Do Peyote Stitch
Peyote stitch is a pattern used to weave beads together using a needle and thread. This is still used in many traditional cultures in Africa to make symbolic headdresses and jewelry. However, even those who are from other cultures can benefit from knowing how to do peyote stitch. Depending on the stitch technique that is used, the resulting woven pieces could be flat strips, tubes, or flat round shapes, and can be used to create bags, jewelry, images, and other decorative elements. Read on to learn how to do peyote stitch. There are different types of peyote stitch and this tutorial features the even count peyote stitch.
Steps
- Lay the pattern you want to make before you. Learn and understand how to read it. It will always have an even number of horizontal rows.
- Read the first vertical row zig-zag. Refer to the picture for a visual reference. The first row is the one numbered in light blue.
- Pick up the first beads of the correct colours and thread them on your thread (the light blue ones numbered as 1 to 10 in the picture).
- Read the second vertical row as numbered in the picture (the black beads numbered as 11 to 15 in the picture).
- Pick up the first bead of the second row and add it to your string of beads hanging on the thread.
- Push your needle back through the third bead from the top.
- Pull it tight so that the last bead of the first row and the first bead of the second row are centered horizontally on top of the other bead.
- Add the second bead from the second row to your thread.
- Push the needle through bead number four from the top. Continue this pattern until you have finished the second row (next you will push your needle back through the sixth bead, then the eighth, and then the tenth).
- Start the third vertical row in exactly the same way, but now reading from the bottom of your pattern to the top (you will now read the purple beads numbered from 21 to 25 in the picture).
- Continue in this fashion until you have finished your entire pattern.
- Work the thread back through your beaded mat in a zig-zag way to finish off. Cut the thread off after you have reversed it.
- Finished.
Tips
- Use a thin needle with an eye just big enough for the thread to pass through.
- Use beads of the same size to get an even-looking mat.
- This project requires thin but strong thread. Embroidery thread is usually highly suitable for bead weaving.
- It's better to cut too much thread than too little. You don't want to run out of thread in the middle of your masterpiece.
- Research the symbolism of colours if you want to make a pattern that means something. There are also readily available patterns on the Internet that you can search for and download.
Warnings
- The thread might get knotted as you pull it through the beads. If this happens, do not yank on the thread. Rather undo the knot lightly with the tip of your needle.
Things You'll Need
- Seed beads
- Needle
- Thread
- Bead weaving pattern
- Scissors
