

7. Beads (stones, crystals, porcelain or glass);

8. Beads (preferably Czech or Japanese);

9. felt or piece of leather.

Principle of operation and important points

After you have made sure that everything you need is in place, get ready for the main stage.

First of all, you need to draw a sketch of the planned product. Do not be afraid, for this it is not necessary to get involved in drawing - sketch out a pattern and arrangement of beads on a sheet of paper.

Now you can start sewing. To do this, use a soutache cord in 2-3 additions. It is recommended to start from the conditional center of the product, for example, it will be a cabochon. Sheathe it with a soutache cord and smoothly proceed to sewing on beads and beads. The cord itself will tell you how to continue to "draw" the pattern.

When the pattern element is finished, mask the cut thread, while remembering to process its end in a flame or dipping it in glue.

When the product is almost ready, you need to take care of the wrong side. It is she who is responsible for ensuring that the elegant decoration keeps its shape. Attach the workpiece to a piece of felt or genuine leather, circle the product along the contour. Next, sew the felt to the extreme row of the soutache with monofilament.

Now you need to find a basis for it - it can be a hairpin, brooch, bracelet or something else.

Weaving from soutache is not an easy kind of creativity, but having mastered it, you can create exclusive accessories - elegant soutache patterns never repeat and it is very difficult to create an exact copy of the product!