Cabochons: Basic Beading Techniques

A base row, a bezel and edges—these elements are what hold your cabochon in place. A cabochon could be a cameo, a piece of jasper, even a smooth piece of colored glass. The following text provides information for beading your cabochon into place to craft your brooches, pins or pendants.

Most beaders agree on six simple steps for basic cabochon beading. First, obtain some backing for your cabochon such as a piece of synthetic suede which is relatively stiff and will hold its shape well once glued to the cabochon. The backing must be about a half inch larger than the cabochon on all sides. Wait for your adhesive to dry before continuing the project.

Next, you will bead a row around the cabochon; this row will actually appear as the second row once the beading is completed. Size 11 or 12 seed beads work well for this row. Stitch them into place in whatever color you like, taking care that it will compliment the actual cabochon. Be sure to allow for plenty of thread as you backstitch in and out of each bead stitching it firmly into place on the backing.

Your bezel row is actually what holds the cabochon in place. It will rest just slightly above the first row you beaded in the valley between that row and the cabochon. Most beaders recommend using size 14 or 15 seed beads. Now, again the backstitch will be necessary, but you will also have to weave in and out of every two rows of the outer row you beaded. This bonds the two rows together creating a unified border for the cabochon.

Once complete, you have the option to bead additional outer rows if you prefer. If you are satisfied with the results, however, you are ready to attach an outer backing. This extra layer of backing will hide the stitching and make for a more uniform back for the whole piece. To give the cabochon a finished look, you will now bead a row around the piece stitching this row to the outer backing. There are variations, but you may treat it rather like a bezel row that is simply on the outer edge.

Now, you may leave the cabochon as it is if it is meant to be used as a brooch. Simply glue on your pin back. If you want the piece as a pendant, you might stitch an edging row of beads allowing for a clasp for attaching to a ribbon or chain. Once you get the hang of the basic steps to bead a cabochon, you might explore more complex and decorative methods as well.