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Big size bead embroidery kits are formats from 220×220 mm upwards, holding between 10,000 and 30,000 beads. A kit like this gives you a picture for the wall rather than a souvenir. The section holds 923 designs: artist canvas with the full-colour pattern printed on it, Czech Preciosa beads, a needle and illustrated instructions.
The formats
| Stitched area | Beads | Time with some experience |
|---|---|---|
| 220×220 mm | 8,000–12,000 | 25–40 hours |
| 300×300 mm | 15,000–20,000 | 45–70 hours |
| 300×400 and 280×350 mm | 20,000–25,000 | 60–90 hours |
| 400×300 mm and larger | 25,000 and up | 90 hours and more |
The most common format here is 300×300 mm. The exact bead count is in the specifications of every kit, so your own estimate is easy to work out: a beginner lays 200–250 beads an hour, an experienced stitcher 300–400.
Difficulty
643 kits are rated medium, 237 above medium and 33 easy. Difficulty here is set by the number of colours and the fineness of the detail rather than by the stitch: large pieces usually use 14–22 colours, so an organiser with labelled numbers is worth having.
Subjects
Decorative designs (215), landscapes (110), flowers (93), animals and birds (91), still life (79), romantic subjects (57), winter (45) and religious subjects (41).
What to consider before buying
- A hoop or frame. From 300 mm upwards the canvas is better held taut, otherwise it gathers and the bead tension turns uneven.
- Lighting. A large piece means dozens of evenings, so a neutral-temperature lamp to the side is not a luxury.
- Plan the finishing early. Stretcher bars or a frame in the right size are easier to order before you finish stitching.
Subsections
- Bead embroidery — 917 kits using standard beads
- Microbead embroidery — 6 kits with finer beads and finer detail
Questions and answers
How long does a large bead embroidery picture take?
From 25 to 100 hours depending on the format. A 300×300 mm piece at an average pace is roughly two months at an hour a day.
Are there enough beads in the kit?
Beads are supplied with a surplus. If a colour does run short, its Preciosa number is given in the instructions.
Do I need a hoop for a large kit?
It helps. The canvas is dense and holds its shape, but over an area of 300 mm and more, even tension is much easier to keep on a hoop or frame.
How do I finish a large piece?
Most often by stretching it on bars, which leaves the beads open so they catch the light. The procedure is described in how to stretch finished embroidery on stretcher bars.