19. Intricate Soutache Cord and Cabochon Bib
Soutache is a traditional textile trimming consisting of a narrow, flat braided cord. By wrapping these flexible cords tightly around glossy glass cabochons and hand-sewing them together, you can create breathtaking, flowing textile jewelry.
Materials Needed:
- 3 metallic or silk soutache cords (contrasting colors like navy, gold, and cream)
- Flat-backed glass cabochon stone
- Heavy-duty bead embroidery thread and a fine beading needle
- Ultra-suede or felt backing material
- E6000 glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Glue the Stone: Glue your flat-backed cabochon onto a small scrap of felt backing material and let it dry. This gives you a solid foundation to sew your cords into.
- Wrap the Cords: Take three strands of soutache cord stacked flat against one another. Wrap them tightly around the perimeter of your glued cabochon.
- Stitch the Tracks: Thread your needle with fine thread. Pass the needle repeatedly through the central groove of all three soutache cords, stitching them directly into the underlying felt backing.
- Create the Swirls: Once you encircle the stone, take the loose ends of the cords and twist them into elegant, fluid curls or scrolls, stitching them down securely to the back of the piece to hide the raw ends.
- Trim and Finish: Trim away any excess visible felt backing fabric. Glue a clean, matching piece of ultra-suede over the messy stitches on the reverse side. Attach a delicate cord to the upper scrolls.