Back in April 2011, just before the big Royal Wedding of Wills & Kate, I created a beaded Union Jack. I wrote a pattern for it in a blog post (you can read the original here). It was an exciting time for a year or so in Britain with the wedding, Jubilee and London Olympics. So the fascinator I created with the flag design had a lot of time in the limelight. Since then it’s been tucked away in the Workshop room. It’s admired periodically so I thought it was time to give it a moment under the spot light again.
This is how to make a beaded Union Jack using square stitch. Although you could also create this as a repeating pattern on a bead loom.
I have used size 11 Miyuki Delicas to make a small Union Jack in the following colours;
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, so it wasn’t too floppy. However any beading thread you are happy using is fine, with a size 10 beading needle.
Follow the steps and follow the colour changes in the chart carefully;
You could always try and make a larger version using plastic pony beads for a hanging decoration with 1mm cord. You may also need to re-enforce it with wire, depending on how you use it.
The original Union Jack I beaded I turned into this celebratory fascinator. I simply attached it to a hair comb with wire. Then added lots of silver, red and blue crystal beads for some fun flourishes. I realise that wearing a fascinator isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So you could always turn your beaded Union Jack into a decorative flag or pendant.
There are plenty of other items you can create that are quick and fun to do over half term. Here are a couple of items we’ve made for our window display for inspiration. Wooden beads are great for crafts with kids. For a more subtle Jubilee inspired piece of jewellery our crown earrings are perfect.
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