Learn Peyote Stitch The Simple Way and Project!

Learn Peyote Stitch The Simple Way!

M. Ostigny: Originally Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:28 PM

AND

Simple Peyote Bracelet Project

DRG/M.Ostigny: Originally Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:56 PM

Simply Beads Newsletter February 8, 2012 – Voll 6, No. 2   Peyote Stitch  The evidence of ancient man stitching beads together for decorations have been found in many places around the globe. The peyote stitch, in particular, has been found in ancient Egyptian artifacts as well as Native American. Peyote is a simple stitch that involves using beading needles and specialized threads to weave beads into a specific grid pattern. To learn peyote, I suggest you start with pony beads and a thin shoestring or cord. (If using cord, you may also want a needle with a large eye.) Also, you'll always want to stitch on a beading mat.   First, string one bead. Now, thread the string back through the bead in the same direction as before. Pull the bead so that you have a tail of a few inches remaining. This will be your stopper bead. You will use this to keep your beads on your stringing material while you start your project. You can remove it after you've done a few rows but most beaders forget about it until the project is finished or it gets in the way of finishing it.  NOTE: You will not use this bead in any of the stitch counts.   Next, string 10 beads of one color. Pull them to the end so that they are close to the stopper bead. Thread one bead of another color. (This will make the pattern easier to see.) Thread the end of the cord through the second bead from the end of the original ten beads. Pull the string so that the new bead is sitting on top of the first bead of the original ten row. String another bead, of the same color as the last, and thread your string through the fourth bead from the end of the original ten row. Straighten your string and beads so that the new beads are sitting on the original beads.  Right now, your project won't look perfect but it will straighten out as we continue to stitch. Continue this last step until you reach the end of the row, skipping the bead that the new bead will sit on and threading through the next bead. Once you complete each row, move up to the next and change directions. As you can see, I have stitched two rows of each color except the original blue row turned into two rows when I added the second green row. Practice with your pony beads for a few more rows until you feel like you've got the hang of it.   When you go to make an actual project, you will want to use specialized beading thread and usually beads that are very uniform in shape and size. While you can use regular Czech seed beads for stitching, Japanese seed beads are more uniform. For nearly perfect seed beads, you'll use delicas. These are a cylindrical-shaped seed bead that fit right next to each other for a tight weave. Here are examples of different beads in the peyote stitch. Whichever thread you choose, you'll want to cut a pretty long length.  For beginners, I usually have them start with about three feet of thread. If you think you are going to run out, it's better to stop and change threads than risk it. You'll need a good length of thread to run back through your stitching to secure it.   Adding/Changing Thread   Simply take the needle of the original thread, cut a new piece of thread, making sure you'll have enough to work for a long time or finish the project with and thread it on to the needle. You can leave the original thread hang while you finish your project. Weave the new thread through your last couple of rows and leave a tail to weave in later. Once you reach where you left off, make sure your thread is heading the same direction and continue with your pattern.   Ending your Project   There are a myriad of ways to add a clasp to your project. My favorite is to sew a shank button to the top of one end and add a loop to the opposite end. Here's how: When you've reached the end of your project, make sure it fits. The ends should be close to each other. Weave the thread back through the last few rows and stop in the center of the row that you want add your button to. Come up from the center bead, run your thread through the shank of the button and back through the center bead in the same direction that you originally went. Repeat this a few times. The more you go through it the stronger the hold, but too many will break the bead. Continue stitching back through a few rows and trim thread. You can place a knot in between beads but it can make the weave look odd and it's not necessary. Back on the starting end, string enough beads to fit around the button. You'll want your loop to be snug but not a struggle to get over the button. Run your needle through the first bead on the opposite side and down through a few rows. Knot, if desired, then trim. And you're done! Free Article from: Simply Beads Newsletter February 8, 2012 – Voll 6, No. 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Simple Peyote Bracelet Project    This simple bracelet is easy and quick to make but will make a bold statement.Design by Erica Visocky Materials 7.5 grams size 8 delicas Beading thread Button Tools Size 10 beading needle Beading mat Instructions  Project note: Refer to the Peyote Stitch article for techniques. 1. Thread and secure stopper bead.   2. String four delicas and begin peyote stitch. Continue stitch until both ends meet around wrist. 3. Stitch back a few rows and come out of bead in center of a row. Thread shank of button and go through bead. Go back through button shank and bead three more times. 4. Stitch back through piece. Knot in between two beads and trim. 5. On opposite end, create loop to fit over button and stitch through design. Knot and trim.  Copyright © 2012. DRG All rights reserved