Give your bandana a bold and beautiful makeover in this creative project from John Bead, guided by Nicole from Wild Boho. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you'll learn how to elevate a simple cotton bandana with embroidery stitches, bead embellishments, and layered paper flowers.

Nicole walks you through how to choose a color palette, place your hoop, and bring your vision to life using three essential embroidery stitches: Back Stitch, Lazy Daisy, and Colonial Knot. You’ll also learn how to use John Bead's sequins, bugle beads, seed beads, and crystals to add stunning sparkle and texture.

This mixed media project is perfect for anyone ready to explore fiber art and creative embellishing, whether you're just starting or looking for a fresh, fun idea.

Materials include embroidery floss, John Bead sequins and beads, paper flowers, a cotton bandana, and an embroidery hoop. You’ll also get expert tips on thread types, bead stacking, fabric tension, and how to finish your hoop for display.

Watch to the end for layout advice, finishing steps, and inspiration to start your next embroidered creation.

There are lots of product options of you want to work with many colors. We have shared most of them. If you would like Nichole’s bigger shopping list it is here  https://blog.johnbead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Bandana-Glow-Up-Supply-List.pdf

 

Nichole Vogelsinger is an artist and author living in scenic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two sons. Coming from a family of creatives, Nichole’s passion for fibers, beads, and fabric started early. In 2012, she developed her signature embroidery hoop designs, combining fabric and intricate embellishments, which she shares with a global audience on Instagram (@wildboho). Her free-spirited approach—balancing chaos and control—encourages stitchers to explore creativity without limits.

Nichole creates video content and classes for John Bead and produces tutorials on her own YouTube channel, sharing her expertise with a wider community. She regularly teaches embroidery workshops across the U.S. and is the author of three books: Boho Embroidery: Modern Projects from Traditional Stitches, Boho Embroidery: The Pattern Collection, and her latest release, Needles Out! (2024). For more information, visit her at www.wildboho.com.

Here is a link to many of her other free tutorials for John Bead: https://blog.johnbead.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bead-Embroidery-Workshops-with-Nichole-Vogelsinger.pdf