Embroidery and fancy work · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read

What is cutdana work? Cut beads in embroidery

What is cutdana work? Short faceted tube beads sewn into hand embroidery for sparkle. How it differs from sequins, pearls and dabka, its weight and how to ask.

Inspiration

The definition

Cutdana is a kind of small bead: a short tube of glass or plastic whose surface or ends are cut into facets so it catches the light. Dana means a bead or grain in Urdu and Hindi, so the name simply means cut bead. Cutdana work is embroidery in which these beads are sewn on by hand, singly or in clusters, to fill motifs, outline shapes or add points of sparkle.

It is usually combined with other hand embellishment, especially in zardozi and aari work, where the beads sit among metallic threads and sequins. Gold, silver, clear and colour-matched cutdana are all common.

How it differs from sequins, pearls and dabka

Shops often list several of these together, so it helps to know what each one looks like. Our sequin and bead embroidery guide covers the wider family, and zardozi, tilla and gota compared explains the metallic work it is often paired with.

Sequins (sitara): flat discs that give a broad flash of light as they move. Cutdana gives smaller, sharper points of sparkle.
Pearls (moti): round beads with a soft sheen rather than sparkle.
Dabka: tightly coiled metallic wire cut into short lengths and sewn on like beads, giving a textured metallic line rather than glitter.
Seed beads: tiny round beads, smooth rather than faceted.
Stones and crystals: larger pieces, often glued or set, with much bigger flashes of light.

Weight, feel and care

A few scattered beads add almost nothing, but dense cutdana on a neckline or border adds real weight. On light fabrics such as chiffon and organza that weight can pull the fabric out of shape unless the area is backed or lined. Bead clusters can also feel scratchy against the skin, which our article on embroidery and lining addresses.

Follow the care label. Heavily beaded pieces are often dry cleaned or washed very gently by hand, inside out, without wringing; iron on the reverse over a cloth, never directly on the beads. Store the garment folded flat in a cotton cover rather than on a hanger, so the weight does not stretch the shoulders. Looking after embroidered clothes between wears has more tips.

Signs of well-made cutdana work

Look closely at a sample or a photo before you choose. These points separate careful work from rushed work, and how to tell good quality embroidery adds more.

Beads sit snugly against the cloth, without loose loops of thread
The thread is secured every few beads, so one break does not lose a whole row
Spacing and direction are even across matching motifs
Beads are the same size and colour throughout
Nothing is glued where it should be sewn

How to describe it when asking for embellishment

Our quote form offers embroidery levels (delicate, detailed and statement) rather than a menu of named techniques, so describe the look you want or send a photo, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote. Say where the sparkle should go, whether you want scattered points or filled areas, and which colour. Sending a reference photo of embroidery shows how to capture detail. Our custom embroidery service covers work on outfits we stitch and on your own fabric or garment. Ask for a quote with your photo.

Common questions

Is cutdana the same as sequin work?

No. Sequins are flat discs that flash broadly as they catch the light, while cutdana are small faceted tubes that give pinpoints of sparkle. The two are often combined in one motif.

Does cutdana come off in the wash?

It can if the thread breaks or the beads were loosely sewn. Gentle washing inside out, or dry cleaning where the label says so, and storing the garment flat all help keep the beads in place.

Is cutdana heavy?

A few scattered beads add very little, but dense filled areas on a neckline or border add noticeable weight, which can drag light fabrics such as chiffon unless they are backed or lined.

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