A bead embroidery pattern is the same natural artist canvas with the full-colour design printed on it as in a kit, but without the beads, needle or findings. It suits stitchers who already keep their own materials or who prefer to pick the shades themselves. The section holds 509 patterns, each with a ready colour layout keyed to Czech Preciosa bead numbers.
Pattern versus kit
| Pattern | Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Printed canvas | Yes | Yes |
| Beads | Your own | Included, sorted by colour |
| Needle | Your own | Included |
| Preciosa colour numbers | Given in the layout | Given in the instructions |
| Best for | You keep a bead stash or choose your own shades | Starting the moment you open the box |
Formats
Three main sizes: 200×200 mm (178 patterns), 170×230 mm (169) and 300×300 mm (154). Most patterns take between 5,000 and 10,000 beads and use 12–18 colours.
Subjects
The largest group is religious subjects and icons (169 patterns), followed by flowers (71), animals and birds (55), still life (36), landscapes (35), genre scenes (25), winter (21) and children's designs (18).
Subsections
- Patterns 200×200 — 184
- Icon patterns — 169
- Patterns 300×300 — 156
Questions and answers
How many beads do I need to buy?
The bead count and the list of colours are in the specifications of every pattern. As a rule of thumb, 10 grams of Preciosa size 10 beads is roughly 1,000–1,100 beads, so a 200×200 mm design of 8,000 beads needs about 80 grams in total across all colours, plus 10% spare.
Can I use beads other than Preciosa?
Yes, but the layout is calculated for Preciosa. If you substitute, check the calibre: a bead of a different size changes the density of the rows and the design may not meet the edges.
Is the pattern for partial or full coverage?
Both exist. The type is stated in the specifications: with partial coverage the background stays as print, with full coverage the whole area is beaded.
Are thread and needle included?
They are not part of a pattern. A fine strong thread and a size 11–12 beading needle will do. How to choose is covered in needles, hoops and threads for bead embroidery.