Soutache Shine Brooch

Glue or sew the large stone on to a piece of backing foundation. Trim to the shape of your stone but not too close. Leave around 2-3mm around the outside. Leave the glue to dry for about 20 minutes. Whilst your waiting, cut a workable length of the soutache cords you are going to use to fit around the stone.

Wrap your first soutache braid around your stone. Cut your stitching thread into a comfortable length and tie a knot at one end. Sew close to the top of the stone starting from the back. Fold the soutache braid in half around the top of the cabochon and sew to the place where the soutache meets down in the middle of the braid.

Sew back into the soutache cord and the felt keeping in the middle of the braid. This will help to hide the thread. Sew up from the back to the front close to the stone. Again, sew to the soutache in the middle of the braid. Sew back into the soutache cord in the middle of the braid and to the backing. Repeat the above all around the stone. Don't pull too tight or your soutache will curl. 

At the joining point, sew two soutache cords together to connect them. Sew back into the soutache of the first layer and into the backing. Wrap the soutache around the first layer and stitch as in the previous steps are the way around. Repeat until you use all the strings up. Sew until all cords are connected together. 

Decorate using the beads and different soutache techniques like catherine wheels and lollipop petals.