As the royal wedding takes over almost everything and everywhere, we are no different. It’s been a great excuse to have a patriotic, English garden themed window display in the shop & have a go at creating some Union Jack inspired beading. 
Everywhere you look you can’t help but see Union Jacks and bunting, there have been some brilliant displays and photos that have caught my eye including this image I saw on my lunch in the Metro newspaper – Regent Street lined with Union Jacks in preparation for the big day; not only is it patriotic but it also has a touch of grey mist which just adds to the Britishness of the whole anticipated occasion.
We have fully got into the spirit of the event and created our own British Royal Wedding display, we love all things tea & cake related at The Bead Shop so had to add a cake stand too.
I have taken inspiration from the abundance of Union Jacks around and created a miniature beaded flag, it really is quite dinky and could be used in a number of creative ways.
I have used a basic square stitch to weave this small Union Jack with size 11 Miyuki delicas to give it a neat finish.
Here’s a list of ingredients;
size 11 Miyuki delicas DB200 opaque white
size 11 Miyuki delicas DB723 opaque dark cranberry
size 11 Miyuki delicas DB726 opaque dark blue
I used 0.15mm Wildfire in frost, but any beading thread you are happy using is fine with a size 10 beading needle.
Follow the steps, carefully watching for colour changes on the chart.
Step 1.Cut a manageable length of thread, add the first row of bead using a needle following the chart. Add the first bead of the next row and anchor through the last bead of first row, in a loop.
Step2. Thread back though the first bead on the second row and pull your thread tight, and thread on the second bead of the second row.
Step 3. Secure this bead by looping through the second to last bead of the first row and back through the new bead again. Keep your tension tight all the time.
Step 4. Carry on adding beads to the second row in the same way, anchoring the beads to the corresponding bead in the first row. Start the third row and continue in the same way. If you need to add any more thread, weave the end of your thread back and forth through a few rows & cut off the excess then add a new piece, securing in the same way, weaving through a few rows.
Step 5. Once you have completed the Union Jack, weave the ends of the thread back through 2 or 3 rows before trimming off any excess.
Step 6. Your Union Jack is complete and ready to use however you choose.
You could turn your Union Jack into many items including a small decorative flag with the addition of some wire, or why not create a loop with extra beads to hang on a keyring, or go all extravagant and create your very own fascinator to wear on the day.
Happy beading!Steph x
