Square Stitch

This simple stitch is a good substitute for looms. It might be a bit clumsy in the beginning as you try to hold the first two rows in place, but it gets easier to handle when you have more rows.

For this tutorial, you will need beading thread, beading needle, and beads. I would advise the use of larger seed beads for starters. Consider size 8 or 6. This is just so you can get used to the technique. When you are ready to apply it to a project, by all means use the seed bead of your choice.

There is more space in the diagrams than there should be in your work. They are there just so you can see the process clearly. So we begin.

1. Cut a comfortable length of beading thread and thread your needle. You will use a single thread, so make your working tail longer than the other.

2. String one bead and either tie it or pass the thread through it twice. This is your stop bead, it will prevent your work from unraveling. If you tie it, make sure you pass the needle back through the bead so that you are ready to add more beads.

3. String on 5 more beads. These 6 beads make your first row.

4. To begin the next row, string 1 bead. Pass the needle back through the last bead of the first row.


5. Pass the needle back through the first bead of the second row.


6. String one bead. Pass the needle through the next bead on the first row, from right to left.


7. Continue this process until you get to end of the second row.

8. To begin the third row, string one bead. Pass the needle back through the last bead of the second row, from left to right. Then pass the needle back through the first bead of the third row, from right to left.



Continue to your desired length. Make the thread taut, so that the beads are snug against each other, but not so tight that the work becomes uneven.

Flat Even Count Peyote

Are you interested in learning bead weaving techniques? The next set of posts will be on the various techniques, including even count peyote, uneven count peyote, circular peyote, ladder, herringbone, square stitch and more. We'll start with Flat Even Count Peyote.

Even count peyote is so named because you will need to start with an even number of beads. Use this stitch for flat projects like straps, bracelets, even amulet bags. It's a simple stitch, one of the first that a beader learns to do.For this tutorial, you will need beading thread, a needle, and beads. For practice, you may want to start with bigger seed beads, like size 8 or 6. Make sure you choose beads with holes that are big enough for thread to pass through about 3 or more times. I have spaces between the beads in the diagram to make it easy to understand the process but there should be no spaces between your beads as you work. However, don't pull the thread too tight or your work will bunch up.

1. Cut a comfortable length of thread and pass through the needle eye. You will be working with a single thread so make one tail of the thread, your working tail, longer than the other.

2. String one bead on, about 6 inches away from the end of the thread, and either tie it or pass the thread through it a couple of times to secure it. This bead will act as a stopper to prevent your beads from sliding off the thread as you work.

3. String 5 more beads onto your thread.

4. String one more bead and, skipping the sixth bead, pass the needle through the fifth bead. Pull the thread so that the sixth and seventh beads are snug.

5. String another bead and, skipping the fourth bead, pass the needle through the third bead.

6. String one more bead and, skipping the second bead, pass the needle through the first bead.

7. String one more bead. At this point, you are going to start another row, the third row. Pass the needle through the next protruding bead, bead 1 in the diagram.
8. Continue in this fashion, stringing on one bead and passing the needle through the next protruding bead. After a few rows, your work should begin to look like the diagram below. Of course, this is a rough representation, there should be no space between the beads.

Now, if this is process is a bit confusing for you, you might enjoy the animated tutorial at Michael's or you can watch this video:

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had wonderful celebrations this past month. I certainly did, and if I never see another turkey it won't be too soon! :)

Did you make any resolutions in regards to making jewelry? Maybe it has to do with finally getting the right tools to make your work easier, setting aside some time for yourself to work on this craft you love, working on that bracelet pattern you've had your eye on or getting up enough nerve to display your work at a craft show. Whatever it is, I say 'good for you'! Some of these are my goals for the year, especially the craft show part. I love this craft but I'm running out of space for my jewelry so it's time to find good homes for them. Also, supplies don't fall off trees now, do they? :)

If you're itching for a new project, check out this pretty right angle bracelet. The instructions are straightforward and easy to do.

Also check out my jewelry site, [Removed] for more patterns, practical information on bead weaving techniques, beads, tools and other supplies. If you want to take a look at some of my work, check out my etsy shop at www.enchantedjewelry.etsy.com. Have fun!