Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment for Beginners Course

What you'll learn

Learn haute couture beading and embellishment with our textile and fashion courses in Sydney!

Step inside the world of Parisian couture and discover the exquisite artistry of haute couture beading and embellishment. Over two immersive days, you’ll explore the same techniques used in the ateliers of the great fashion houses, mastering both traditional tambour beading and intricate couture embellishment methods.

Under the guidance of an expert tutor, you’ll begin with the foundations of tambour beading on silk organza, using seed beads, cut beads, and bugle beads to create elegant chain stitch and vermicelli patterns. You’ll then move into the world of couture embellishments — from ribbon work to 3D beadwork and delicate floral designs — crafting beautiful, dimensional samples that showcase your new skills.

Whether you’re a designer, sewist, costumer, or simply passionate about fine handcraft, this course offers the chance to elevate your technical expertise and creative expression.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Haute Couture Beading course, you should be able to:

Demonstrate the foundation techniques of couture beading using standard industry tools and materials.
Identify the differences between beads and sequins, and select the quality required for couture work.
Select and use the right tools for different threads and fabrics.
Complete a vermicelli (cornelli) pattern using the Ari technique.
Produce a small sample showcasing all fundamental methods learned.

Course content

What will be covered in this Haute Couture Beading course?

Day 1 – Tambour beading foundations

Understand specialist couture beading supplies, including the varieties and qualities of beads and sequins.
Learn how fil à gant thread is made in France.
Prepare a silk organza framework on a rotating frame, ready for beading.
Set up and use a tambour hook correctly for silk organza.
Secure starting and finishing knots, and learn how to change direction.
Begin beading with seed beads, cut beads, and bugle beads using different threads.

Day 2 – Advanced beading and embellishment

Expand your tambour beading skills with flat and cup sequins.
Create the vermicelli pattern using the Ari technique.
Explore contemporary couture embellishments using a beading needle.
Learn ribbon work, 3D beadwork, and floral applications.
Combine your techniques into a completed mini sample.

Intended audience

Who is this Haute Couture Beading course for?

This course is suitable for absolute beginners through to experienced makers. It’s ideal for:

Anyone curious about haute couture beading and embellishment.
Sewing or craft enthusiasts keen to add a new skill to their repertoire.
Students who have completed a sewing essentials or fashion illustration course.
Designers developing a fashion label.
Costume designers seeking to expand their techniques.
Sewists, seamsters/seamstresses, and tailors wanting to enhance their professional skillset.

Looking for a shorter introduction to beadwork techniques? You might also like our Contemporary Beadwork & Appliqué Workshop — a one-day creative session focused on surface embellishment and appliqué design.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

Basic sewing kit.

The following materials will be provided:

Couture beading thread
Silk organza
Beads
Sequins
Ribbons
Bugle beads
Seed and cut beads

Optional: For the duration of the course, you may use a tambour hook, needle, and frame. If you wish to take these home, they can be purchased from your tutor for $70.

Course testimonials

Angela said: The tutor was excellent: very knowledgeable, clear, helpful and attentive. Well organised and friendly!
Suganthi said: Charlotte was a very good teacher. She was very good at explaining and showing you how a technique is done. Lots of information. Now I just need to practice and hone the techniques!
Hamama said: It was a great learning experience
Angelique said: I absolutely loved and enjoyed this course. This has inspired me to pursue and working towards my skills in haute couture. I highly recommend this course and was so glad I convinced my friend to come along. She also thoroughly enjoyed it as well. We bought Charlotte's additional courses and are so excited to start the next project.
Alice said: Five stars!

Course tutors

Charlotte Appleby

Charlotte is a British couture dress designer and founder of Couture Bead Masters. She trained at the London College of Fashion in Handcraft and Production tailoring. Charlotte initially worked...

View Charlotte Appleby's profile

Classes Online Courses

Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment for Beginners Course

Sat 8 Nov 2025 - Sun 9 Nov 2025

2 sessions, 12 hours total

9:30am - 3:30pm (UTC+11:00) (first session)

2A Gordon St, Rozelle

Charlotte Appleby

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 8 Nov 2025	9:30am - 3:30pm	C1-1: Training Room - 2A Gordon St, Rozelle
Sun 9 Nov 2025	9:30am - 3:30pm	C1-1: Training Room - 2A Gordon St, Rozelle

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Haute Couture Beading & Embellishment for Beginners Course