Originally featured in Threads #176 (December 2014/January 2015), this article by Mary Corbet will teach you an embellishment technique that is visually stunning.

Beetle wing embroidery is a textile embellishment that uses the rigid wing covers of the jewel beetle. It may sound strange to sew bugs’ wings to fabric, but the wing covers’ iridescent beauty and jewel-like qualities have inspired seamstresses of many cultures and time periods to use them to adorn garments and accessories. Nothing manmade compares to the scintillating colors of these natural, durable materials. Nowadays, beetle wings still make appearances on designer runways and in film costumes. You can use them easily to transform any special garment into a conversation starter.