Beaded Sashiko: Discover Its Charm! (Part 2)

Hello everyone! This is H.

Following “Beaded Sashiko: Discover Its Charm! (Part 1),” we’re back to share even more about the charm of Beaded Sashiko.

This time, we had the pleasure of talking with Ms. Yonenaga, the creator of Beaded Sashiko!

She shared the story behind how Beaded Sashiko was born, along with helpful tips for stitching. If Part 1 made you think, “Beaded Sashiko looks interesting…!”, be sure to check out this interview!

We Interviewed Bead Embroidery Artist Ms. Yonenaga About Beaded Sashiko!
Let’s Try Beaded Sashiko Together!

We Interviewed Bead Embroidery Artist Ms. Yonenaga About Beaded Sashiko!

Meet Bead Embroidery Artist Ms. Mayumi Yonenaga

While at university, Ms. Yonenaga became fascinated by haute couture dresses decorated with bead embroidery. This inspired her to study the craft on her own, eventually leading to her career as a bead embroidery artist.

She currently teaches bead embroidery classes in Tokyo, Nagoya (Vogue Gakuen), Osaka, and Fukuoka, where many students enjoy learning from her.

In addition to teaching, she has contributed her work to numerous craft magazines and has appeared on TV programs, including NHK’s Suteki ni Handmade.

She also takes part in craft, beadwork, and handmade exhibitions held throughout Japan.

経歴

2002

Graduated from Bunka Women’s University.
While at university, she became fascinated by haute couture dresses featuring bead embroidery and began studying the craft on her own.

2007

Started teaching sewing classes.

2008

Exhibited her work in Milwaukee, USA.

2011

Received the Excellence Award at TOKYO International Great Quilt Festival 2012

2013

Exhibited at TOKYO International Great Quilt Festival and led workshops (Tokyo Dome)
Held a live demonstration and talk show at the 18th Handmade Fair in Kyushu (Marine Messe Fukuoka).

2019

Exibition /「米永真由美のときめきのビーズ刺繍」～Gallery Palette～ (Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo).

2022年

Exhibited at Bead Art Show-YOKOHAMA (Osanbashi Yokohama)

2024年

Published はじめてのビーズ刺し子(BOUTIQUE-SHA, inc.)

Official web

Instagram

Staff H

Ms. Yonenaga, thank you for taking the time to talk with us about Beaded Sashiko today. It’s a pleasure to have you with us!

Ms. Yonenaga

Thank you for having me! I’m happy to be here.

Question 1. How Did Beaded Sashiko Begin?

Staff H

Our first question is: Could you tell us the story behind the creation of Beaded Sashiko?

Ms. Yonenaga

I had always been interested in sashiko. One day, I thought, “It would be even more beautiful if it sparkled,” so I tried stitching with size 1 bugle beads. That’s how Beaded Sashiko began.

Staff H

I see!

When people think of sashiko, they usually picture traditional Japanese patterns stitched with thread. So the idea of using beads never really crossed my mind.

I think the idea of “It would be even more beautiful if it sparkled!” is a unique perspective that comes from being a bead embroidery artist!

Question 2. I’m New to Crafts. Is Beaded Sashiko Difficult?

Staff H

Here’s my next question. I don’t have any crafting experience. Is Beaded Sashiko difficult?

Ms. Yonenaga

Not at all. With Beaded Sashiko, you basically keep stitching forward, so even someone who has never done embroidery before can definitely do it♪

Staff H

I see! So there aren’t any complicated stitches to learn.

That sounds encouraging. Even someone like me, who doesn’t usually do crafts, might be able to make one!

By the way, is there anything we should be careful about when stitching Beaded Sashiko?

Ms. Yonenaga

Yes. One important point is not to make your stitches shorter than the bead.

If the stitch is shorter than the bead, the bead will lift away from the fabric. So be sure to make each stitch the same length as the bead, or just a little longer.

Staff H

Thank you for the helpful advice! I’ll be sure to keep the bead length in mind while stitching.

Question 3. What’s the Difference Between Beaded Sashiko and Bead Embroidery?

Staff H

In your opinion, what’s the difference between Beaded Sashiko and bead embroidery?

Ms. Yonenaga

Simply put, I think Beaded Sashiko is a great introduction to bead embroidery.

With Beaded Sashiko, you don’t really need to learn any special techniques, so it’s easy for beginners to get started.

Another difference is that bead embroidery is better suited for creating three-dimensional designs, while Beaded Sashiko has a flatter finish.

Staff H

Thank you! It sounds like Beaded Sashiko is a great choice for anyone who’s been thinking, “I’d love to try bead embroidery, but I’m not sure I can do it.”

Question 4. Is There Anything You’d Like to Create Next?

Staff H

And now for our final question. Is there a project you’d like to challenge yourself with next?

Ms. Yonenaga

Yes! I think Beaded Sashiko pairs very well with patchwork.

I’d love to join together sampler pieces to make a tapestry, and I also think it could be used to create a beautiful dress!

Staff H

That sounds like an amazing project! We’d love to see the finished piece someday.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. We learned so much, and now we have an even deeper appreciation for Beaded Sashiko.