TIPS & TRICKS: STITCH ITCH!

Some of the most beautiful jewelry creations are produced with Bead Stitching techniques. A practiced Bead Expert eye is often able to distinguish among the numerous Bead Stitches in a finished product. But what if you are not a Practiced Eye? In this Blog we will begin the journey of Bead Stitching discovery and detail a small sampling of the numerous Bead Stitches that are available. So stay tuned, read, learn and discover! Undoubtedly there will be at least one stitch that will draw you in and entice you to attempt. Let’s go!

#1 The Peyote Stitch

The Peyote Stitch, also known as the Gourd Stitch has been around for centuries, believe it or not, and examples have been found as far back as Ancient Egypt! Technically speaking, the Peyote Stitch is one of the simplest Bead Weaving stitches to learn and a perfect stitch for Beginning Beaders. As with all stitching, no matter how simple and easy, it still takes practice to achieve perfection, even with the Peyote Stitch. There are a number of variations: Even-Count, Odd-Count, Circular, Tubular, 1-Drop, 2 Drop and 3-Drop. Each of the variations create a different look. For simplicity, each variation of the Peyote Stitch can be made with an Even-Count or Odd-Count Technique. Even-Count means that an even number of beads are sewn to create the 1s, and following rows. Odd-Count, as the name implies, requires an odd number of beads sewn into the 1s, and following rows. Typically, the Odd-Count is a little more complicated as there are a few extra steps to start a new row.
NOTE: The following variation techniques can be done in both Even and Odd Count Peyote:

This handy-dandy tool is a great asset for:
•1-Drop: This is a great stitch to start, and as the name implies, you sew with one bead at a time.
• Tubular: Like the name, it is Peyote stitched in a ring and forms a hollow tube of beadwork
•Circular: Works in a very similar way to Tubular with the difference of making regular increases to give the circle shape; a great technique to create formed and geometric beadwork
•2-Drop: A variation of flat peyote stitch that uses 2 beads in every stitch instead of one; very similar to doing regular peyote, but allows you to make a piece of equal size much more quickly; besides being quicker, as well, you can make more rounded edge designs than you can with regular Peyote
•3-Drop: The essential differences between this and the 2-Drop are the number of beads picked up at the start to create rows 1 and 2, and beginning with row 3, the number of beads that are picked up, skipped and run through with the needle
•Spiral or Twisted: The technique is simply a variation of tubular peyote, worked best in even-count with a step-up at the end of each row

TIP: With the first project attempt, consider using a larger Seed Bead, 6/0 for example, with 2 different colours in order for you to distinguish both the stitch and the newly completed rows.

#2 The Square Stitch

Now be honest, have you ever heard of this stitch? As you begin the journey of learning the volumes of bead stitches, you may actually find that this particular technique may suit a design dilemma that other stitches cannot accommodate. This particular stitch’s hallmark is the grid-like appearance, which allows easy designing. Square Stitch is so delightfully simple, the steps can almost be explained in a single breath. The rows and columns are perfectly aligned so it is extremely easy to plan and create unique designs with simple graph paper, and use almost any type of seed bead. Fabulous!

#3 The Brick Stitch

Ahhh, the Brick Stitch. This is a beautiful technique for making stiffer than Peyote creations. A Brick Stitch is built with off-set rows made by the beads, resembling a brick wall. The beginning of a Brick Stitch is completed by sewing a series of beads that lay side-by-side. Layers are added to a base row by sewing through the stitches holding the layer below together. The result is an off-set pattern known as the Brick Stitch. This technique is perfect for earring designs, small pins or a firm Necklace or Bracelet.

Of course there are more Bead Stitches to discover. Stay tuned for our next Blog as we invite you to explore the continuing expedition of STITCH ITCH!

Our Best to You from The Butterfly Beads Team ~