Creating a Medallion Sandwich

by Lisa Ashton

Beaded medallions can be set up, beaded, and then whip-stitched onto the fabric or background. This is useful if you have to clean the costume because it is easy to cut the stitches and then replace the beaded piece after cleaning.

The idea is to have a background fabric that the beads can sort of sink into. Then the beads are less likely to rub against the threads and break off. Remember, beads are glass, and a lot of them together are heavy. They also have sharp edges. So, you need a foundation with some substance to support the beads if you are planning on having a large area completely filled in with beads.

I usually use:

A pretty dark wool, if possible.
Dark thread to sew the beads on. I use quilting thread, but beading thread is okay. It just gets expensive because you go through a lot of thread.

Use synthetic heavy crepe or a true wool as the background foundation material.
Use Aleene's Fabric Glue or iron a heavy interfacing onto the foundation fabric.
Let it sit and dry.
Trace your design onto the surface.
Serge or zigzag the edges so the medallion does not fray because you are going to be handling the medallion a lot and turning it different ways to apply the beads.

Ashton suggests adding trim or edging to the completed medallion after it is tacked onto the garment to give it a more finished look that makes it look "lite it was truly designed to be there."