Taylor Swift Beaded Lyric Top Tutorial

When I posted a video of this top, I had no idea it would take off like this but the comments, the DMs, the eras you all wanted to make? I had to a pattern and tutorial for you :)

I put together everything you need to make your own top from the layout pattern to a full tutorial to all my favorite supplies. Whether you’re in your Reputation era, your Lover era, or your “sobbing in a pile of fabric” era– I hope this inspires you to make something that means something to you.

This isn’t your average DIY top! There’s no sewing machine, no fabric cutting, no draping. This is jewelry meets fashion, friendship bracelet meets statement piece. Each top is made by hand-sewing strings of beads onto a custom layout that keeps your lyrics perfectly in line.

The result? A deeply personal, sparkly, wearable piece of art.


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Supplies List
• Lyric Pattern Layout
Purchase the printable layout at my website https://an-erin.com/products/taylors-top
This pattern is essential for keeping your lyrics straight and your beading structured—don’t skip it!
Lay flat while you work—don’t use a mannequin.
• Braided Upholstery Trim (for structure)
This heavier-weight trim helps support the weight of the beads along the sides of the top.
• Beads (your choice of era)
Go wild or stay soft—it’s up to you.
Recommended size: 4mm to 10mm
Shop curated bead picks in my Amazon Storefront
• Alphabet Beads (white circle style)
These classic friendship bracelet beads spell out your lyrics.
Use this prompt so you order bags of letters
“How many letters are in the lyrics: your lyrics here?”
Ask ChatGPT or count manually to buy just what you need.
• Mercerized Cotton Yarn or Embroidery Floss
I recommend Madeira embroidery floss or mercerized cotton yarn—don’t use regular cotton, it won’t hold up.
• Beading Needles
I use John James Long Darners, Size 1–5—the perfect balance of strong and flexible.• Large Hook & Eyes – for back closure
• Triangle Beading Bins – makes organizing beads way easier
• Tracing Paper – for planning and modifications
• Masking Tape – keeps your layout in place
• Scissors – one for thread, one for everything else
• Thread to Match – helpful for finishing touches

Everything I used from beads, thread, tools, and trim is linked in my Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/an_erin/l...


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This top is delicate but sturdy when handled with love.
• Wear gently—avoid heavy pulling or tugging
• Store flat or hang with support
• Spot clean only—avoid full soaking

If a strand loosens, you can re-thread it using your original layout as a guide.

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You’re not just making a top you’re stitching your story into something wearable.
I hope you love every moment of the process, even the tedious ones. When you finish, please tag me so I can see your era come to life!

♡
Erin

PS Some links I will earn commission on :)
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