DIY Edging Pins - Create Your Own Decorative Beaded Pins

An Introduction to Edging Pins

Edging pins are a creative way to decorate and embellish projects using beads. They typically feature beaded edges to add visual interest, texture, and charm. With the rising popularity of pins both for fashion and hobby crafts, edging pins present an opportunity to showcase intricate beadwork.

What Are Edging Pins?

Edging pins are pins that have beaded edges incorporated into their design. The edging refers to a decorative border of beads that outlines the perimeter of the pin. This beadwork can be created using various stitches such as peyote stitch. The beads add colorful embellishment and a tactile quality to the pins.

Edging pins are often shaped into recognizable forms such as animals, flowers, hearts, etc. Bead edging outlines the contours of the design. Sometimes the entire surface area of the pin will also feature beadwork, not just the outer edges. The beadwork typically consists of seed beads threaded onto nylon beading thread or wire.

Creating Beaded Edging

There are a few common stitches used to create the beaded edges for edging pins:

• Peyote Stitch
• Brick Stitch
• Square Stitch
• Herringbone Stitch

Peyote stitch is most commonly used. It produces a tidy, uniform look well-suited to outlining. The stitch is easy to expand which allows for custom edging around any shape. Bead artists will often use peyote stitch to first create the beaded edging pieces. These are then applied to a pinned back finding.

Edging Pin Designs

There is much room for creativity when it comes to edging pin designs. The beads themselves provide color, shine, and visual richness. Popular themes include:

• Hearts
• Flowers
• Animals such as turtles and ladybugs
• Geometric shapes
• Sports team logos

Native American beadwork and imagery are also common. Intricate patterns reflective of Indigenous cultures give many edging pins a signature look. Combining meaningful symbols with quality bead artistry allows self expression. This makes edging pins wonderful for both craft vendors and customers.

How to Make Your Own Edging Pins

Want to DIY your own set of edging pins? Follow these basic steps:

1. Choose your design shape and sketch it out
2. Select beads in colors fitting that design
3. Determine necessary materials: beads, thread or wire, pins backings etc.
4. Create your beaded edging pieces using preferred stitch
5. Arrange pieces on pin back finding and adhere carefully
6. Trim any excess threads

Take it one step at a time. As you become comfortable with the process, you can get more intricate and ambitious. Advanced designs may have multiple shaped components, dimensional elements like beads or feathers attached, and gradating colors throughout.

Most importantly, edging pins are an outlet for innovation mixed with cultural appreciation. Let the beads guide you!

FAQs

What materials do I need to make edging pins?

The basics you need are: seed beads, beading thread (nylon or silk), beading needles, pin backings, glues or adhesive tapes, and sketched design plans. Scissors and pliers also help.

What bead stitch is best for edging pins?

Peyote stitch is the most common. It creates neat, even edges and lies flat when making shapes. Brick, square, and herringbone stitches also work well.

How do I attach the beaded edging to the pin backing?

Apply a strong craft glue or double sided tape to the pin backing. Carefully position the beaded piece how you want it arranged. Apply pressure and allow time to fully adhere before wearing.

Where can I buy supplies for edging pins?

Local bead and craft stores will carry essentials like seed beads, findings, and jewelry tools. Online bead retailers offer great selection too. Try sites like Etsy for unique beads or components.