Beading dance costumes

I have been asked to embellish middle eastern dance costumes with beaded fringe and custom appliques. What beads are appropriate? I need ones that will survive an entire dance show. Something that is not as expensive as Austrian crystal but will catch the eye when the stage lights hit them.

[WriteBrainedWoman]

Glass seed beads, bugle beads and Czech firepolish beads are popular for costume embellishment. Most of them are washable (we let you know for the ones that are not). They are not only less expensive than Swarovski crystal beads, but they also are more durable (less likely to chip) and also don't have the sharp edges of crystal beads that might poke a person as she dances! The Czech beads don't pop the way crystal does, but their "firepolish" still makes them quite bright and very pretty.

If you do want crystal, but not at Swarovski costs, our Cosmic Crystal beads are a great alternative; a 110-bead strand of 4mm clear bicones is $4.75 (4 cents per bead), while a 4mm clear Swarovski bicone is $1.44/dozen (12 cents per bead)... and of course, both are  even less expensive in larger quantities.

Good luck!
Melissa

[Polly]

The 3-cut (20-231) seed beads add an inexpensive sparkle, and work great in fringe.

Their facets also add a small sparkle when used to attach a sequin to fabric.

When using faceted seed beads like this, be sure to use durable thread, such as the
#61-319 Size 'E' silk cord. Faceted seed beads will cut through regular sewing thread.

--Polly