TAMBOUR EMBROIDERY

The Beading Technique From the 18th Century

tambour beaded peacock feather

Tambour beading embroidery by Atelier Saint Clare.

The technique itself involves beads or sequins on a thread and a small hooked needle with a wooden handle. The sequins or beads are fixed one at a time on the underside of the fabric, while the embroiderer uses the hooked needle to create a chain stitch on the top of the fabric. The challenge is working on top and underneath the material at the same time.

Model wearing jacket and trousers covered in tambour embroidery

'Sequin baby' from the SS15 Hand & Lock Collection was fully embroidered with tambour beading.

To find out more about tambour, visit Hand & Lock.


Made by Eleanor Morton-Smith