There’s no hard-and-fast rule when beading, but make sure the beads fall naturally on the cloth and are
secure, and the threads don’t show. Next, combine beads of different sizes and colors.

Materials needed:

2 pieces of satin or other cloth (about a quarter of a yard each), P35 to P50

Assorted plastic beads, P50 to P100

Nylon strings

3 lobster locks

2 double-ring locks

Pins

Needles and thread

A ruler or tape measure

Scissors (All available in Quiapo or Divisoria in Manila) You can make two to three bags with a yard of cloth depending on the size and style you prefer. Keep a catalogue of your products as reference.

Getting started:

1. Cut the satin cloth to a quarter of a yard. (You’ll need two pieces of cloth for the main bag and the lining, so make sure the sheets are of the same size.)

2. Fold the cloth and put about half an inch allowance for stitches later. Use pins to secure the sides.

3. Sew the beads into the cloth based on your design, but remember it’s best to have a design in mind before you start the beadwork on the satin cloth, which becomes the bag’s exterior.

4. When you’ve completed the beadwork, close the edges of the two satin cloths and then sew them together either by hand or by sewing machine.

5. Attach the cloth where the lining and the bag’s exterior are placed back to back. Do the basting first to make sure the cloth stays in place, and then seal the sides of the main bag by sewing them together. Go for a clean look using blanket stitches if you’re sewing by hand. Make sure the edges are aligned and the stitches are not crooked. Turn the bag inside out later.

6. Sew two small metal rings into the two sides of the bag where the straps are to be attached. To make the strap, put beads on either nylon thread or wire and then attach the two ends with lobster locks. (The strap is detachable for this bag.) Use pliers to attach and use a comfortable length for straps.