Frequently Asked Questions

Riviera Stitch creates beginner friendly beading kits that help you transform a swimsuit, tote bag, or other fabric item into a one of a kind piece. Each design is inspired by the colors, places, and effortless glamour of summers along the Mediterranean.

Not at all. Our kits are designed for beginners, including people who have never sewn on a bead before. You’ll receive a placement guide and step by step instructions that walk you through the process from your first stitch to your finished design.

If you can thread a needle, you can Riviera Stitch.

Each kit includes the beads needed to complete your selected design, a placement template, an embroidery hoop, beading thread, a needle, and step by step instructions.

The swimsuit, tote bag, or other item you choose to embellish is not included unless specifically stated on the product page.

Yes. Riviera Stitch kits are designed to be added to an item you already own or purchase separately. This allows you to choose the color, fit, and style that work best for you.

Riviera Stitch designs are created to work beautifully across a wide range of swimsuit sizes and silhouettes. Many designs are one size fits all. For designs where bead fit and placement is integral to the overall design, your guide includes alternative placement options for features such as deeper V necklines, higher cut legs, and larger sizes. Selected kits also include additional beads and illustrated instructions showing how to extend, reposition, or adapt the design while preserving its overall look.

Most medium weight, tightly woven or sturdy stretch fabrics work well, including swimsuit fabric, canvas tote bags, denim, and some cotton garments.

We recommend avoiding very thin, delicate, loosely woven, or heavily textured fabrics. The fabric should be strong enough to support the finished beadwork without sagging or tearing.

The template shows you where the design should be positioned and provides the outlines and directional guides needed to recreate it. Depending on the design, you’ll follow a line, fill a defined shape, or change the direction of your beads to create texture and detail.

The template temporarily attaches to your fabric and is dissolved in water after the beadwork is complete.

Our designs primarily use high quality glass beads that are small and cylinder shaped. They sit neatly beside one another and create a more polished, refined finish than traditional round seed beads.

Because they are made from glass, subtle variations in color and finish may occur.

Completion time depends on the size and complexity of the design, as well as your stitching pace. Smaller beginner designs may be completed over a weekend, while more detailed designs are best enjoyed over several sessions.

Beading is a detailed and time intensive process, so we recommend allowing more time than you think you may need. The beauty is in the slow, thoughtful making, and every stitch brings your one of a kind piece to life.

Each product page will include an estimated completion time and difficulty level.

Yes, provided the beads are securely attached and the swimsuit is cared for properly. However, beadwork is decorative and should be treated gently.

Avoid rough pool edges, waterslides, abrasive surfaces, and prolonged exposure to chlorine or salt water. After swimming, rinse the swimsuit promptly in cool fresh water.

Hand wash your finished item gently in cool water with a mild detergent. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, bleach, wring, or iron directly over the beads.

Lay the item flat to dry and store it where the beadwork will not be crushed, pulled, or caught on other objects.

That’s part of making something by hand. Most mistakes can be corrected by carefully removing a few stitches and reworking that section. The instructions will explain how to secure your thread so you can make adjustments without undoing the rest of the design.

Your finished piece does not need to look machine made. Small variations are what make it uniquely yours.

The template will show our recommended placement, but you’re welcome to make the design your own. You may rotate, reposition, simplify, or combine elements if they fit safely on your chosen item.

If you change the placement substantially, check that the area will not be subjected to excessive stretching, rubbing, or tension.

Each kit is designed to contain enough materials to complete the pictured design, with a small allowance for normal spills or stitching mistakes. If you experience an issue with your materials, contact us at info@rivierastitch.com and include your order number and kit name.

Riviera Stitch kits contain small beads, sharp needles, and long pieces of thread. They are intended for adults and should be kept away from young children and pets. Older children should participate only with close adult supervision.